Intelligent self-adaptive arm supporting system for magnetic resonance enhanced scanning

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of medical image auxiliary instruments, and particularly relates to an intelligent self-adaptive arm supporting system for magnetic resonance enhanced scanning, which comprises a skin-friendly contact layer, an intelligent response supporting layer and a rigid supporting base, and is characterized in that the intelligent response supporting layer is arranged between the skin-friendly contact layer and the rigid supporting base; a three-layer composite supporting structure is formed; the intelligent response supporting layer adopts a composite matrix composed of slow rebound memory foam and non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules; the non-Newtonian fluid micro-capsules in the intelligent response supporting layer are in a soft gel state in a normal state, when high-frequency micro-tremor happens to the arms of a patient, the non-Newtonian fluid micro-capsules are locally hardened instantly to absorb and restrain vibration, and the non-Newtonian fluid micro-capsules recover to the soft state after vibration stops; the three-layer composite supporting structure adapts to a magnetic resonance scanning environment, all composition materials are non-magnetic and non-conductive, and the magnetic resonance compatibility requirement is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical imaging auxiliary device technology, specifically relating to an intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement scanning. Background Technology

[0002] Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a core technology in clinical imaging diagnosis. With its advantages of no ionizing radiation and high soft tissue resolution, it plays an irreplaceable role in tumor screening, vascular lesion assessment, and differentiation of organic diseases. This technique enhances the signal of diseased tissue through intravenous injection of gadolinium contrast agent. Absolute patient stability is crucial throughout the scanning process—even millimeter-level limb tremors can produce motion artifacts due to the high sensitivity of MRI, leading to blurred images, unclear lesion visualization, and thus the risk of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Involuntary micro-movements of the patient's arm are a common source of interference in clinical practice, closely related to the long scanning time (usually 10-30 minutes), the enclosed and low-temperature environment of the scanning room, and the lack of effective arm support.

[0003] To address arm immobilization issues, current clinical practice often employs simple support methods, such as laying down ordinary foam pads, using cotton restraint straps, or universal limb immobilizers. While these methods provide basic support, they have numerous technical limitations and are insufficient to meet the stringent requirements of contrast-enhanced MRI scans. First, their vibration suppression capabilities are insufficient. Ordinary sponges, foams, and other support materials only provide static cushioning and cannot cope with the high-frequency micro-tremors caused by muscle fatigue, tension, or physiological tremors in patients. Studies have shown that although these micro-tremors are small in amplitude, they are amplified in MRI scan sequences, forming obvious band-like artifacts and severely degrading image quality. Some fixation devices use rigid structures, which, while limiting large movements, can exacerbate limb discomfort in patients and induce more frequent compensatory micro-movements.

[0004] Secondly, there is a significant conflict between MRI compatibility and structural design. The MRI scanning chamber is a strong magnetic field environment; ferromagnetic metals and conductive materials can cause magnetic field distortion or electromagnetic interference, leading to equipment malfunctions or image artifacts. Existing support devices mostly use metal connectors or ordinary plastic materials, which either fail to meet MRI compatibility requirements or suffer from poor support stability due to insufficient material strength. Furthermore, most devices have standardized structures that do not follow ergonomic principles, failing to conform to the natural physiological curves of different patients from shoulder to wrist. Prolonged support can easily cause arm muscle soreness and poor blood circulation, further increasing the likelihood of patient position changes.

[0005] Third, there is a lack of balance between clinical ease of operation and patient experience. Contrast-enhanced MRI scans require intravenous puncture at the cubital fossa to inject contrast agent. Existing support devices often lack a dedicated operating area, necessitating temporary movement of the patient's arm or disassembly of the support structure during puncture. This not only prolongs the procedure time but also easily disrupts the patient's positional stability. Furthermore, the scanning room temperature is typically maintained at 20-24°C. Prolonged contact between the exposed arm and the cold support material can cause discomfort and even vasoconstriction, affecting puncture efficiency. In the event of an emergency within the enclosed scanning chamber, there is a lack of convenient signal transmission channels to communicate with the control room technicians.

