MRI Gradient Driver Switching Amplifier With Non-Magnetic Cores
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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 affecting the primary magnetic field is reduced, but the physical footprint and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful electromagnetic interference effects from the switching power amplifier by removing magnetic core components that generate significant magnetic fields. By taking out only the problematic magnetic elements while retaining the essential power conversion function, the amplifier can be placed inside the scan room without significantly interfering with the primary magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making specific components (transformers and inductors) non-magnetic in the switching power amplifier, while other components can remain conventional. This localized modification of component properties allows the amplifier to coexist with the MRI's magnetic field environment without causing harmful interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If switching power amplifiers are implemented outside the scan room, then electromagnetic interference affecting the primary magnetic field is reduced, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful electromagnetic interference effects from the switching power amplifier by removing magnetic core components that generate significant magnetic fields. By taking out only the problematic magnetic elements while retaining the essential power conversion function, the amplifier can be placed inside the scan room without significantly interfering with the primary magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making specific components (transformers and inductors) non-magnetic in the switching power amplifier, while other components can remain conventional. This localized modification of component properties allows the amplifier to coexist with the MRI's magnetic field environment without causing harmful interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-magnetic components are used in switching power amplifiers, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic parameter of specific components (transformers and inductors) from magnetic to non-magnetic. This parameter change in material properties reduces electromagnetic interference while maintaining the functional performance of the switching power amplifier, resolving the contradiction between interference reduction and device complexity.
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
The scanner is to be implemented within a scan room that is shielded from electromagnetic interference
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.