Method and apparatus for mounting gradient tube to diagnostic imaging device

Abstract

A diagnostic imaging apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device includes a vacuum vessel (,) having a central helium reservoir (,) in which superconducting magnetic coil windings (,) are maintained at a superconducting temperature. The vacuum vessel defines a bore (,) within which a gradient tube assembly (,) and an RF coil (,) are received. The gradient tube assembly includes an integral tongue (,) extending from a patient end (,) thereof. A first constraint (,) retrains the gradient tube assembly in a “push-pull” arrangement in both directions along the z-axis. The constraint (,) is mounted to a patient-end of the vessel (,) at a lowermost (i.e., six o'clock) position. The constraint includes vibration isolators (,) interposed between the tongue and a saddle mount (,) to reduce vibration transmission from the gradient tube assembly to the vessel. A second constraint (,) and a third constraint (,) are positioned at the twelve-o'clock positions at the patient-end and service-end, respectively of the vessel. The constraints (,) restrain the gradient tube assembly in directions along the x and y-axes. Each constraint (,) includes at least one elastomeric plug (,) and means for expanding the plug along the x and/or y-axis to wedge the plug between the gradient tube assembly and a cylindrical housing member (,) defining the bore (,).