[0006] Fourth, there is a lack of individualized adaptation. Patients vary significantly in height, arm length, and shoulder joint range of motion. Existing support devices are mostly designed with a single size, making it impossible to adjust the support height and curvature according to individual characteristics. This makes it difficult to achieve precise and stable support for children, elderly patients, or those with limited limb mobility. Some devices using straps for fixation may also cause arm compression due to improper restraint, leading to patient resistance.

[0007] In summary, current arm support technologies used for contrast-enhanced MRI scans have significant shortcomings in vibration suppression, MRI compatibility, ergonomic fit, ease of clinical operation, and patient experience, failing to meet the dual demands of accurate diagnosis and high-quality medical services. Therefore, developing an arm support system with intelligent anti-shake functionality, good compatibility, personalized adaptation capabilities, and a convenient clinical operation design is an urgent need for improving the quality and efficiency of contrast-enhanced MRI scans and has significant clinical application value. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the technical problems existing in the arm support devices used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement scanning, the present invention provides an intelligent adaptive arm support system for MRI enhancement scanning.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement scanning includes a skin-friendly contact layer, an intelligent responsive support layer, and a rigid support base. The intelligent responsive support layer is disposed between the skin-friendly contact layer and the rigid support base, forming a three-layer composite support structure. The intelligent responsive support layer uses a composite matrix composed of slow-rebound memory foam and non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules. The non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules in the intelligent responsive support layer are in a soft gel state under normal conditions. When the patient's arm experiences high-frequency micro-vibrations, the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules momentarily and locally harden to absorb and suppress the vibrations, and return to a soft state after the vibrations stop. The three-layer composite support structure is adapted to the MRI scanning environment, and all constituent materials are non-magnetic and non-conductive, meeting MRI compatibility requirements.

[0010] The skin-friendly contact layer is made of medical-grade silicone or phase change material gel, and its surface has micro-airflow grooves to promote air circulation.

[0011] The rigid support base is made of high-strength composite glass fiber or ceramic injection molding, with pre-embedded sensor wiring channels and pneumatic pipelines inside, and integrated interfaces and buckle structures on the exterior.

[0012] The three-layer composite support structure is an Ω-shaped dome-shaped arm support groove with an S-shaped natural physiological curve that precisely fits the ergonomic curvature of the patient from the shoulder to the wrist.

[0013] The arm support slot is equipped with three interchangeable inner cores of different heights and curvatures. The appropriate inner core can be inserted into the main support body according to the patient's height, arm length and shoulder joint range of motion, so as to achieve individualized support.

[0014] It also includes wide, high-strength nylon hook and loop fasteners. The rigid support base is anchored to the magnetic resonance scanning bed by the wide, high-strength nylon hook and loop fasteners using an X-shaped cross-fixation method to prevent displacement.

[0015] The elbow crease area of ​​the three-layer composite support structure is provided with a flip-up window. One side of the flip-up window is a closed, warm surface, and the other side of the flip-up window is an open operating surface. The open operating surface is equipped with a sterile disposable pad. During puncture, the window is flipped to the operating surface, and after completion, it is flipped back to the closed, warm surface.

[0016] The three-layer composite support structure has a built-in circulating warm water channel, which is connected to the water tank and pump unit outside the scanning room through an insulated pipe to achieve uniform and active heating.

[0017] The three-layer composite support structure integrates a wireless magnetic resonance safety call button at the corresponding palm position, allowing patients to send an emergency signal to the control room technician by pressing the button.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention constructs a dual support mechanism of static fit and dynamic stabilization by introducing a composite matrix of slow-rebound memory foam and non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules into the intelligent response support layer. The non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules are normally in a soft gel state, adaptively conforming to the contours of the patient's arm. When the patient experiences high-frequency micro-tremors due to muscle fatigue, tension, or physiological tremors, the microcapsules instantly harden locally, rapidly suppressing vibration transmission through energy absorption. After the vibration stops, they quickly return to a soft state, avoiding the discomfort caused by rigid fixation and reducing motion artifacts at the source. Compared to ordinary sponges or rigid fixation frames, this invention can control the amplitude of arm micro-tremors to below 0.05mm, significantly reducing the risk of image blurring, providing a clear imaging basis for accurate lesion identification, thereby reducing the probability of misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, and duplicate scans, and improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.

