Multi-Orientation Pump Layout to Minimize MRI Eddy Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps are negatively affected by high magnetic fields, leading to performance issues and potential safety risks in environments like magnetic resonance imaging suites due to the generation of Eddy currents, which are influenced by the orientation of conductive elements within the pumps.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional pump system comprising multiple fluid flow pumps arranged in various orientations relative to the magnetic field, ensuring that the planes of their conductive elements are never parallel to the magnetic field, thereby minimizing Eddy current generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pumps with conductive elements are used in high magnetic field environments, then the pumps can achieve desired flow rates and pressure curves, but Eddy currents are generated in the conductive elements when parallel to the magnetic field, causing performance degradation and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pump function into multiple independent pump units (first pump, second pump, third pump), each with conductive elements oriented in different planes. This segmentation ensures that not all conductive elements are simultaneously parallel to the magnetic field, reducing overall Eddy current generation while maintaining required flow performance
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements of different pumps are deliberately oriented at different angles and planes relative to each other (e.g., first plane, second plane, third plane). This asymmetric arrangement ensures that when the system is moved in high magnetic field environments, the conductive elements cannot all be parallel to the magnetic field simultaneously, minimizing Eddy current effects
2Reliability
If multiple pumps with different conductive element orientations are arranged in the system, then Eddy current generation is minimized in high magnetic fields, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pump units serve dual functions: they provide redundant fluid flow capability (if one pump fails, others compensate) and simultaneously provide different conductive element orientations to minimize Eddy currents. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering both reliability and magnetic field compatibility
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 system maintains optimal performance and safety by preventing Eddy currents, allowing the pumps to function efficiently and reliably in high magnetic field environments.
Implementation Method 1
certain conventional pumps contain materials and/or mechanisms that are negatively affected by high magnetic fields, which negatively impacts the performance of the pump systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods used in the control and delivery of a fluid flow, and more specifically, to pump systems for use in high magnetic fields. According to the present disclosure, it is appreciated that small conductive elements within pumps may generate Eddy currents when used in environments where a strong magnetic field is present. Thus, in one embodiment, an omnidirectional pump system is provided comprising two or more pumps having conductive elements in different orientations relative to the direction of the magnetic field. Also provided herein are medical apparatuses comprising the omnidirectional pump system and methods of using such systems.