Partially Folded Gradient Coil Unit for MRI Length Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems with folded gradient coils face challenges such as increased manufacturing complexity, reduced internal space, and overheating issues, which can cause discomfort and anxiety for patients due to the narrow tube design.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a gradient coil unit with a peripheral surface enclosing a magnetic gradient axis and a middle plane, featuring a set of folded coils with curved conductors and connecting conductors, which reduces length and manufacturing complexity while allowing space for cooling channels, and uses a combination of hollow and solid wires for improved heat dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If coils are folded at both ends of the MRI system to shorten length, then the MRI system length is reduced, but the internal space of the gradient coil is greatly compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient coil structure is divided into multiple sections with different folding configurations. Specifically, one end of the gradient coil is folded while the other end remains unfolded or less folded, creating segmented regions that serve different functions. This segmentation allows the coil to achieve length reduction while preserving necessary internal space in the service end for cooling channels and thermal sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetric folding by configuring different ends of the gradient coil differently - one end is folded to reduce length while the other end maintains more space. This asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by concentrating the space-saving folding in non-critical areas while preserving internal volume in service areas that require cooling infrastructure.
2Length of moving object
If coils are folded to compress internal space, then the MRI system length is shortened, but the design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the folding operation to only one end or specific sections of the gradient coil rather than folding both ends, the design complexity is reduced. This selective segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while still achieving the primary goal of length reduction, avoiding the complexities associated with symmetric dual-end folding.
3Length of moving object
If coils are folded to reduce length, then the MRI system becomes more compact, but heat generation increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric folding configuration segments the gradient coil such that the folded section (which generates more heat due to tighter winding) is separated from the service end. This spatial segmentation allows heat-generating regions to be isolated while maintaining adequate cooling infrastructure in the unfolded service end, preventing overheating despite increased local heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the gradient coil are given different structural qualities - the folded end has compact winding for space efficiency while the service end maintains open structure for cooling. This local differentiation of structural quality allows the system to accommodate both length reduction and heat dissipation requirements in different regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A gradient coil unit having a peripheral surface enclosing a magnetic gradient axis, and a middle plane substantially perpendicular to the magnetic gradient axis at a middle portion of the gradient coil unit, comprising at least one folded coil which comprises a first set of curved conductors disposed on a first curved surface; a second set of curved conductors disposed on a second curved surface outside the first curved surface and substantially overlapping the first set of curved conductors; and a set of connecting conductors connecting selected curved conductors in the first set with selected curved conductors in the second set; wherein the set of connecting conductors is located at a first side of the middle plane.