[0019] 2. This invention explicitly defines that all components of the skin-friendly contact layer, intelligent response support layer, and rigid support base are made of non-magnetic and non-conductive materials. The skin-friendly contact layer uses medical-grade silicone or phase change material gel, while the rigid support base is made of high-strength composite glass fiber or ceramic. This fundamentally avoids problems such as magnetic field distortion and electromagnetic interference caused by metal materials, making it fully compatible with the strong magnetic field scanning environment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Simultaneously, the high-strength material of the rigid support base and the X-shaped cross-fixing nylon hook and loop fastener design ensure a stable anchoring of the support system to the scanning bed, eliminating the risk of device displacement during scanning. This not only ensures the safe operation of the MRI equipment but also provides reliable protection for patient positioning stability.

[0020] 3. This invention designs a three-layer composite support structure as an Ω-shaped dome-shaped arm support groove. The groove has an S-shaped natural physiological curve, which can precisely conform to the anatomical curvature of the patient from the shoulder to the wrist, distributing arm pressure to multiple stress points and avoiding poor blood circulation and muscle soreness caused by local tissue compression. Combined with three interchangeable inner cores of different heights and curvatures, medical staff can flexibly select the appropriate inner core according to the patient's height, arm length, and shoulder joint range of motion, achieving individualized support for all patients, from children to the elderly. Furthermore, the medical-grade material of the skin-friendly contact layer and the surface micro-airflow groove design reduce skin irritation and promote air circulation. Combined with the active warming function achieved by the circulating warm water channel, this effectively improves patient comfort in the low-temperature environment of the scanning room, reduces postural changes caused by discomfort, and improves patient compliance during scanning.

[0021] 4. This invention addresses the core operational needs of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning by integrating several convenient functional modules: a flip-out window design in the cubital fossa area allows for quick switching to an open operating surface during puncture, ensuring hygiene with a sterile pad; after completion, it flips back to a closed, warm surface, allowing contrast agent injection without moving the patient's arm, thus shortening operation time; the rigid support base with pre-embedded sensor wiring channels and pneumatic tubing provides an installation foundation for future functional expansion, reducing equipment modification costs; and a wireless MRI safety call button integrated in the palm position allows patients to transmit emergency signals at any time within the sealed scanning chamber, enhancing medical safety. These designs optimize the clinical process in multiple aspects, including puncture operation, equipment maintenance, and safety monitoring, reducing the operational complexity and workload of medical staff and improving scanning efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0023] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another angle; Figure 3 This is a layered structure diagram of the intelligent response support layer of the present invention.

[0025] Among them: 1 is the skin-friendly contact layer, 2 is the intelligent response support layer, 21 is the slow rebound memory foam, 22 is the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsule, 3 is the rigid support base, 4 is the wide high-strength nylon hook and loop fastener, 5 is the flip-up window, 6 is the insulated pipe, 7 is the water tank and pump unit, and 8 is the wireless magnetic resonance safety call button. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. These descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, and not for limiting the claims of the present invention. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] This embodiment provides an intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement scanning. Through the synergistic effect of its components, it achieves stable support, vibration suppression, and humane protection for the patient's arm while meeting MRI compatibility requirements, providing a foundation for accurate scanning. Its specific working principle is as follows: I. Basic Adaptation: Fully Compatible Design and Installation for Magnetic Resonance Environments The system primarily meets the special environmental requirements of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. All components are made of non-magnetic and non-conductive materials, such as medical-grade silicone for the skin-friendly contact layer 1 and composite glass fiber for the rigid support base 3. This prevents interference with the MRI magnetic field from the outset, ensuring image quality and safe operation of the equipment. Before formal use, the entire system is securely anchored to the MRI scanning table using wide, high-strength nylon hook and loop fasteners 4 on the rigid support base 3 via an X-shaped cross-fixation method. The mechanical stability of the X-shaped structure prevents the system from shifting during scanning due to equipment operation or slight patient movement, providing a stable foundation for subsequent support functions. Simultaneously, the pre-embedded sensor wiring channels and pneumatic pipelines within the rigid support base 3, along with integrated interfaces and snap-fit ​​structures, provide concealed space for the wiring layout of system expansion functions, preventing cluttered wiring from affecting scanning operations.

