CN219016558U - Magnet support structure and magnetic resonance imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a magnet support structure and a magnetic resonance imaging device. In one aspect, a magnet support structure (31) for use in a magnetic resonance imaging device (11) having a cylindrical magnet (17) is described, the magnet support structure (31) comprising a plurality of cylindrical support elements having tapered sections (37), wherein the support elements are coaxially arranged along an axis of rotational symmetry defined by the cylindrical magnet (17), and wherein the support elements are positioned adjacent to magnet coils (32) of the cylindrical magnet (17).

Description

Magnet support structure and magnetic resonance imaging device

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a magnet support structure and a magnetic resonance imaging device.

Background

In closed bore magnetic resonance imaging devices, electromagnetic forces typically exert high compressive loads on the internal magnet coils. Since the electromagnetic force can range between 300 tons (e.g., for 3T magnets) and well over 1000 tons (e.g., 7T magnets), the magnet assembly must be supported by a dedicated support structure configured to hold the magnet coils in a predetermined relative position with minimal buckling or deformation. Conventionally, such stent structures are composed of aluminum frames or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GRP) rings, which can be expensive and/or difficult to manufacture. Particularly when using relatively thin magnet coils, the superconducting coils tend to be supported at only a few points, which may lead to local deformations, resulting in high local mechanical stresses and poor homogeneity of the generated magnetic field.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the utility model to reduce costs and/or to facilitate the manufacture of components of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

This object is achieved by a magnet support structure and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the utility model. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the present utility model.

The inventive magnet support structure for use in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with a cylindrical magnet comprises a plurality of cylindrical support elements with conical sections, wherein the support elements are coaxially arranged along a rotational symmetry axis defined by the cylindrical magnet.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the utility model is configured for acquiring magnetic resonance data, in particular diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging data, from a subject located within an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The object may be a patient, in particular a human or an animal.

In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is a closed bore scanner. The closed cell scanner may include a substantially cylindrical bore circumferentially surrounding the imaging region. The cylindrical magnet may include one or more magnet coils that encircle the imaging region along the rotational symmetry axis or axial direction of the cylindrical bore. One or more of the magnet coils may comprise a wire having a negligible electrical resistance at (or below) the superconducting temperature.

The cylindrical magnet may comprise one or more magnet coils. The magnet coils may be formed of resistive wires and/or superconducting wires.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical magnet includes one or more spacers configured for axially spacing the magnet coils. At least one spacer may be positioned between the carrier element and the magnet coil. It is conceivable that the spacer comprises a material that inhibits or prevents electrical conduction between the magnet coil and the carrier element.

The stent member is characterized as having a cylindrical shape. In particular, the carrier element may be configured as a hollow cylinder. The support element may be arranged in such a way that the magnet coils and the support element form a hollow cylinder surrounding an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

In a preferred embodiment, the stent element is made of steel or stainless steel. However, the bracket element may also be composed of other materials. Examples of such other materials are metals, such as aluminum or high purity aluminum, carbon fiber materials, but also ceramic materials and/or composite materials, such as GRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer).

According to the utility model, the carrier element is positioned adjacent to the magnet coils of the cylindrical magnet.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one bracket element is positioned between a pair of magnet coils of a cylindrical magnet. However, it is also conceivable that the two carrier elements are positioned directly adjacent to each other. In this case, each of the two carrier elements may also be positioned directly adjacent to the magnet coil.

Preferably, the cylindrical support element is configured to hold the inner magnet coil of the cylindrical magnet in place when a compressive electromagnetic force acts on the magnet coil. The cylindrical support element may be configured to provide continuous support around the perimeter of the magnet coils. In particular, the magnet support structure may advantageously withstand the electromagnetic forces of the magnet coils while ensuring that the magnetic forces are properly constrained and do not cause any local imbalance, such as buckling of the magnet structure.

The plurality of cylindrical support elements may advantageously reduce stress concentrations within the magnet coils while providing continuous support around the perimeter of the magnet coils. Thus, any degradation of the homogeneity of the magnetic field that occurs can advantageously be reduced or avoided.

