Novel MRI Gradient Coil Manufacturing Methods

描述（由申请人提供）：我们的目标是提高临床前和临床MRI系统的性能，同时降低制造成本。这些目标将通过用新颖的专有3d增材制造技术取代现有的基于金属丝的梯度线圈构造方法来实现。导电纳米油墨和绝缘层的3d打印（根据计算机生成的设计）是实现优化磁场线圈结构的数学算法的自然方式。我们已经进行了原理验证研究，表明我们的中尺度线圈制造技术可以降低高频电阻，这一目标以前只能通过耗时的过程来实现，包括包裹昂贵的利兹线。通过将牺牲材料纳入增材制造过程，我们在线圈几何结构中加入了分形分支通道，用于循环冷却剂材料。这一创新有望显著改善传热。在第一阶段，我们将使梯度设计算法适应增材制造过程，并构建和表征一个原型梯度线圈。通过与在MRI领域已经建立的战略合作伙伴的合作，我们将准备

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We aim to improve the performance of pre-clinical and clinical MRI systems, while reducing manufacturing costs. These aims will be achieved by replacing existing wire- based gradient coil construction methods with novel proprietary 3-D additive manufacturing techniques. 3-D printing of conductive nano-inks and of insulating layers (according to computer- generated designs) is a natural way to implement mathematical algorithms developed to optimize magnetic field coil configurations. We have already performed proof-of- principle studies showing that our mesoscale coil manufacturing techniques result in reduced resistance at high frequencies, a goal previously accomplished only with time- consuming processes involving the wrapping of expensive Litz wires. By including sacrificial materials into the additive manufacturing process, we have incorporated fractal branching channels for circulating coolant materials within the coil geometry. This innovation promises to significantly improve heat transfer. In Phase I, we will adapt gradient design algorithms to the additive manufacturing process, and build and characterize a prototype gradient coil. In cooperation with a strategic partner already well-established in the MRI field, we will prepare for Phase II by offering a design for a future human head-coil based on the novel manufacturing technology. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: We aim to improve the performance of pre-clinical and clinical MRI systems, while reducing manufacturing costs. These aims will be achieved by replacing existing wire-based gradient coil construction methods with novel proprietary 3-D additive manufacturing techniques. In Phase I, we will adapt gradient design algorithms to the additive manufacturing process, and build and characterize a prototype gradient coil. In cooperation with a strategic partner already well- established in the MRI field, we will prepare for Phase II by offering a design of a human head- coil based on the novel manufacturing technology.