MRI apparatus provided with axially stiff suspension elements for the gradient coil system

摘要

The transfer of vibrations that generate noise should be avoided in medical MRI apparatus. In accordance with the invention the gradient coil system 40 is suspended by means of suspension elements 48 whose transverse stiffness is much smaller than their axial stiffness. Such suspension elements should be attached to the coil carrier 40 at a vibration-free point, that is, a point that does not exhibit vibrations in all three co-ordinate directions. The longitudinal direction of the suspension element 48 should coincide with the vibration-free direction. Preferably, the suspension element is provided with an active drivable element 37 (a piezo element) for virtually reducing the stiffness of the suspension element in the axial direction, thus compensating also for residual vibrations that could still be present in the vibration-free direction.