Superconducting MRI Coils Using High-Temperature Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face limitations in achieving higher spatial and temporal resolution, spectral resolution, and cost-effectiveness due to constraints on magnetic field strength and high maintenance costs of high magnetic field systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of superconducting materials for the main magnet, gradient field coils, and RF coils, including high temperature superconductors, to generate uniform magnetic fields and apply magnetic field gradients, with cryogenic cooling systems to maintain low temperatures, and non-metallic and non-magnetic vacuum chambers to minimize interference and enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher magnetic field strength is used to improve spatial and spectral resolution, then image quality and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but heat dissipation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the superconducting materials from conventional low temperatures to elevated temperatures (above 77K), which reduces heat dissipation while maintaining superconducting properties. This parameter change allows higher magnetic field strengths to be achieved with reduced thermal management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite superconducting materials that combine high-temperature superconducting properties with reduced thermal conductivity, enabling higher magnetic field strengths while minimizing heat generation and dissipation. The composite structure optimizes both electromagnetic performance and thermal characteristics.
2Strength
If conventional low temperature superconductors are used, then magnetic field strength can be maintained, but cooling costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from conventional 4.2K to elevated temperatures above 77K, which dramatically simplifies the cooling system requirements. High-temperature superconductors maintain their superconducting properties at these elevated temperatures, reducing the complexity and cost of cryogenic cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex low-temperature cooling systems with simpler, more cost-effective cooling solutions that can operate at elevated temperatures. This substitution reduces operational costs and maintenance requirements while maintaining the necessary magnetic field strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If room temperature copper windings are used for gradient coils, then ease of manufacture is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials for gradient coils that combine the ease of manufacture of copper windings with the enhanced electrical properties of superconducting materials. The composite structure allows for simpler manufacturing processes while achieving superior signal-to-noise ratio through reduced resistive losses and enhanced magnetic field generation.
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 enhances signal-to-noise ratio, reduces heat dissipation, and allows for higher magnetic field strengths, leading to improved image quality, faster acquisition speeds, and reduced operational costs, making MRI technology more accessible and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the windings of the main field are typically implemented as a low temperature superconductor (LTS) material, and are super-cooled with liquid helium in order to reduce resistance
Implementation Method 2
a substantially constant and uniform primary (main) magnetic field is provided by a primary (main) magnet
Implementation Method 3
super-cooled with liquid helium in order to reduce resistance, and, therefore, to minimize the amount of heat generated
Implementation Method 4
reduces heat dissipation
Implementation Method 5
non-metallic and non-magnetic vacuum chambers to minimize interference
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.