[0030] II. Core Support: Collaborative Adaptation and Intelligent Response of a Three-Layer Composite Structure like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the system adopts a three-layer composite structure consisting of a skin-friendly contact layer 1, an intelligent response support layer 2, and a rigid support base 3, forming a stepped support system of flexible contact, intelligent buffering, and rigid load-bearing, which is adapted to the patient's arm support needs.

[0031] 1. Skin-friendly comfort and environmental regulation: The skin-friendly contact layer 1, which comes into direct contact with the patient, is made of medical-grade silicone or phase change material gel, possessing both good biocompatibility and tactile feel, reducing skin irritation caused by prolonged contact. Micro-airflow grooves on its surface create air circulation channels, accelerating local sweat evaporation and keeping the arm skin dry. Simultaneously, the three-layer composite structure houses a circulating warm water channel, connected to a water tank and pump unit 7 outside the scanning room via an insulated pipe 6. External equipment controls the circulation of warm water within the channel, utilizing the thermal conductivity of water to achieve uniform heating and warmth of the arm, preventing patients from experiencing cold limbs and muscle tension due to prolonged scanning time or low ambient temperature.

[0032] 2. Core mechanisms of intelligent vibration suppression: such as Figure 3 As shown, the intelligent response support layer 2, as the core functional layer of the system, forms a dual buffering effect with its composite matrix composed of slow-rebound memory foam 21 and non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules 22. Under normal conditions, the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules 22 are in a soft gel state. Combined with the shaping properties of the slow-rebound memory foam 21, they can adaptively deform according to the contour of the patient's arm, closely fitting while dispersing local pressure. When the patient experiences high-frequency micro-tremors in their arm due to tension or physiological tremors during an MRI scan, the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules 22 are subjected to instantaneous shear force, and the molecules of the microcapsules quickly form rigid connections, instantly achieving local hardening. They absorb vibration energy through their own deformation, while simultaneously transmitting the vibration impact force to the slow-rebound memory foam 21 for secondary buffering. Finally, the rigid support base 3 achieves stable force bearing, thereby effectively suppressing the transmission of vibration to the scanning area and avoiding blurring of the scanned image due to arm shaking. When the vibration stops, the intermolecular forces of the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules 22 recover, returning to a soft gel state and maintaining the comfort of the support.

[0033] 3. Ergonomic Fit and Initial Support: The three-layer composite support structure features an Ω-shaped dome-shaped arm support groove. The groove follows a natural S-shaped physiological curve, precisely conforming to the patient's complete arc from shoulder to wrist, ensuring even weight distribution across the support surface. To accommodate differences in height, arm length, and shoulder joint range of motion among patients, the system is equipped with three replaceable inner cores of varying heights and curvatures. Individualized support adjustment is achieved through the insertion and removal of these inner cores from the main support body, preventing patients from actively moving due to discomfort.

[0034] III. Scene Adaptation: Enhanced Scanning Assistance Functions and Collaborative Operation To address the need for intravenous drug administration during MRI-enhanced scanning, the system's structural design seamlessly integrates scanning operations with support functions. A flip-up window 5, located in the elbow crease area of ​​the three-layer composite support structure, can be flipped to an open operating surface during puncture preparation. Its sterile disposable pad ensures a sterile environment in the puncture area, providing convenient space for medical staff. After puncture and securing the infusion tubing, the window can be flipped back to its closed, warming position, maintaining arm warmth while preventing tubing compression or displacement. Simultaneously, a wireless MRI safety call button 8 integrated into the corresponding palm position employs MRI safety design. If the patient experiences discomfort during scanning, pressing the button sends an emergency signal to the technician in the control room. Upon receiving the signal, the technician can immediately pause the scan for intervention, forming a closed-loop safety system throughout the scanning process.

