Single-sided 3D MRI Magnet Assembly for Portable Brain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems are large, expensive, and require specialized infrastructure, making them unsuitable for point-of-care, rural, or developing world settings, and they cannot be used in time-sensitive situations or intensive-care settings where patients cannot be transported.
Innovation Solution
A portable, single-sided MRI system with a cap-shaped permanent magnet assembly using rare-earth magnet blocks, gradient coils, and an RF coil, designed to be lightweight, low-cost, and capable of high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing for bedside or rural use without the need for transporting patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems are used, then high-quality imaging is achieved, but the system size and infrastructure requirements prohibit portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MRI system into a compact, portable configuration by using a permanent magnet assembly instead of a large superconducting magnet, separating the magnet, gradient coils, and RF coil into distinct modular components that can be positioned close to the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional whole-body imaging to a focused, localized imaging approach by positioning the magnet assembly directly on or near the patient's head, changing the spatial dimension of the imaging field from large-scale to targeted regional imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MRI systems are used, then comprehensive imaging capabilities are provided, but the cost and infrastructure requirements prevent use in rural or developing world settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive permanent magnet blocks (such as NdFeB magnets) arranged in a specific pattern to create the magnetic field, replacing the need for expensive superconducting magnets and cryogenic systems, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing and deployment costs
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet assembly generates its own magnetic field without requiring external power for magnet maintenance or cryogenic cooling, making the system self-sufficient and suitable for locations with limited infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems are used, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but the inability to transport patients limits use in time-sensitive or intensive-care situations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bringing the patient into the MRI scanner as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the MRI scanner (magnet assembly) to the patient's location, whether at the bedside, in intensive care, or in rural settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the magnet assembly, gradient coils, and RF coil in a nested, space-efficient configuration that allows the entire imaging system to be compact enough to move to the patient while maintaining sufficient imaging resolution
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 continuous monitoring and imaging in various settings, including ICUs and rural areas, with improved depth resolution and reduced field-of-view imaging capabilities, extending the reach of MRI technology.
Implementation Method 1
a former having a plurality of slots and a plurality of magnet blocks configured to create a single-sided permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
a set of gradient coils disposed around the outer surface of the magnet assembly
Implementation Method 3
an RF coil disposed inside the inner surface of the magnet assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet assembly for a portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a former having a plurality of slots and a plurality of magnet blocks configured to create a single-sided permanent magnet. Each of the plurality of magnet blocks are positioned in one of the plurality of slots of the former. The arrangement of the plurality of magnet blocks is configured to optimize homogeneity over a target field of view for brain imaging and to form a cap-shaped configuration to be positioned on a head of a subject.