High-field open MRI magnet isolation system and method
First Claim
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1. The method of installing an open MRI system, comprising:
- providing the open MRI system which comprises a vibration isolation system and an open magnet system;
measuring environmental disturbances and vibrations at a first site;
selecting the vibration isolation system based on the measuring step; and
installing the MRI system at the first site.
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Abstract
A vertically-aligned open MRI magnet system includes first and second (i.e., top and bottom) assemblies each having a longitudinally-extending and vertically-aligned axis, a superconductive main coil, and a vacuum enclosure enclosing the main coil. At least one support beam has a first end attached to the first assembly and has a second end attached to the second assembly. A vibration isolation system supports the magnet system.
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16 Claims
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1. The method of installing an open MRI system, comprising:
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providing the open MRI system which comprises a vibration isolation system and an open magnet system;
measuring environmental disturbances and vibrations at a first site;
selecting the vibration isolation system based on the measuring step; and
installing the MRI system at the first site. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
selecting a high damping isolation system when significant low frequency vibrations or disturbance are measured at the first site;
orselecting a low damping isolation system when only high frequency disturbances or vibrations are measured at the first site.
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3. The method of claim 2, further comprising adjusting a balance mass to optimize a center of gravity of the magnet system.
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4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of adjusting is performed before or after the step of installing.
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5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of measuring is performed before the step of installing.
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6. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of measuring and selecting are performed before the step of installing.
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7. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the damping of the vibration isolation system to minimize the magnet system Q factor and control a bandwidth of a vibrational response at predominant exciting frequencies.
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8. The method of claim 1, wherein the vibration isolation system comprises a plurality of pneumatic isolators.
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9. The method of claim 1, wherein the vibration isolation system comprises a plurality of active vibration control isolators.
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10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of installing comprises securing the vibration isolation system to a floor, such that the MRI magnet system is provided over the vibration isolation system.
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11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
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detaching the MRI system from a floor; and
retrofitting the vibration isolation system to the magnet system of the MRI system prior to the step of installing the MRI system at the first site.
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- 12. A method of retrofitting a preexisting open MRI system comprising attaching a vibration isolation system to a magnet system of the preexisting MRI system.
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