MRI Gradient Driver with Integrated Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical gradient driver configurations in MRI systems suffer from thermal instability and electrical losses, which decrease efficiency and complicate system design.
Innovation Solution
The use of an aircore inductor with a rectangular prism shape and integral cooling features, including a bobbin with internal cooling passages, to manage thermal loads and reduce stray magnetic flux, is proposed. This design enhances thermal management and minimizes electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical gradient driver configurations are used, then the system can operate, but thermal instability and electrical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gradient driver electronics and cooling system into a single integrated unit. The cooling channels are formed within the gradient driver housing itself, merging the thermal management function with the electronic driver structure. This integration improves thermal stability by directly cooling the gradient driver components while reducing energy losses through optimized thermal coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary medium to transfer heat away from the gradient driver components. The cooling channels carry fluid that absorbs thermal energy from the gradient driver electronics, acting as a thermal mediator between the heat-generating components and the external cooling system, thereby stabilizing temperatures and reducing thermal-related energy losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gradient drivers are placed in the scan room, then flexibility is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed-loop cooling channel design within the gradient driver housing that acts as a thermal and electromagnetic barrier. The housing structure with integrated cooling channels provides shielding that contains electromagnetic fields generated by the gradient driver, allowing flexible placement in the scan room while minimizing electromagnetic interference with other MRI components.
3Temperature
If cooling is added to gradient drivers, then thermal management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling channels directly into the gradient driver housing structure, combining two separate systems (gradient driver and cooling system) into a single unified component. This integration improves thermal management while minimizing the increase in device complexity by eliminating the need for separate cooling system components and reducing the number of assembly steps.
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
The solution improves the thermal performance and reduces electromagnetic interference, allowing for more flexible placement of the gradient driver within the scan room and enhancing the overall efficiency of the MRI system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one integral cooling passage wrapping around the two width-wise sides and the two length-wise sides, the integral cooling passage including: a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, The integral cooling passage receives at least one fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an inductor including at least one inductor coil, the at least one inductor coil including a plurality of outer longitudinal portions aligned around an outer periphery of the inductor, and a plurality of inner longitudinal portions aligned around an interior of the inductor. The plurality of outer longitudinal portions and the plurality of inner longitudinal portions collectively form two width-wise sides of the inductor and two length-wise sides of the inductor. The two width-wise sides and the two lengthwise sides define a substantially rectangular prism shape. The two width-wise sides and the two lengthwise sides define a hollow inductor core.