MRI Superconducting Magnet Helium Container Partition Wall Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face inefficiencies in helium usage, leading to increased costs and operational challenges due to the need for large helium reserves and frequent replenishment, especially in maintaining superconductivity of the electromagnetic apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus incorporates a helium container with a partition wall that surrounds only the lower portion of the coil assembly, allowing for efficient helium distribution and storage, reducing the volume of liquid helium required by utilizing a storage chamber and separating the helium container to accommodate both liquid and vaporized helium, thereby optimizing helium usage and reducing the frequency of helium replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a large volume of liquid helium is used to cool the superconducting coil assembly, then the cooling effect is improved, but the cost and operational complexity increase due to frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The helium container is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls: a first space for liquid helium storage, a second space for vaporized helium accumulation, and a storage chamber. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of helium by separating liquid and vapor phases, reducing the total helium quantity needed while maintaining effective cooling of the superconducting coil assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls and storage chamber are nested within the helium container structure. The storage chamber is positioned within the container and connected to the first space, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall container volume required, thereby reducing the initial helium fill quantity.
2Quantity of substance
If the helium container volume is reduced to decrease helium usage, then the storage capacity is improved, but the cooling efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall surrounding the coil assembly creates a localized cooling zone where liquid helium is concentrated around the heat-generating superconducting coils. This local quality approach ensures efficient heat transfer from the coils to the liquid helium in the first space, maintaining cooling efficiency while reducing the overall helium volume required compared to uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical space arrangement with partition walls extending to different heights, creating multi-level spaces (first space, second space, storage chamber) within the container. This three-dimensional configuration allows efficient heat transfer pathways while minimizing the horizontal footprint and total helium volume required.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid helium is stored in a larger container to extend replenishment time, then the operational duration is improved, but the initial cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helium container is segmented into functional zones: a first space for active cooling, a second space for vapor accumulation, and a storage chamber for reserve liquid helium. The partition walls are strategically positioned to create these zones, extending the operational duration by efficiently managing helium phases without requiring an oversized single-chamber container.
Solution Approach 2:
The helium container structure performs multiple functions: cooling the superconducting coils, storing liquid helium reserves, and accommodating vaporized helium. The partition walls and storage chamber serve dual purposes of separation and storage, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall system while extending operational duration.
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 configuration reduces the overall helium usage, extends the time before reaching maximum pressure, decreases helium release, and lowers operational and manufacturing costs by minimizing the initial helium introduction and replenishment needs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling apparatus configured to cool the helium introduced into the helium container
Implementation Method 2
the partition wall is provided as to surround only a lower portion of an outer circumferential wall of the coil assembly at an inside the helium container. Helium in a liquid state may be accommodated at an inside space formed by the partition wall
Implementation Method 3
A storage chamber may be further provided at an inside the helium container, and the helium in a liquid state cooled by use of the cooling apparatus may be introduced to the storage chamber. The storage chamber is connected to the inside space formed by the partition all for the helium in the liquid phase in the storage chamber to flow into the first space
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes a coil assembly (21) including a superconductive magnet; and a helium container (40) configured to accommodate a helium in a liquid state and the coil assembly. The helium container includes a partition wall (41) configured to surround a portion of an outer circumference of the coil assembly, and the helium in the liquid state is accommodated in a first space formed between the partition wall and the coil assembly.