Conventionally, the standoff structure, which provides mechanical support at only a few localized points on the magnet coil, needs to be heavy to withstand the electromagnetic forces and mitigate stress concentrations within the magnet coil. In providing continuous support around the perimeter of the magnet coils, the cost and/or material usage associated with mechanical support of the internal magnets may be advantageously reduced.

Furthermore, the magnet support structure of the present utility model may also facilitate the manufacture of cylindrical magnets compared to conventional solutions.

According to an embodiment, the magnet support structure of the utility model comprises a first support element and a second support element, wherein the magnet coils of the cylindrical magnet are arranged between the first support element and the second support element.

The magnet coils may be wedged or sandwiched between the first and second carrier elements. It is conceivable that the spacer is located between the magnet coil and the first carrier element and/or between the magnet coil and the second carrier element. The spacer may be constructed according to the embodiments described below.

The magnet coil located between the first bracket element and the second bracket element may represent a first magnet coil. The first and/or second bracket element may also be positioned directly adjacent to a second and/or third magnet coil that is different from the first magnet coil. In one embodiment, the support elements and the magnet coils may be alternately ordered or arranged along a direction defined by the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet.

When an alternating pattern of carrier elements and magnet coils is provided along at least a portion of the rotation axis defined by the cylindrical magnet, the magnet coils may advantageously be supported from two opposite axial directions, avoiding unilateral or localized mechanical stresses.

According to a further embodiment, the magnet support structure of the utility model comprises a first support element and a second support element, wherein the first support element is positioned adjacent to the second support element.

The first bracket element may be positioned directly adjacent to the second bracket element. Thus, the first bracket element may directly contact the second bracket element. However, the first and second bracket elements may also be separated via a spacer or a spacer.

Preferably, the first and second bracket elements are located near the centre of the cylindrical magnet. The center of the cylindrical magnet may correspond to the center (or isocenter) of the homogenization volume provided via the cylindrical magnet. For example, the plane defined by the contact area between the first and second carrier elements may subdivide the cylindrical magnet into a first cylindrical half and a second cylindrical half. Preferably, the shape or size of the first cylinder half corresponds to the shape or size of the second cylinder half.

According to a preferred embodiment, the taper of the tapered section of the first stent element and the taper of the tapered section of the second stent element are oriented in substantially opposite directions.

For example, the taper of the tapered section of the first bracket element and the taper of the tapered section of the second bracket element are oriented along the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet towards the center of the cylindrical magnet. However, the taper of the tapered section of the first bracket element may also be oriented towards the first opening of the cylindrical magnet, while the taper of the tapered section of the second bracket element is oriented towards the second opening of the cylindrical magnet. The first opening is different from the second opening. The first opening and the second opening may represent end or base regions of the cylindrical magnet.

Preferably, the taper of the tapered section of the first bracket element and the taper of the tapered section of the second bracket element are oriented according to the orientation of the electromagnetic force acting on adjacent magnet coils. For example, the direction of the taper is oriented in the direction of the main axial magnetic force vector toward the center (i.e., isocenter) of the cylindrical magnet or magnet structure. The orientation of the taper may occur in opposite directions on either side of the center of the magnet structure.

The mechanical support provided via the magnet support structure of the utility model can advantageously be increased when the taper of the conical section is oriented according to at least a part of the effective direction of the compressive load or electromagnetic force.

Furthermore, the consistent direction of the tapers on either side of the center of the magnet structure may advantageously improve control of the magnetic force and ensure high homogeneity or uniformity of the generated magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the larger radius of the conical section is oriented towards the magnet coils that experience a larger magnetic force in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical magnet. Since such a magnet coil is expected to expand more in the radial direction, it is preferably positioned adjacent to the larger radius of the conical section. Thus, the larger circumferential expansion may advantageously be compensated or absorbed by the cylindrical stent element.

In yet another embodiment of the magnet support structure of the utility model, the radius of the taper characterizing the tapered sections of the plurality of cylindrical support elements decreases or the angle increases towards the center of the cylindrical magnet.

Preferably, the radius reduction or angle is selected to improve compatibility with hoop forces acting on the magnet coils on either side of the cylindrical support element.

