MRI Conducting Loop with Current Shunts for Field Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI scanners require multiple high-current voltage sources and suffer from energy wastage and field distortion when attempting to simultaneously generate a strong, homogeneous B0 field and gradient fields, limiting their application in disease screening due to high costs and small patient spaces.
Innovation Solution
A conducting loop with a thick cross-section and a single voltage source is used, where antiparallel segments are brought close to cancel out magnetic fields within the imaging volume, and current shunts redistribute current to establish both B0 and gradient fields, reducing the need for multiple high-current sources and minimizing energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple high-current voltage sources are used to simultaneously generate B0 field and gradient fields, then the magnetic field patterns can be established, but the cost increases and energy wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic field generation functions (B0 field and gradient fields) into a single conducting loop structure. The loop is configured with antiparallel segments that can be independently controlled to produce different field patterns, eliminating the need for separate voltage sources for each field type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conducting loop structure serves multiple functions: it generates the strong B0 field through its overall circular configuration while simultaneously producing gradient fields through controlled current distribution in specific segments. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple high-current voltage sources are used to simultaneously generate B0 field and gradient fields, then the magnetic field patterns can be established, but the number of components and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple magnetic field generation functions (B0 field and gradient fields) into a single conducting loop structure. The loop is configured with antiparallel segments that can be independently controlled to produce different field patterns, eliminating the need for separate voltage sources for each field type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conducting loop structure serves multiple functions: it generates the strong B0 field through its overall circular configuration while simultaneously producing gradient fields through controlled current distribution in specific segments. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity and energy consumption.
3Loss of energy
If antiparallel segments are brought close to cancel magnetic fields, then energy wastage is reduced, but the loop structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting loop is divided into distinct segments, with antiparallel segments positioned close to each other. This segmentation allows independent current control in different portions of the loop, enabling the antiparallel segments to cancel each other's magnetic field contributions and reduce energy wastage while maintaining overall field generation capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single voltage source is used to generate both B0 and gradient fields, then costs are reduced, but the precision of field control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting loop is divided into distinct segments, with antiparallel segments positioned close to each other. This segmentation allows independent current control in different portions of the loop, enabling the antiparallel segments to cancel each other's magnetic field contributions and reduce energy wastage while maintaining overall field generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the conducting loop are assigned different functions: the overall loop structure generates the B0 field while specific segmented portions generate gradient fields. This local differentiation of function allows precise control of each field type from a single voltage source, maintaining field control precision while reducing system cost.
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 solution allows for the simultaneous generation of B0 and gradient fields with a single voltage source, reducing costs and energy wastage, and increases the spaciousness and affordability of MRI scanners, making them more suitable for disease screening.
Implementation Method 1
A conducting loop with thick cross section and having a plurality of segments... capable of establishing a Bo magnetic field... antiparallel segments are brought in close proximity to each other... current shunts redistribute current to establish both B0 and gradient fields
Data Source
AI summary
A conducting loop has thick cross section and is powered by a single voltage source capable of producing extremely high currents. Antiparallel segments of the loop are brought in close proximity to each other and the unpaired segments in this loop are shaped to collectively form a homogenous B 0 field. Voltage sources shunt current from one point of the thick loop to another such that the resulting redistribution of current within the thick loop allows it to simultaneously establish required gradient fields and/or shimming fields in addition to its B 0 field.