MRI Magnet Height Reduction via Gradient Plate Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices, particularly whole-body systems, face challenges in transportation due to their significant height, which exceeds two meters, necessitating structural modifications and increased costs for superconducting wire and weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
The gradient connection plate is relocated from the top side to a lateral or end face position, and the buttress rings are flattened in the top and floor regions, with fastening regions offset to reduce the overall height, combined with removable cladding parts and repositioned suspension apparatuses to minimize the main magnet unit's height for improved transportability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the main magnet unit is designed with sufficient radius to reduce superconducting wire costs and weight, then manufacturing cost and weight are improved, but the height increases making transportation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient connection plate is relocated from the vertical top side to the lateral end face of the main magnet unit. This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension allows the connection plate to be positioned horizontally at the end face, eliminating the need for vertical extension and thereby reducing the overall height of the main magnet unit while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress rings are designed with variable height along the vertical axis, being lower in the central top and bottom regions and higher in the lateral regions. This dynamic height variation allows the central region height to be reduced for transportation purposes while the lateral regions maintain sufficient height for structural support and reinforcement functions
2Strength
If the gradient connection plate is positioned on the top side of the main magnet unit, then structural support for Lorentz forces is improved, but the height increases making transportation through doors and lifts difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient connection plate is relocated from the vertical top side to the lateral end face of the main magnet unit. This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension allows the connection plate to be positioned horizontally at the end face, eliminating the need for vertical extension and thereby reducing the overall height of the main magnet unit while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The main magnet unit is segmented into functional regions with the gradient connection plate separated from the top side and positioned at the end face. This segmentation allows independent optimization of the top side region for minimal height while the end face provides the necessary connection functionality
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 allows for a significant reduction in the main magnet unit's height to below two meters, facilitating transportation through standard doors and lifts while maintaining cost-effectiveness by minimizing the radius of the cylindrical main magnet arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
main magnet coils, which are supported in liquid helium
Implementation Method 2
main magnet arrangement (1) with a cylindrical patient aperture (3)
Implementation Method 3
gradient coil arrangement (5) surrounding the patient aperture (3)
Implementation Method 4
support of the main magnet coils is typically realized by way of elastic suspension elements, in order to achieve an oscillation decoupling of the main magnet coils from the vacuum vessel
Implementation Method 5
The at least one buttress ring (7) arranged centrally in particular in the longitudinal direction of the main magnet unit (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance device having a main magnet unit with a cylindrical patient aperture. A gradient connection plate for a gradient coil arrangement surrounds the patient aperture. A cladding arrangement with at least one cladding part outwardly delimits the main magnet unit.