When the first carrier element is positioned adjacent to the second carrier element at the center of the cylindrical magnet, the compressive forces directed towards the center of the cylindrical magnet may advantageously be borne by the first carrier element and the second carrier element. Thus, excessive mechanical deformation of the magnet coils conventionally positioned at the center of the cylindrical magnet may be advantageously reduced or avoided.

In one embodiment of the magnet support structure of the utility model, the one or more support elements each comprise at least one stiffening strut extending along the surface of the conical section in the axial direction of the cylindrical magnet, wherein the at least one stiffening strut is configured to increase the stiffness of the support element.

In particular, the at least one reinforcement strut may be configured for increasing the rigidity and/or resistance against a force component oriented in the axial direction of the magnet support structure.

The reinforcing struts may be configured as hoops, ribs, bars, rods, or the like. The reinforcement struts may be welded, riveted or bolted to the bracket element. However, the reinforcement struts and the bracket element may also be formed from one component. For example, the reinforcement struts and stent elements may be machined or cut from one piece of material.

In providing a stiffening strut extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical magnet along the surface of the conical section of the bracket element, the rigidity of the bracket element can advantageously be increased while adding a moderate amount of additional material to the magnet bracket structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the magnet support structure of the utility model, the at least one support element comprises at least one wall oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet, wherein the at least one wall delimits the conical section of the at least one support element in the axial direction, and wherein the at least one wall is mounted to the magnet coil and/or the further support element.

At least one wall is mechanically connected to the tapered section of at least one bracket element. For example, at least one wall may be welded, riveted, screwed or bolted to the tapered section of the bracket element. However, the at least one wall and the conical section of the at least one carrier element may also be welded together or folded from a single component.

According to an embodiment, at least one wall is mounted to the magnet coil and/or the further bracket element. The wall may be welded, riveted, screwed or bolted to the adjacent magnet coils and/or to the further bracket element. It is also conceivable that the wall is glued to the adjacent magnet coil and/or to the further carrier element, i.e. via an adhesive or other material-binding form. However, as mentioned above, the wall and the magnet coil and/or the further support element may also be separated by a spacer.

The magnet support structure may comprise a mounting part configured for mechanically connecting the support element and the magnet coil. Examples of suitable mounting means are bolts, screws, rivets, etc. However, any suitable form-locking and/or force-locking mechanism may be used.

In case the spacer is positioned between the carrier element and the magnet coil, the mounting part may pass through the spacer, preferably in a substantially axial direction. The mounting member may comprise an electrical insulator for preventing current in the magnet coil from being transferred to the bracket element.

The wall of the bracket element may advantageously provide a mounting surface for mechanically connecting at least one bracket element to the further bracket element and/or the magnet coil.

In one embodiment of the magnet support structure of the utility model, one or more support elements are separated from adjacent magnet coils via spacers, wherein the spacers are composed of a material that is thermally and electrically compatible with the magnet coils.

Thermal and electrical compatibility between the spacer and the magnet coil may depend on the thermal and electrical conductivity of the spacer. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the spacer is thermally conductive to allow heat transport through the magnet structure including the magnet coils and the magnet support structure. It may also be desirable that the spacer provides electrical insulation from the magnet coil, thereby preventing the transfer of electrical current from the magnet coil to the bracket element.

Furthermore, the spacer should be able to withstand compressive forces within the magnet structure as well as temperatures and/or temperature variations associated with the operation and maintenance of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Preferably, the thermal expansion and/or ductility of the spacer follows the thermal expansion of the magnet coils (in particular the resin impregnated magnet coils) and/or the stent element. The spacer material may be configured to mitigate any differences in thermal expansion between the magnet coils and the bracket element as the magnet is tilted up or down.

In summary, the spacer preferably comprises or consists of a material capable of resisting the magnetic force of the main magnet and/or compensating any movement within the magnet structure caused by thermal expansion. Furthermore, the spacer preferably comprises or consists of a thermally conductive but electrically insulating material. For example, the spacer may comprise or consist of a polymer, in particular a (cured) resin, a metal alloy, a ceramic material, a carbon fiber material, a composite material (i.e. GRP), etc.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present utility model comprises a cylindrical magnet comprising a plurality of magnet coils, wherein the magnet coils are separated and supported by a magnet support structure according to one of the above embodiments.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present utility model can be constructed according to the above-described embodiments.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present utility model enjoys the advantages of the magnet support structure of the present utility model. In particular, when the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having the magnet holder structure is provided according to the above-described embodiments, the manufacturing cost of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus can be advantageously reduced. Furthermore, the mechanical stability or rigidity of the magnet structure may advantageously be increased compared to conventional magnetic resonance imaging devices.

