Superconducting Magnet Torus Coolant Structural Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional open-type MRI apparatuses have large spatial dimensions, particularly vertical dimensions, due to the stacking of coil bobbins and supporting members, which complicates installation and transportation, and the welding process can degrade the electrical conductive characteristics of the coils.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet design featuring torus coolant containers with integrated plate members that serve as both structural supports and container walls, allowing the main coil bobbin to be supported by the shield coil bobbin without direct welding, thereby reducing the vertical dimension and weight of the MRI apparatus while maintaining a stable magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coil bobbins are welded on the supporting member, then the structure is strong and stable, but the electrical conductive characteristic decreases due to distortion and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic material layer as an intermediary between the coil bobbin and the supporting member. This intermediate layer prevents direct welding contact, thereby avoiding heat-induced deterioration and distortion of the superconducting coils while still providing mechanical support and structural stability.
2Length of stationary object
If the vertical dimension of the MRI apparatus is reduced, then installation and transportation become easier, but the structural support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supporting member and the coil bobbin structure into an integrated design where the coil bobbin serves dual functions: as a structural support element and as a magnetic field generation component. This integration eliminates the need for separate supporting members, thereby reducing vertical dimension while maintaining structural capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redistributes structural support functions from the vertical dimension to the radial and horizontal dimensions by designing the coil bobbin with enhanced radial stiffness and horizontal bracing structures. This dimensional redistribution allows reduction of vertical height while compensating structural support capability through alternative geometric configurations.
3Volume of stationary object
If the MRI apparatus is designed with compact dimensions, then carrying and installation costs decrease, but the magnetic field uniformity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs precise parameter optimization in the coil winding process, including wire diameter, winding tension, layer spacing, and coil geometry parameters. By carefully controlling these parameters, the magnetic field uniformity is maintained even in a compact apparatus configuration, as the optimized parameters compensate for the reduced physical dimensions.
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 minimizes the vertical dimension and weight of the MRI apparatus, prevents deformation and heat-induced deterioration of coils, and maintains a uniform magnetic field intensity, enhancing the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the MRI system.
Implementation Method 1
a main coil bobbin with a main coil for generating a measurement magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a shield coil bobbin with a shield coil for generating a shielding magnetic field for suppressing outside leak of the measurement magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet includes: first and second torus coolant containers substantially symmetrically, vertically arranged to have a space and a symmetrical plane therebetween for storing a coolant. Each of the first and second torus coolant containers includes therein a main coil bobbin with a main coil for generating a measurement magnetic field, a shield coil bobbin with a shield coil for generating a shielding magnetic field for suppressing outside leak of the measurement magnetic field, a plate member vertically reinforced at a plane thereof opposite to a plane thereof facing the symmetrical plane for supporting the shield coil bobbin and the main coil bobbin. The main coil bobbin is further supported by the shield coil bobbin, to cause the main coil to generate the measurement magnetic field having a substantially uniform magnetic field intensity at a middle region of the space. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using the superconducting magnet is also disclosed.