Three-Layer Gradient Coil Unit Torque Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance scanners face challenges in generating high magnetic field gradients and rapid rise/decay rates due to vibrations and peripheral nerve stimulation, particularly in head examinations, which are limited by interaction with the examination subject and result in inefficient image data recording.
Innovation Solution
A three-layer gradient coil unit design with conductor structures of varying radii, arranged in a saddle shape, to effectively compensate torque and stray magnetic fields, allowing for compact integration and efficient generation of high magnetic field gradients with reduced peripheral nerve stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high magnetic field gradients and rapid rise/decay rates are generated, then faster raw data recording and higher image resolution are achieved, but vibrations and peripheral nerve stimulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient coil unit is divided into multiple conductor structures (first, second, third, and optionally fourth conductor structures) with different radii, where each conductor structure contributes to generating magnetic field gradients in different spatial directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high gradient performance while distributing the torque and vibration effects across multiple independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs conductor structures with alternating current directions to create counterbalancing forces. The first and second conductor structures generate forces in opposite directions, as do the second and third conductor structures, thereby compensating for torque and reducing vibrations while maintaining high gradient performance.
2Productivity
If high magnetic field gradients are generated, then faster raw data recording is achieved, but vibrations of the gradient coil unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conductor structures with alternating current directions to create counterbalancing forces. The first and second conductor structures generate forces in opposite directions, as do the second and third conductor structures, thereby compensating for torque and reducing vibrations while maintaining high gradient performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradient coil unit employs conductor structures with different radii (first radius < second radius < third radius) arranged in a non-uniform configuration. This asymmetric design allows optimization of the magnetic field gradient generation while distributing mechanical stresses and reducing vibrations through strategic placement of conductor structures at varying distances from the center.
3Power
If the radial diameter of the gradient coil unit is reduced, then higher magnetic field gradients are achieved, but the examination region size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar conductor arrangement to a three-dimensional cylindrical configuration with conductor structures at multiple radii. By utilizing the radial dimension with conductor structures at different distances from the center (first radius < second radius < third radius), the system achieves high gradient performance while maintaining a larger examination region through optimized spatial distribution of the conductor structures.
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 the generation of high magnetic field gradients up to 200 mT/m and rapid rise/decay rates while minimizing vibrations and peripheral nerve stimulation, improving image data quality and recording efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the gradient coil unit having a first conductor structure, a second conductor structure, a third conductor structure... A gradient coil unit is typically designed to generate a magnetic field gradient in at least one spatial direction. The gradient coil unit is controlled with electric currents having amplitude values that reach several 100 A, and that are subject to frequent and rapid changes in the direction of the current
Implementation Method 2
the body of an examination subject, in particular a patient, is typically exposed, with the use of a basic field magnet, to a relatively basic main magnetic field, for example 1.5, 3 or 7 tesla... The positioning of the gradient coil unit within the basic field magnet of the magnetic resonance scanner results in a large force acting on the gradient coil unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gradient coil unit comprising a first conductor structure arranged on a surface of a first cylinder with the first radius, a second conductor structure arranged on a surface of a second cylinder with the second radius and a third conductor structure arranged on a surface of a third cylinder with the third radius, wherein the first radius is smaller than the second radius and the second radius is smaller than the third radius.