Rotary Load-Bearing Structure for Split MRI Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional split-pair superconducting magnets for combined MRI and radiation therapy systems face challenges in providing full azimuthal access due to mechanical supports, which restrict access for radiation therapy beams and surgical intervention, and existing solutions either limit access or increase system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rotary load-bearing structure mounted on thrust bearings is used between the two cryostats, allowing free rotation and enabling radiation beams and surgical equipment to be positioned at any angle around the magnet axis without interfering with the magnetic field, while maintaining alignment and bearing the axial magnetic load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical supports are placed intermittently around the cryostats to bear axial magnetic forces, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the azimuthal access for radiation therapy beams and surgical equipment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mechanical supports with a dynamic rotary load-bearing structure that can rotate around the magnet axis. This structure includes a rotary table with multiple positions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between bearing magnetic loads and providing azimuthal access for radiation therapy and surgical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing function is segmented from the access function. The rotary load-bearing structure divides the system into functional segments: the rotary table bears magnetic forces at certain positions while allowing unobstructed access at other positions, resolving the conflict between structural strength and azimuthal access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gantry is provided to mount radiation therapy equipment and allow full azimuthal access, then the adaptability and access are improved, but the device complexity and structural size are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary load-bearing structure serves multiple functions: it bears axial magnetic forces, provides rotational positioning, and enables full azimuthal access. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate gantry structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the load-bearing function and the access-providing function into a single rotary structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical supports and gantry assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity and structural size while achieving full azimuthal access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical supports are placed outside the cryostat volume to provide full access, then the azimuthal access is improved, but the magnet structure size and complexity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary load-bearing structure is nested within the existing magnet assembly volume. It rotates inside the space between the two cryostats, utilizing the available internal volume rather than requiring external expansion. This nesting approach provides full azimuthal access without increasing the overall magnet structure volume.
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 configuration provides unimpeded access for radiation therapy and surgical intervention by rotating the load-bearing structure and associated equipment around the magnet axis, ensuring no diffraction, absorption, or attenuation of radiation beams and maintaining magnetic field homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
The two magnetic field generators such as cryostats 10, will experience strong forces of mutual attraction
Implementation Method 2
a rotary load-bearing structure mounted on thrust bearings which take an axial load between the two magnetic field generators
Data Source
AI summary
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, including: two separate static magnetic field generators, which are each cylindrical, are axially aligned, and are separated by a rotary load-bearing structure arranged to freely rotate about an axis of a static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field generators, wherein the rotary load-bearing structure is mounted on thrust bearings which take an axial load between the static magnetic field generators.