Method and apparatus for positioning an insert gradient coil within an examination region of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

摘要

A trolley cage (58) selectively positions an insert gradient coil (56) along a patient beam (38) of a magnetic resonance apparatus (A). The trolley cage (58) includes a lower cage assembly (62) surrounding a first exterior surface portion of the insert gradient coil (56), an upper cage assembly (60) removably secured to the lower cage assembly (62) and surrounding a second exterior surface portion of the insert gradient coil (56), and a number of wheels (90) secured to the lower cage assembly (62) for permitting the trolley cage (58) to roll along a patient beam (38) extending through an examination region of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (A). The trolley cage (58) also includes a number of pneumatic latching mechanisms (92) for locking the trolley cage (58) to the patient beam (38) when the insert gradient coil (56) is positioned at isocenter. An interlock mechanism (96, 110-116) is provided which enables the imaging systems of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to operate only when the trolley cage is properly locked to the patient beam.