In a further embodiment of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present utility model, the magnet support structure is mechanically connected to an external support structure configured to provide mechanical support to the field generating unit of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

The field generating unit may comprise a cylindrical magnet and may also comprise a high frequency system and/or a gradient system.

The external support structure may be a cryogen vessel, a heat shield, an electromagnetic shield, a portion of an external vacuum chamber, and/or a dedicated external support structure. The dedicated external support structure may be configured to provide mechanical support to the cylindrical magnet, and may also provide mechanical support to the external shielding structure, the heat shield, the electromagnetic shield, the high frequency system, and/or the gradient field system.

According to the above embodiments, the magnet support structure may be mechanically connected to the external support structure. For example, the magnet support structure may be welded, riveted, screwed or bolted to the outer support structure. However, the magnet support structure may also be bonded to the outer support structure in a material, i.e. via an adhesive or other material bonding. It is also conceivable that the magnet holder structure is mechanically connected to the external holder structure via a magnet coil. For example, the support element of the magnet support structure may be mechanically connected to a magnet coil, which is mechanically connected to an external support structure.

By mechanically connecting the magnet support structure to the external support structure, the mechanical stability of the magnet structure may advantageously be increased.

Drawings

Other advantages and details of the utility model will be appreciated from the embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings. These figures show:

figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present utility model,

figure 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a magnet support structure of the present utility model,

figure 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the magnet support structure of the present utility model,

figure 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the magnet support structure of the present utility model,

figure 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a magnet support structure of the present utility model,

fig. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a magnet support structure of the present utility model.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 according to the utility model. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 comprises a field generating unit 30, the field generating unit 30 comprising a cylindrical magnet 17 providing a homogeneous static magnetic field 18 (B0 field, main magnetic field). The static magnetic field 18 includes the isocenter 13 and impinges on a cylindrical imaging region 36 for receiving an imaging subject, such as a patient 15. The imaging region 36 may be defined by a patient bore configured for receiving the patient 15 during magnetic resonance measurements. The field generating unit 30 surrounds the imaging region 36 in the circumferential direction.

In the depicted example, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 includes a patient support 16, the patient support 16 being configured for transporting a patient 15 into an imaging region 36. In particular, the patient support 16 may be configured to transport a diagnostically relevant region of the patient 15 into the isocenter 13 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 further comprises a gradient system 19, the gradient system 19 being configured for providing magnetic gradient fields for spatially encoding magnetic resonance signals acquired during magnetic resonance measurements. The gradient system 19 is activated or controlled by a gradient controller 28 via a suitable current signal. It is conceivable that the gradient system 19 comprises one or more gradient coils for generating magnetic gradient fields in different, preferably orthogonally oriented spatial directions.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 may comprise a high frequency system comprising a radio frequency antenna 20 (body coil) which may be integrated into the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11. The radio frequency antenna 20 is operated via a radio frequency controller 29, the radio frequency controller 29 controlling the radio frequency antenna 20 to generate a high frequency magnetic field and to emit radio frequency excitation pulses into the imaging region 36. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 may further comprise a local coil 21, the local coil 21 being positioned on or near a diagnostically relevant region of the patient 15. The local coil 21 may be configured to transmit radio frequency excitation pulses into the patient 15 and/or to receive magnetic resonance signals from the patient 15. It is conceivable that the local coil 21 is controlled via a radio frequency controller 29.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 further comprises a control unit 23, the control unit 23 being configured for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11. The control unit 23 may comprise a processing unit 24, the processing unit 24 being configured to process the magnetic resonance signals and reconstruct magnetic resonance images. The processing unit 24 may also be configured to process input from and/or provide output to a user of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11. For this purpose, the processing unit 24 and/or the control unit 23 may be connected to the display unit 25 and the input unit 26 via suitable signal connections. For the preparation of the magnetic resonance imaging measurements, preparation information, such as imaging parameters or patient information, may be provided to the user via the display unit 25. The input unit 26 may be configured to receive information and/or imaging parameters from a user.

