MRI Power Control with Charge/Discharge Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of power-supply facilities for MRI apparatuses restricts site design and increases facility expenses, necessitating a technology to downsize the power-supply facility without reducing maximum consumed power.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid-type MRI apparatus with a charge/discharge element, such as a capacitor or rechargeable battery, that is charged with external power and controls the power system to supply power to units other than the data acquisition system, allowing the apparatus to operate using accumulated power during power shortages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power-supply facility is enlarged to provide sufficient electric power for high-speed imaging, then the maximum consumed power is increased, but the facility size and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge/discharge element accumulates electric power in advance during periods when the MRI apparatus is not performing high-speed imaging. This preliminary accumulation of energy allows the system to draw from stored power during high-demand imaging operations, thereby reducing the requirement for a large external power-supply facility while maintaining the capability to deliver maximum consumed power when needed.
2Reliability
If the power-supply facility is enlarged to ensure continuous power supply, then the reliability is improved, but the facility complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge/discharge element acts as an intermediary energy storage component between the external power source and the MRI apparatus's power consumption. It buffers power fluctuations, stores excess energy during low-demand periods, and releases energy during high-demand periods, thereby ensuring continuous power supply without requiring a complex oversized power-supply facility.
3Area of stationary object
If the charge/discharge element is used to supply power to non-data acquisition units, then the power-supply facility is downsized, but the power availability to data acquisition system may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct pathways: one for the data acquisition system that maintains priority access to external power supply, and another for non-data acquisition units that can utilize power from the charge/discharge element. This segmentation allows the charge/discharge element to supply power to auxiliary units without compromising the power availability to the critical data acquisition system.
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
Enables downsizing of the power-supply facility without reducing maximum consumed power, allowing for more flexible site design and reduced operational costs while ensuring continuous high-power imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a charge/discharge element, such as a capacitor or rechargeable battery, that is charged with external power
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus (20A) includes a data acquisition system (22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48), a charge/discharge element (BAT) and a power control unit (52 and 309). The data acquisition system acquires nuclear magnetic resonance signals from an imaging region by performing a scan. The charge/discharge element is a part of an electric power system (304, 308a, 52, BD and BAU) of the MRI apparatus, and is charged with external electric power. The power control unit controls the electric power system in such a manner that at least one unit excluding the data acquisition system is supplied with electric power from the charge/discharge element.