Superconducting Magnet Thermal Insulation for MRI Field Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI systems face challenges in maintaining homogeneous magnetic field intensity due to temperature variations in the magnetic member, leading to long restoration times and image distortion, especially when the system is moved to a different location.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet design with a vacuum vessel and thermal insulation, coupled with a heat exchange device and thermal conducting members, allows for rapid temperature adjustment of the magnetic member, minimizing temperature variations and maintaining homogeneous field intensity across different environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the magnetic member is disposed in the atmosphere at room temperature, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the magnetic field homogeneousness varies due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal insulation structure as an intermediary between the magnetic member and the external environment. This thermal insulation layer acts as a mediator that blocks heat transfer from the room temperature atmosphere to the magnetic member, thereby maintaining magnetic field homogeneousness while keeping the system simple and easy to operate.
2Manufacturing precision
If the magnetic member is disposed in the coil vessel filled with liquid helium, then the magnetic field homogeneousness is improved, but the temperature control time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic member from the liquid helium environment and places it in a separate vacuum chamber with thermal insulation. This separation allows the magnetic member to be thermally isolated from both the liquid helium and the external atmosphere, enabling rapid temperature adjustment without the lengthy cooling time required by liquid helium while maintaining magnetic field homogeneousness.
3Loss of energy
If the magnetic member is disposed in the thermal shield at middle low temperature, then the coil vessel is shielded from heat radiation, but the temperature adjustment speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management system into separate functional components: a vacuum chamber for thermal insulation, a thermal insulation layer for blocking heat transfer, and a heat exchange device for active temperature control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently, achieving both heat radiation shielding and rapid temperature adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system is moved to a different location, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the magnetic field homogeneousness varies due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary thermal insulation measures by enclosing the magnetic member in a vacuum chamber with thermal insulation layers before the system is moved to different locations. This preliminary protection against temperature changes allows the system to be transported and deployed in various environments while maintaining magnetic field homogeneousness.
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 design enables quick restoration of magnetic field homogeneity, reducing image distortion and allowing for efficient operation in varying environments without prolonged cooling times, thus enhancing MRI image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an annular superconducting coil that generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum vessel that has a vacuum space therein and encloses the coil vessel in the vacuum space
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchange device disposed outside the vacuum vessel that is thermally connected to the vacuum vessel to supply heat to the vacuum vessel or absorbs heat from the vacuum vessel
Implementation Method 4
a thermal conducting member disposed in the vacuum space that is thermally connected to the magnetic member and the heat exchange device via the vacuum vessel
Data Source
AI summary
In a superconducting magnet, including a vacuum vessel, a coil vessel inside the vacuum vessel, and a superconducting coil inside the coil vessel for generating a magnetic field, has a magnetic member, disposed inside the vacuum vessel, supported with thermal insulation, for compensating the magnetic field; a heat exchange device disposed outside the vacuum vessel for supplying to or absorbing heat from the vacuum vessel; and thermal conducting members thermally connecting the heat exchange device via the vacuum vessel to the magnetic member. An MRI including the superconducting magnet is also disclosed.