Integrated Switching Coil in Superconducting Magnet Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting magnet systems for magnetic resonance examination are costly to manufacture and require separate persistent current switches that do not contribute to the magnetic field, leading to inefficiencies in field generation and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet arrangement where field coil windings are connected to a switching module that allows sections of the field coil windings to switch between superconducting and resistive states, forming a switching coil that contributes to the magnetic field, eliminating the need for a separate persistent current switch and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate persistent current switch is used in conventional superconducting magnets, then the switching function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the switch does not contribute to the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching coil and field-generating coils into a single integrated coil assembly. The switching coil is wound together with the field-generating coils, eliminating the need for a separate persistent current switch. This merging reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies the device structure while allowing the switching coil to contribute to the magnetic field during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The switching coil serves dual functions: it acts as a switch to control persistent mode operation and simultaneously contributes to generating the magnetic field. By making the switching coil geometrically aligned and coaxial with the field-generating coils, the patent enables the switching coil to perform both switching and field generation tasks, eliminating waste of superconducting material and reducing overall device complexity
2Temperature
If a separate persistent current switch is used, then switching between superconducting and resistive states is achieved, but cooling demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the switching coil with the field-generating coils into a single cooled assembly, the patent reduces the total volume requiring cooling. The shared cooling system handles both the switching and field-generating coils together, reducing cooling overhead and improving thermal management efficiency compared to separate cooling systems
3Ease of manufacture
If standard coil wire is used for the switching coil, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the switching capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal isolation specifically to the switching coil section while the rest of the coil assembly operates in superconducting mode. This localized thermal management allows the switching coil to be heated to resistive state for switching operations without affecting the superconducting state of the field-generating coils, maintaining switching capability while using cost-effective standard coil wire
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the switching coil locally by applying thermal isolation and controlled heating. This allows the switching coil to transition between superconducting and resistive states as needed for switching operations, while the field-generating coils maintain their superconducting state, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and reliable switching capability
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 approach allows for efficient ramping up and down of the magnet without a separate persistent current switch, enhances magnetic field strength and homogeneity, and reduces cooling demands by using standard coil wire for switching, resulting in lower production costs and improved operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a field coil assembly with coil windings that when in operation are electrically superconducting
Implementation Method 2
coil windings with field coil windings that when in operation are electrically superconducting
Implementation Method 3
Heating the switch to a temperature above the superconducting transition temperature causes the switch to become resistive
Implementation Method 4
the field coil assembly's coil windings being circuited between the connection ports and a switching module to switch a sub-section of the field coil assembly's coil windings between its electrical superconducting and electrical resistive states
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A superconducting magnet arrangement comprises a field coil assembly with coil windings that when in operation are electrically superconducting. The field coil assembly is circuited between connection ports for a voltage supply. A switching module switches a sub- section of the field coil assembly's coil windings between its electrical superconducting and electrical resistive states, said sub-section forming a switching coil circuited between the connection ports. In the operational state where both the switching coil and the field coil(s) are superconducting and carry a permanent electrical current, the field coil(s) and the switching coil together generate a stationary magnetic field. According to the invention the switch windings give a significant contribution to the magnetic field. The field coil assembly's coil windings that may be switched between it electrically superconducting and resistive states form the switching coil. That is, the switching coil forms part of the field coil assembly and contributes significantly to the magnetic field generated by the field coil assembly.