MRI Control Sequence Timing to Balance Gradient Coil Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face challenges in reducing acquisition times due to conservative design of MR control sequences, which do not fully utilize hardware components, leading to prolonged examination durations and thermal stress on components like gradient coils.
Innovation Solution
An optimized method for the temporal sequence of MR control sequences that considers the properties and requirements of gradient coils, allowing for balanced loading and reduced pauses, thereby extending the service life of components and reducing examination time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MR control sequences are designed conservatively with pauses between pulses to limit thermal stress, then component reliability is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, conservative pause intervals to dynamic, adaptive pause optimization. The system continuously monitors thermal load and component status, adjusting pause duration and sequence module timing in real-time based on actual thermal conditions and predicted heating patterns, allowing shorter pauses when thermal load is low and longer pauses only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by optimizing multiple temporal parameters including pause duration, sequence module timing, and gradient pulse characteristics. The system adjusts these parameters dynamically based on thermal models and component specifications, transforming fixed conservative timing into optimized variable timing that adapts to actual thermal conditions
2Reliability
If gradient pulses are selected conservatively below reference amplitude, then component stress is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling gradient pulse amplitudes to vary dynamically based on real-time thermal conditions. The system can temporarily exceed reference amplitudes when thermal load is low and reduce amplitudes when thermal accumulation occurs, creating an adaptive gradient pulse strategy that optimizes both productivity and component stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by minimizing unnecessary pauses and keeping gradient coils continuously utilized within safe thermal limits. The optimized sequencing eliminates idle time while maintaining component stress within acceptable ranges, ensuring productive use of hardware throughout the examination
3Temperature
If pauses are inserted between sequence modules to manage thermal load, then temperature increase is limited, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using thermal models to predict future thermal load and proactively optimizing sequence module timing before execution. The system pre-calculates optimal pause durations and sequence arrangements based on predicted heating patterns, allowing more aggressive sequencing that stays within thermal limits without requiring excessive conservative pauses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical thermal management (physical pauses and cooling periods) with computational thermal modeling and prediction. Instead of relying on fixed mechanical pause intervals, the system uses software-based thermal models to virtually simulate and optimize sequencing, replacing physical thermal management constraints with intelligent algorithmic control
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 method enables a significant reduction in MRI examination duration by optimizing the temporal sequence of MR control sequences, balancing the load on gradient coils, and ensuring components operate within their specifications, thus enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Gradient pulses are also generated using a gradient coil unit
Implementation Method 2
High-frequency radio-frequency pulses, such as excitation pulses, are then emitted via a radio-frequency antenna unit
Implementation Method 3
During the relaxation of the nuclear spins, radio-frequency signals, so-called magnetic resonance signals, are emitted
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for optimizing the temporal sequence of an MR control sequence, according to which a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device can be controlled, wherein the MR control sequence comprises at least two sequence modules. The method comprises the following steps: - Determining a property of a component included in the MRI device, - Determining a first requirement for the component for a first sequence module of the at least two sequence modules, - Determining a second requirement for the component for a second sequence module of the at least two sequence modules, - Optimizing the temporal sequence of the at least two sequence modules taking into account the property, the first requirement, and the second requirement.