MRI Gradient Driver Air-Core Switching Amplifier Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in accurately controlling the primary magnetic field due to electromagnetic interference, which can be exacerbated by the presence of switching power amplifiers that often need to be implemented outside the scan room, increasing the physical footprint and cost of the system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of switching power amplifiers within the scan room using non-magnetic components, such as air-core transformers and inductors, along with dual shielding of cables to reduce electromagnetic interference, allows for precise control of the magnetic field and radio frequency signals while minimizing the system's physical footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If switching power amplifiers are implemented outside the scan room, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the physical footprint and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful magnetic core components from the power amplifier system and replaces them with air-core alternatives, effectively removing the source of electromagnetic interference while keeping the power amplifier within the scan room. This allows the amplifier to remain in a compact location without introducing the harmful effects that would normally require separate housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the transformer and inductor cores from magnetic materials to air cores. This parameter change eliminates the generation of spurious magnetic fields while maintaining the electrical functionality of the power amplifier, resolving the contradiction between proximity to the scanner and electromagnetic interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If switching power amplifiers are implemented outside the scan room, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the magnetic core components that cause interference, the patent eliminates the need for costly separate housing and complex shielding infrastructure. The air-core design simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility within the scan room.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power amplifier with the scanner system by using air-core components that allow co-location without interference. This consolidation reduces the need for separate facilities and infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dual shielding of cables is implemented, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of unshielded cables into a benefit by using air-core power amplifiers that inherently generate minimal electromagnetic interference. This eliminates the need for complex dual shielding while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility, as the source of interference has been removed rather than merely blocked.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of object characteristics determination in MRI systems by reducing electromagnetic interference and allowing for a more compact implementation of MRI systems, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing implementation costs.
Implementation Method 1
The transformers may have non-magnetic cores to facilitate implementing the gradient drivers within the scan room
Implementation Method 2
The inductors within the filters may have non-magnetic cores to facilitate implementing the gradient driver within the scan room
Implementation Method 3
an inductor with a hollow wire may be used to circulate fluid in order to facilitate cooling the magnetic resonance image system
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure regards a magnetic resonance imaging system including a scanner, and gradient drivers. The scanner is to be implemented within a scan room that is shielded from electromagnetic interference. Gradient coils are designed to create a linear gradient in the magnetic field generated in the scanner by a primary magnet. These coils are energized by gradient drivers. The gradient drivers use transformers and other electrical devices in a switching stage configured to generate pulse-width-modulated power. The transformers may have non-magnetic cores to facilitate implementing the gradient drivers within the scan room. The gradient drivers also use a filtering stage which uses inductors and other electrical devices to smooth the pulse-width-modulated power. The inductors within the filters may have non-magnetic cores to facilitate implementing the gradient driver within the scan room. Additionally, an inductor with a hollow wire may be used to circulate fluid to facilitate cooling the gradient driver.