Portable MRI System with Packed Array Gradient Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance devices are non-portable, inefficient in handling multiple samples simultaneously, and generate fringing magnetic fields, limiting their use in industrial and agricultural settings for high-resolution imaging and quality control.
Innovation Solution
A portable industrial quality and process control system featuring a packed array of multi-streamed magnetic resonance devices with substantially no fringing magnetic fields, allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple objects and samples using a conveyor belt system and gradient coils to maintain uniform magnetic fields, enabling high-resolution imaging and efficient sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large coil is used to produce high magnetic gradient over the whole sample cavity, then the resolution of the image is improved, but the power consumption increases and the slew rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple small gradient coils positioned at different locations within the sample cavity rather than one large coil. Each coil produces a magnetic gradient over a localized region, and by coordinating these local gradients, the system achieves high-resolution imaging across the entire cavity while consuming less power and maintaining higher slew rates.
2Productivity
If a conveying mechanism is introduced to handle multiple samples, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases and the uniform magnetic field region is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample handling system into multiple independent sample holders that can be positioned simultaneously within the uniform magnetic field region. Instead of a single complex conveying mechanism, multiple simple holders are used, each capable of being independently positioned. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be analyzed in parallel, improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple measurement pipes are provided to measure different fluids simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single measurement pipe that can accommodate multiple different fluid samples through the use of removable sample holders. Instead of providing separate dedicated pipes for each fluid type, one universal pipe design is used with interchangeable holders that can contain different samples. This approach enables simultaneous measurement of multiple fluids while avoiding the complexity of a manifold system with multiple dedicated pipes.
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 cost-effective, high-resolution imaging and quality control of multiple samples simultaneously, reducing exposure to high magnetic fields and improving efficiency in industrial and agricultural applications, while being portable and capable of in situ analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The sample is subjected to a polarizing magnetic field which has the effect of aligning the spins of all the atomic nuclei of the sample
Implementation Method 2
By creating a magnetic field gradient within the sample cavity the source of these signals can be located such that an overall image of the sample can be constructed
Implementation Method 3
In order to superimpose a magnetic field gradient onto the uniform magnetic field in the sample cavity, additional gradient coils are used
Implementation Method 4
A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system produces an image of a sample which is based upon its molecular structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention discloses a portable industrial quality and process control (QPC) system for imaging over a large field of view and subsequently imaging over a portion thereof at higher resolution, comprising inter alia at least one packed array of multi-streamed magnetic resonance devices (1A-1D) of substantially no fringing magnetic fields, adapted to analyze adjacent lines of objects (3) optionally in situ simultaneously ;and optionally comprising an improved feeding system comprising at least two adjacent feeding streams carrying a plurality of objects to be detected or analyzed simultaneously or in any predetermined sequence. The present invention also discloses a method for performing magnetic resonance imaging, performing measurements on a plurality of streams of samples and optionally feeding at least two adjacent feeding streams carrying a plurality of objects (3) to be detected or analyzed simultaneously or in any predetermined sequence.