MRI Gradient Coil X Coil Positioning for Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, the X coil generates excessive heat during high-speed image acquisition processes, leading to reduced patient comfort and potential compliance issues due to inadequate cooling, especially when conventional cooling methods are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The X coil is positioned further from the magnetic field center and closer to the cooling pipe than the Y coil, optimizing the lamination order of gradient coils to enhance cooling efficiency and reduce heat generation, allowing for the use of less expensive resin-based cooling pipes while maintaining effective gradient field generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the X coil is positioned in the innermost position closest to the subject space, then the gradient field generation is optimized, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates and patient comfort is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional lamination order by positioning the X coil in the outermost position rather than the innermost position. This reversal allows the cooling pipe to be placed closer to the X coil, dramatically improving cooling efficiency while maintaining gradient field generation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling pipe as an intermediary element positioned between the X coil and the subject space. This cooling pipe acts as a heat transfer mediator, efficiently removing heat from the X coil without interfering with the gradient field generation or subject comfort.
2Productivity
If high power duty current is applied to the X coil for high-speed image taking, then image acquisition speed is improved, but heat generation increases and may require stopping the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cooling action by positioning the cooling pipe to be in direct proximity to the X coil before high-power operation begins. This pre-positioned cooling system ensures that heat is removed efficiently during high-speed imaging, preventing temperature-related interruptions and maintaining compliance with IEC standards throughout the imaging process.
3Device complexity
If conventional cooling methods are used with the X coil in the innermost position, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency is insufficient and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by concentrating the cooling function specifically at the X coil location through the repositioned cooling pipe. This localized cooling approach efficiently addresses the heat generation issue at the critical X coil position without requiring complex system-wide cooling modifications, thereby maintaining patient comfort with a relatively simple cooling system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves cooling efficiency, enhances patient comfort, and allows for larger imaging regions during high-speed processes, meeting International Electrotechnical Commission standards by maintaining a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or lower.
Implementation Method 1
the gradient coil is provided with a cooling pipe for causing a cooling medium such as water to circulate
Implementation Method 2
an X coil that generates a gradient magnetic field along the horizontal axis of a substantially circular cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a static magnetic field magnet and a gradient coil. The static magnetic field magnet generates a static magnetic field. The gradient coil is provided on an inside of the static magnetic field magnet and includes an X coil, a Y coil and a Z coil. The X coil generates a gradient magnetic field along a horizontal axis of a substantially circular cylinder, the horizontal axis being perpendicular to a long axis. The Y coil generates a gradient magnetic field along a vertical axis of the substantially circular cylinder. The Z coil generates a gradient magnetic field along the long axis of the substantially circular cylinder. In the gradient coil, coils are laminated in such a manner that the X coil is positioned more distant from a magnetic field center than the Y coil is.