As further described in fig. 2 to 5, the magnet coils 32 of the cylindrical magnet 17 are supported by a plurality of cylindrical support elements 31i.

Of course, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 may comprise further components which are typically provided by magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses. The general operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 is known to those skilled in the art, and thus a more detailed description is omitted.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a magnet support structure 31 of the present utility model. The magnet support structure 31 comprises cylindrical support elements 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e and 31f (31 a-f) positioned adjacent to the magnet coils 32a, 32b, 32c, 32e and 32f (32 a-f). The plurality of carrier elements 31a-f and the magnet coils 32a-f form part of the magnet structure (i.e. the inner magnet) of the cylindrical magnet 17.

In the present example, the carrier elements 31a-c and the magnet coils 32a-c are alternately arranged along a direction defined by the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet 17. Also, the holder elements 31d-f and the magnet coils 32d-f are alternately arranged along a direction defined by the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet 17. However, near the isocenter 13, the holder element 31c is positioned adjacent to the holder element 31 d.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the carrier elements 31a-f and the magnet coils 32a-f may of course be alternately arranged along the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet 17 over the entire length of the cylindrical magnet 17. For example, each of the holder elements 31i may be arranged between two magnet coils (not shown).

In fig. 3, a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the magnet support structure of the present utility model is shown. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, each of the bracket elements 31a-f features a tapered section 37.

In the example shown, the taper of the tapered section 37 of the bracket element 31c and the taper of the tapered section of the bracket element 31d are oriented in substantially opposite directions.

It is conceivable that the taper of the tapered section 37 of each carrier element 31i of the cylindrical magnet 17 is oriented in the same direction. However, the orientation of the taper of the tapered section 37 of the bracket element 31i may also vary depending on the particular situation.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the carrier element 31i of the magnet carrier structure 31. The bracket element 31i comprises a conical section 37 and two walls 39 framing the conical section 37. The two walls 39 may provide mounting surfaces for mechanically connecting the bracket element 31i to the magnet coil 32 and/or the further bracket element 31i (as shown in fig. 2 and 3).

In one embodiment, the bracket element 31i comprises at least one reinforcement strut 34 extending along the surface of the conical section 37 in the axial direction of the cylindrical magnet 17. Preferably, the bracket element 31i comprises a plurality of reinforcement struts distributed radially along the circumference of the bracket element 31i. The struts 34 may be disposed on an inner surface of the stent element 31i (i.e., facing the imaging region 36) or on an outer surface of the stent element 31i (i.e., facing away from the imaging region 36).

In the example shown, the wall 39 and the conical section 37 are formed from one piece. For example, the wall 39 and tapered section may be folded from sheet material or machined integrally. Preferably, the struts 34 are welded to the carrier element 31i. However, it is also conceivable that the struts 34 are fixed to the carrier element 31i via any suitable mechanical connection, such as a bolting, screwing or gluing.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the magnet holder structure 31 of the utility model. In the depicted example, the bracket elements 31a, 31b and 31c (31 a-c) are arranged in an alternating pattern between the magnet coils 32. According to the above embodiment, the magnet coils 32a, 32b and 32c (32 a-c) are mounted to the wall 39 of the bracket element 31a-c.

In a preferred embodiment, a spacer 38 is arranged between the carrier elements 31a-c and the magnet coils 32 a-c. The spacer 38 is constructed of a material that is thermally and electrically compatible with the magnet coils.

A spacer 38 may be positioned on each wall 39 of the bracket element 31a-c and constrain the bracket element 31a-c in two opposite axial directions of the cylindrical magnet 17. Preferably, the spacer 38 is configured to compensate for different thermal expansions of the (resin impregnated) magnet coils 32a-c and the carrier elements 31a-c. The spacer may comprise or consist of a thermally conductive but electrically non-conductive material to ensure adequate cooling of the magnet structure while preventing the transfer of electrical current within the magnet coils 32a-c to the bracket elements 31a-c.

