Multi-Channel Switching System for MRI Gradient Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel gradient coil systems for MRI require individual power supplies for each switch, limiting scalability and increasing complexity and cost due to the need for multiple gradient power amplifiers and cables.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel switching system with a reduced number of channels controlled by gradient power amplifiers, utilizing analog switches connected in series, parallel, or bridge configurations, allowing current direction switching and bypassing, and a common power delivery system with fewer power lines to minimize the number of amplifiers and cables needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual power supplies are provided for each switch in a multi-channel gradient coil system, then each switch can be reliably powered and controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly due to the need for multiple gradient power amplifiers and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch control functions into a single integrated power supply unit. Instead of providing individual power supplies for each switch, the invention uses one power supply that can sequentially power multiple switches through controlled switching, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable control of all gradient coil channels
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes. A single power supply unit can power different switches at different time intervals, and the system can dynamically reconfigure which switches are active based on imaging requirements, making the power delivery system adaptable to various gradient coil configurations without requiring dedicated power supplies for each channel
2Device complexity
If the number of gradient power amplifiers is reduced to decrease system complexity, then cost and cable requirements are reduced, but the capability to independently control each coil element is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability where the system can reconfigure which gradient coil elements are active during different phases of the MRI pulse sequence. The analog switches allow dynamic reassignment of coil elements to different power amplifier channels, enabling the system to adapt its configuration in real-time without requiring a dedicated amplifier for each coil element, thus maintaining control flexibility while reducing the total number of amplifiers needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching of analog switches to dynamically reconfigure gradient coil elements between different power amplifier channels during the MRI pulse sequence. This periodic reconfiguration allows the same physical coil elements to serve different functional roles at different times, effectively multiplying the control capability of a reduced number of power amplifiers
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analog switches are used to enable dynamic configuration of gradient coil elements, then flexibility in magnetic field profiles is improved, but the number of power lines and power supplies required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function for multiple analog switches into a single power supply system. Instead of providing separate power lines and power supplies for each switch, the invention uses one power supply that sequentially powers different switches through controlled switching operations, thereby reducing the number of power lines while maintaining the ability to dynamically configure gradient coil elements for various magnetic field profiles
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel switching system (100) for an MRI gradient coil system is characterized in that the number of channels controlled by the power amplifiers is smaller than the number of switches and the number of channels controlled by the power amplifiers is smaller than the number of coil elements in the coil system. Current in each of the coil elements can be switched to flow in either a positive or negative direction or to bypass the respective coil element and power to the switch elements is delivered via a smaller amount of power lines using a power distribution system providing floating power to each of the switches. This allows to electrically connect matrix coil elements dynamically within a pulse sequence to generate dynamically switched magnetic field profiles and therefore reduce the number of gradient power amplifiers, gradient cables and power supplies needed.