MRI Superconducting Magnet Radiation Shield Annular Rib

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices experience image quality deterioration due to vibrations caused by eddy currents generated in the radiation shield of superconducting magnets, which are exacerbated by the use of high-strength static and gradient magnetic fields, leading to non-uniform magnetic fields and patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an annular rib on the inner cylinder of the radiation shield within the superconducting magnet's vacuum vessel to reduce eddy currents by enhancing the structural rigidity and maintaining thermal uniformity, thereby minimizing vibration-induced image quality degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-strength static and gradient magnetic fields are used to improve image quality and reduce imaging time, then magnetic field intensity and imaging speed are improved, but eddy currents are generated in the radiation shield causing vibrations and non-uniform magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging speedVSAvoidvibration and eddy currents
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is divided into multiple segments along the axial direction with gaps between them. This segmentation interrupts the continuous conductive path in the radiation shield, preventing eddy currents from forming closed loops. The segmented structure allows the system to maintain high magnetic field strength for fast imaging while eliminating the harmful eddy currents that cause vibrations and magnetic field non-uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Non-conductive support pillars are introduced as intermediary elements between the gradient magnetic field coil and the radiation shield. These pillars provide mechanical support while electrically isolating the radiation shield from the gradient coil, preventing the induction of eddy currents in the radiation shield during rapid gradient field switching. This allows high-speed imaging without generating harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the radiation shield is made of continuous conductive material to maintain thermal uniformity, then thermal conductivity is improved, but eddy currents are generated causing vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal uniformityVSAvoideddy currents and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is segmented into multiple pieces with gaps between them, which interrupts the continuous conductive path required for eddy current formation. The segmented structure maintains sufficient thermal conductivity through the individual segments while preventing the circular current paths that generate harmful vibrations during magnetic field operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple thin radiation shield segments rather than a single thick continuous shield. These segmented structures provide adequate radiation protection and thermal management while inherently preventing eddy currents, offering a cost-effective solution that eliminates vibration problems without requiring expensive active compensation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The solution effectively prevents the generation of eddy currents and maintains image quality by stabilizing the radiation shield's structure and temperature, reducing the impact of vibrations on the MRI device's performance.

Implementation Method 1

The gradient magnetic field coil generates a magnetic field whose intensity is spatially gradient (hereinafter, referred to as a gradient magnetic field) in a pulse manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a magnet device that generates a static magnetic field of high intensity tends to be used. Hereinafter, a case will be described where a superconducting magnet is used as a magnet device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 3

The radio-frequency coil irradiates the subject with a high frequency electromagnetic wave pulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 4

The Lorentz force is generated between a static magnetic field and a current flowing through a conductor constituting the gradient magnetic field coil when a large pulse current is supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 5

a magnetic field due to eddy currents generated in a metal structure forming the superconducting magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentUS11002811B2Magnetic resonance imaging device and superconducting magnet
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 HITACHI LTD
  • US11002811B2 patent drawing
  • US11002811B2 patent drawing
  • US11002811B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a magnetic resonance imaging device and a superconducting magnet capable of preventing generation of eddy currents accompanying vibration of a radiation shield and of reducing image quality deterioration. The superconducting magnet for a magnetic resonance imaging device includes a substantially cylindrical vacuum vessel, a substantially cylindrical radiation shield that is provided inside the vacuum vessel, and a superconducting coil that is provided inside the radiation shield. The radiation shield has an inner cylinder located radially inward of the superconducting coil. The inner cylinder of the radiation shield is provided with an annular rib formed in a circumferential direction about the central axis of the inner cylinder.