Permanent Magnet Ring Layout for Portable Low-Field MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-field MRI systems are costly, large, and limited in availability due to their size and power requirements, making them impractical for widespread clinical use beyond hospitals and research facilities, and the development of low-field MRI systems is hindered by low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the need for large, heavy magnets.
Innovation Solution
A portable, low-field MRI system using a B0 magnet with varying permanent magnet ring heights and a yoke to enhance magnetic field homogeneity and flux density, eliminating the need for superconducting materials and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-field MRI systems are used to improve image resolution and scan time, then image quality and productivity are improved, but cost and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field strength parameter from conventional high-field (1.5T-3T) to low-field (0.063T-0.25T) operation, enabling the use of smaller permanent magnets instead of large superconducting magnets while maintaining clinically useful imaging capabilities through specialized pulse sequences and signal processing
2Power
If conventional superconducting magnets are used to generate strong B0 field, then field strength is improved, but system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex superconducting magnet system with a simpler permanent magnet configuration. The permanent magnets generate the B0 field without requiring superconducting materials, cryogenic cooling systems, or complex power electronics, thereby reducing system complexity while providing sufficient field strength for low-field MRI
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets provide self-sustaining magnetic field generation without external power input. The magnets inherently maintain their magnetic field without requiring continuous electrical power or active cooling, eliminating the need for complex power management and thermal control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If low-field MRI systems are developed to reduce size and cost, then accessibility is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specialized pulse sequences and acquisition parameters optimized for low-field operation. By adjusting temporal and spectral parameters, the system compensates for reduced signal strength inherent in low-field operation, maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio for clinical imaging applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses arrays of permanent magnets with specific geometric configurations and materials properties to enhance the B0 field homogeneity and strength in the imaging region. The composite magnetic structure optimizes field distribution to improve signal quality while maintaining compact form factor
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
Enables clinically useful images with improved SNR and reduced size and cost, allowing deployment in diverse environments and scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The B0 magnet may include one or more arrays of permanent magnets arranged to produce a B0 magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The yoke may include a first plate comprising ferromagnetic material and coupled to the at least one first B0 magnet; a second plate comprising ferromagnetic material and coupled to the at least one second B0 magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a B0 magnetic field for a magnetic resonance imaging system. The apparatus includes at least one first B0 magnet configured to produce a first magnetic field to contribute to the B0 magnetic field for the magnetic resonance imaging system, the at least one first B0 magnet comprising a first plurality of permanent magnet rings including at least two rings with respective different heights.