It is conceivable that the magnet holder structure 31 comprises mounting means (not shown) mechanically connecting the holder elements 31a-c and the magnet coils 32 a-c. Such mounting members, such as bolts, screws, rivets, etc., may pass through the spacer 38 in the axial direction. Preferably, the mounting element comprises an electrical insulator configured to prevent current within the magnet coils 32a-c from being transferred to the bracket elements 31a-c.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 11 of the present utility model in which the magnet support structure 31 is mechanically connected to an external support structure 40 (shown in cross section). In the depicted example, the outer support structure 40 has a cylindrical shape and surrounds the cylindrical magnet 17 along the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet 17. It is conceivable that the external support structure 40 surrounds further components of the field generating unit 30, such as external shielding coils (not shown) and/or sections of a heat shield or electromagnetic shield. In one embodiment, the heat shield and/or electromagnetic shield may be incorporated into the outer support structure 40. In one embodiment, the outer support structure 40 may correspond to a cryogen vessel surrounding the cylindrical magnet 17 and the outer shield.

In the depicted embodiment, the bracket elements 31a-f are mechanically connected to the external shielding structure via magnet spacers. For example, the magnet coil 32a may be bolted or screwed to the outer support structure 40, which outer support structure 40 in turn is mechanically connected to the support element 31a according to the above described embodiments.

Of course, the outer support structure 40 may feature other suitable shapes and/or geometries than those depicted in fig. 6.

The above-described embodiments will be regarded as examples. It is to be understood that each embodiment may be extended from or combined with features of other embodiments, if not otherwise stated.

Claims (12)

1. A magnet support structure (31) for use in a magnetic resonance imaging device (11) with a cylindrical magnet (17), characterized in that the magnet support structure (31) comprises a plurality of cylindrical support elements with conical sections (37), wherein the support elements are coaxially arranged along an axis of rotational symmetry defined by the cylindrical magnet (17), and wherein the support elements are positioned adjacent to magnet coils (32) of the cylindrical magnet (17).

2. The magnet support structure (31) according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet support structure (31) comprises a first support element and a second support element, wherein the magnet coils (32) of the cylindrical magnet (17) are arranged between the first support element and the second support element.

3. The magnet support structure (31) according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet support structure (31) comprises a first support element and a second support element, wherein the first support element is positioned adjacent to the second support element.

4. A magnet support structure (31) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the magnet support structure (31) comprises a first support element and a second support element, wherein the tapering of the tapering section (37) of the first support element and the tapering of the tapering section (37) of the second support element are oriented in substantially opposite directions.

5. A magnet support structure (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more support elements each comprise at least one reinforcement strut (34), the at least one reinforcement strut (34) extending along a surface of the conical section (37) in an axial direction of the cylindrical magnet (17), and wherein the at least one reinforcement strut (34) is configured to increase the stiffness of the support element.

6. A magnet support structure (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one support element comprises at least one wall (39) oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotational symmetry axis of the cylindrical magnet (17), wherein the at least one wall (39) defines the conical section (37) of the at least one support element in an axial direction, and wherein the at least one wall (39) is mounted to a magnet coil (32) and/or a further support element.

7. Magnet support structure (31) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one wall (39) is welded, riveted, screwed or bolted to the magnet coil (32) and/or the further support element.

8. Magnet support structure (31) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one wall (39) and the conical section (37) of the at least one support element are welded together or folded from a single piece.

9. A magnet support structure (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one or more support elements are separated from adjacent magnet coils (32) via spacers (38), wherein the spacers (38) are composed of a material that is thermally and electrically compatible with the magnet coils (32).

10. A magnet support structure (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the radius or angle of the taper of the conical section (37) characterizing a plurality of cylindrical support elements decreases or increases towards the centre of the cylindrical magnet (17).

11. A magnetic resonance imaging device (11) comprising a cylindrical magnet (17), the cylindrical magnet (17) comprising a plurality of magnet coils (32), characterized in that the magnet coils (32) are separated and supported by a magnet support structure (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (11) according to claim 11, characterized in that the magnet support structure (31) is mechanically connected to an external support structure (40), the external support structure (40) being configured for providing mechanical support to a field generating unit (30) of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (11).

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