Switching Matrix Unit for MRI Gradient Amplifier Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance devices require multiple gradient amplifiers, leading to high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies, as each amplifier must have equal power, despite not all being used simultaneously, and struggle with creating non-linear gradient fields without additional coils.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance device with a switching matrix unit that distributes electrical power and current flexibly between gradient amplifiers and coils, allowing for a reduced number of amplifiers to be used, and enabling the creation of both linear and non-linear gradient fields by combining coils, with the option to use amplifiers with different power characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gradient amplifiers are used to drive multiple gradient coils, then the system can generate gradient fields in multiple spatial directions, but the manufacturing cost increases due to requiring equal power amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
A single gradient amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially driving different gradient coils through a switching matrix. The amplifier can generate gradient fields along different spatial directions (x, y, z axes) at different time points, replacing the need for multiple dedicated amplifiers. This multi-functional approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the system's ability to generate gradient fields in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the connection between the gradient amplifier and gradient coils using a switching matrix. The switching matrix changes connection states to route the amplifier's output to different coils at different time points during the pulse sequence. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single amplifier to serve multiple coils that would traditionally require simultaneous dedicated amplifiers.
2Ease of manufacture
If a reduced number of gradient amplifiers is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the availability of sufficient amplifiers at all times during pulse sequences becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The switching matrix is pre-configured with predetermined connection states that correspond to different time points in the pulse sequence. This preliminary arrangement ensures that at each time point, the single gradient amplifier is connected to the appropriate gradient coil, guaranteeing sufficient amplifier availability without requiring multiple amplifiers. The timing and sequencing are planned in advance to avoid conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses itself (the single gradient amplifier) to serve multiple gradient coils through time-multiplexed operation. By carefully designing the pulse sequence and switching matrix configuration, the amplifier is reused across different time intervals to provide the necessary gradient fields, effectively making the system self-sufficient with minimal hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gradient coils are combined to create non-linear gradient fields, then additional gradient field capabilities are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching matrix provides a universal interface that can connect the gradient amplifier to any combination of gradient coils based on the desired field configuration. Whether generating linear or non-linear gradient fields, the same switching matrix and amplifier hardware are used, reducing the need for specialized components for each field type and managing system complexity.
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 reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the number of gradient amplifiers needed while maintaining image quality and enabling efficient operation with a sufficient number of amplifiers available at all times during pulse sequences, allowing for flexible gradient field generation.
Implementation Method 1
The current pulses may be transmitted in each case via the at least one terminal that the at least one gradient amplifier and the at least one gradient coil each have, from the at least one gradient amplifier to the at least one gradient coil, so that the at least one gradient coil may create at least one gradient field
Implementation Method 2
A basic magnetic field is overlaid in a magnetic resonance device with rapidly switched gradient fields, which are created by a gradient system of the magnetic resonance device
Implementation Method 3
One of the uses of the aforesaid gradient fields in such cases is for local encoding. This provides that the gradient fields have the task of making the contributions of individual voxels of a region of the examination object to be imaged distinguishable
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance device includes at least one gradient amplifier and at least one gradient coil. The magnetic resonance device also includes a switching matrix unit that is embodied flexibly to connect the at least one gradient amplifier to the at least one gradient coil. A preliminary pulse sequence for the magnetic resonance device provides that in the optimized pulse sequence, a sufficient number of gradient amplifiers is available at any point for operating the gradient coils used.