[0035] IV. Overall Collaboration: Stable Support and Security Assurance Throughout the Process The entire system's workflow forms a complete closed loop: before scanning, the system is secured using wide-width, high-strength nylon hook and loop fasteners 4, and individualized adjustments are made by replacing the inner core; the flip-type window 5 is used for repositioning after puncture. During scanning, the skin-friendly contact layer 1 ensures comfort, the circulating water channel maintains body temperature, the intelligent response support layer 2 suppresses arm tremors in real time, and the rigid support base 3 ensures overall stability. During scanning, patients can interact in emergencies via the wireless MRI safety call button 8. After scanning, the inner core can be easily disassembled for cleaning and disinfection, preparing it for the next use. All components work together to achieve the core goals of stable support, accurate scanning, and patient comfort, complementing each other's functions and operating synergistically to fully meet the clinical needs of MRI-enhanced scanning.

[0036] The above description only illustrates the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and all such changes should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scanning, characterized by: It comprises a skin-friendly contact layer (1), an intelligent response support layer (2) and a rigid support base (3), the intelligent response support layer (2) is arranged between the skin-friendly contact layer (1) and the rigid support base (3), forming a three-layer composite support structure; the intelligent response support layer (2) adopts a composite matrix composed of slow rebound memory cotton (21) and non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules (22); the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules (22) in the intelligent response support layer (2) are in a soft gel state under normal conditions, when high-frequency micro-vibration occurs in the patient's arm, the non-Newtonian fluid microcapsules (22) are locally hardened instantaneously to absorb and inhibit vibration, and return to a soft state after vibration stops; the three-layer composite support structure is adapted to the magnetic resonance scanning environment, all constituent materials are non-magnetic and non-conductive, and meets the magnetic resonance compatibility requirements.

2. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The skin-friendly contact layer (1) adopts a medical-grade silica gel or a phase change material gel, and a micro-airflow groove for promoting air circulation is arranged on the surface.

3. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The rigid support base (3) is formed by high-strength composite glass fiber or ceramic injection molding, and internally embedded sensor wiring channels and pneumatic pipelines, and externally integrated interfaces and buckle structures.

4. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The three-layer composite support structure is an arm support groove in the shape of an Ω-shaped dome structure, the groove body is in an S-shaped natural physiological curve, and accurately fits the ergonomic radius of the patient from the shoulder to the wrist.

5. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The arm support groove is configured with three replaceable inner cores with different heights and radii, and the appropriate inner core is selected according to the patient's height, arm length and shoulder joint activity and inserted into the main support body, so as to realize individualized support.

6. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: It also comprises a wide high-strength nylon hook-and-loop fastener (4), and the rigid support base (3) is anchored on the magnetic resonance scanning bed by the X-shaped cross fixation method of the wide high-strength nylon hook-and-loop fastener (4), to prevent displacement.

7. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The corresponding area of the elbow of the three-layer composite support structure is provided with a flip window (5), one side of the flip window (5) is a closed warm-keeping surface, and the other side of the flip window (5) is an open operation surface, the open operation surface is configured with a sterile disposable protective pad, which is turned to the operation surface during puncture and turned back to the closed warm-keeping surface after completion.

8. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The three-layer composite support structure is internally provided with a circulating warm water flow channel, the circulating warm water flow channel is connected to a water tank and a pump unit (7) outside the scanning room through an insulated pipeline (6), to realize uniform active warming.

9. The intelligent adaptive arm support system for magnetic resonance enhanced scan of claim 1, wherein: The palm corresponding position of the three-layer composite support structure is integrated with a wireless magnetic resonance safety call button (8), and the patient can send an emergency signal to the control room technician by pressing the wireless magnetic resonance safety call button (8).

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