Lightweight and assembly-friendly single-sided permanent magnet array design based on Inward-outward (IO) ring units

Motivation: Lightweight MRI devices are constrained by a close form of magnet configurations, making it challenging to have a big imaging area using a compact size. Goal(s): We aim to overcome the limitations of traditional closed magnet configurations by designing an open, lightweight single-sided magnet with a long imaging depth. Approach: A high-performance array was designed by splitting a space into layers, categorizing IO ring units into different optimization groups, and selecting the first tier of performers. Results: An easily assembled single-sided magnet array was designed, achieving a 49mT field strength in a 65mm depth while keeping the weight around 10kg (17kg with housing). Impact: A novel, open, single-sided magnet array with 65mm imaging depth was designed through a design approach that breaks the limitations of traditional methods and optimize magnet configurations using different types of IO ring units.