MRI Gradient Power Supply Dynamic Switching Circuit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face inefficiencies due to switching losses in gradient magnetic field power supplies, leading to increased power consumption and standby power, as switching elements switch on and off repeatedly, which is proportional to the number of elements performing operations.

Innovation Solution

The gradient magnetic field power supply dynamically adjusts the number of switching circuits operating based on the intensity of the voltage needed, switching between an ordinary mode and a low-power mode by setting certain full bridge circuits to a regenerative mode, reducing the number of active switching elements and thus minimizing switching losses and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple switching circuits are operated to output high voltage to the gradient coil, then the voltage output capability is improved, but the power consumption and switching losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage output capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the number of operating switching circuits variable rather than fixed. The processing circuitry dynamically adjusts the number of switching circuits based on the required voltage intensity, switching between ordinary mode (more circuits active) and low-power mode (fewer circuits active), thereby optimizing the balance between power output capability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the switching circuits by adjusting the number of active circuits according to voltage requirements. By varying this parameter, the system achieves different output power levels while minimizing energy waste, directly addressing the contradiction between high voltage output and low power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple switching elements perform switching operation to generate gradient magnetic field, then the gradient magnetic field generation capability is improved, but the switching losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegradient magnetic field generation capabilityVSAvoidswitching losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of switching elements performing operations based on the gradient magnetic field requirements. By making this adjustment variable, the patent reduces unnecessary switching operations and associated losses while maintaining the capability to generate strong gradient fields when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of continuous high-power operation (excessive switching losses) into a benefit by intelligently reducing the number of active switching circuits during low-demand periods. This transforms energy waste into energy savings while preserving full operational capability when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Speed

If all switching circuits are operated continuously, then the response speed and imaging capability are improved, but the standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidstandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching that adapts to real-time imaging needs. During high-speed imaging sequences, more switching circuits are activated for fast response. During idle or low-demand periods, fewer circuits remain active, significantly reducing standby power consumption while maintaining rapid response capability when triggered

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic assessment of imaging requirements to determine the appropriate number of active switching circuits. This periodic adjustment between ordinary and low-power modes ensures that the system maintains readiness for high-speed operation while minimizing energy consumption during intervals between imaging sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 reduces power consumption and switching losses by optimizing the operation mode of the full bridge circuits, allowing for efficient voltage output while minimizing standby power and operational inefficiencies.

Implementation Method 1

a gradient magnetic field power supply that supplies electric power to a gradient coil that generates a gradient magnetic field in an imaging space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10459047B2Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and gradient magnetic field power supply

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gradient magnetic field power supply configured to supply power to a gradient coil. The gradient magnetic field power supply includes a plurality of switching circuits and a processing circuitry. Each of the switching circuits is configured to output a predetermined pulse voltage. The processing circuitry is configured to change the number of switching circuits to be caused to perform switching operation among the switching circuits, in accordance with an intensity of the voltage to be output to the gradient coil.