Inflatable fixing assembly for MRI craniocerebral examination

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable fixing assembly for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) craniocerebral examination, which comprises an inflatable fixing device, an inflator pump and a controller, the inflatable fixing device comprises an inflatable head airbag, an air inlet channel and inflatable noise reduction earmuffs; the head air bag is used for wrapping the brain and limiting movement of the head, and the earmuffs are used for blocking noise generated during operation of the MRI equipment. According to the inflatable fixing assembly for MRI craniocerebral examination, through the cavity-divided head inflatable air bag, the gradient noise reduction inflatable earmuffs and the Internet of Things intelligent control system, accurate head fixing and efficient noise reduction are achieved, and the MRI image quality and the patient experience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of auxiliary devices for medical imaging equipment, and more specifically to an inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination. Background Technology

[0002] RI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, primarily utilizes the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance for imaging. It does not involve radiation or ionizing radiation and is an important diagnostic tool in modern clinical practice. During an MRI scan, the patient needs to lie flat and remain stationary. Due to the confined space inside the equipment, patients are prone to involuntary movements. However, current head immobilization devices cannot effectively and properly fix the patient's head, resulting in poor immobilization and artifacts, unclear images, and inaccurate results.

[0003] Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also limited by its imaging principle. During scanning, the rapid switching of current in the gradient coil generates Lorentz force, causing the coil to vibrate and produce noise. The higher the field strength and the higher the radio frequency energy, the greater the gradient noise, which mainly manifests as knocking, tapping, and abrasive sounds. This is especially noticeable to patients within the confined space of the MRI scanner. Studies have shown that the average sound pressure level during MRI scans is approximately 99 dB, with some reaching over 110 dB, while the upper limit of human ear comfort is around 75 dB.

[0004] During MRI examinations, the patient's head needs to be immobilized to avoid image artifacts, and earplugs need to be provided to block out noise. Traditional fixation devices are mostly rigid frames or foam pads, which cannot adapt to different head shapes and body positions, and are prone to causing local pressure or insecure fixation. Moreover, prolonged contact with rigid materials can cause patient discomfort and affect cooperation. The noise of MRI equipment can reach 110 decibels, and the noise reduction effect of traditional earplugs is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an inflatable head fixation component that achieves precise head fixation and efficient noise reduction through a split-cavity head airbag adaptive fixation and inflatable earmuff gradient noise reduction technology, thereby improving the quality of examination images and patient comfort.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0007] An inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination includes an inflatable fixation device, an air pump, and a controller. The inflatable fixation device comprises an inflatable head airbag, an air inlet, and inflatable noise-reducing earmuffs. The head airbag is used to wrap around the cranium and restrict head movement, and the earmuffs are used to block noise generated during MRI operation.

[0008] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination is characterized in that: the head airbag has at least 3 independent air chambers, each air chamber is isolated from the others by an air inlet, and each air chamber is equipped with an independent pressure sensor.

[0009] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination is characterized in that: the earmuff has a layered structure, consisting of an outer cover, an inflatable cavity, a sound-absorbing structural layer, and an inner liner from the outside in; the sound-absorbing structural layer is a gradient density composite layer, containing at least two layers of nanoporous sound-absorbing materials with different pore sizes, wherein the outer layer has a pore size of 50-200nm and the inner layer has a pore size of 20-50nm.

[0010] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination is characterized in that: the edge of the earmuff is provided with an annular air bladder, which, after inflation, forms a 360° sealing ring that matches the contour of the auricle.

[0011] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination is characterized by: the air inlet channel having a mesh-like fully interconnected structure, with the inlet connected to the air pump; and each air chamber having an independent micro-electronically controlled air inlet valve, with the air pump supplying air to each air chamber independently through the air inlet channel and the micro-electronically controlled air inlet valve.

[0012] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination is characterized in that: a recessed channel is formed between the top outer surface of the air inlet and the outer surface of the head airbag as an exhaust channel; each air chamber is provided with an independent micro-electronically controlled exhaust valve between it and the exhaust channel, and the gas inside each air chamber is independently discharged into the exhaust channel and enters the atmosphere through the micro-electronically controlled exhaust valve.

[0013] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination is characterized in that: the pressure sensors are arranged in an array with an interval of ≤2cm, and are linked with the air pump, the micro-electrically controlled air inlet valve and the micro-electrically controlled air outlet valve through a PID control algorithm in the controller, with a response time of ≤50ms.

[0014] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination is characterized by: further comprising a head motion prediction module based on a convolutional neural network; the head motion prediction module generates an air pressure adjustment command and transmits it to the controller within a time of no more than 100ms by analyzing the pressure data from the pressure sensor in real time.

[0015] Furthermore, the inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination is characterized in that: the controller achieves synchronous control with the MRI host through the Internet of Things (IoT), the IoT including the BLE communication protocol, is able to synchronously receive gradient field switching signals with the MRI host, and trigger airbag pressure adjustment during the field strength stabilization gap.

[0016] This invention provides an inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examinations. Through a split-cavity head inflatable airbag, gradient noise-reducing inflatable earmuffs, and an IoT intelligent control system, it achieves precise head fixation and efficient noise reduction, thereby improving MRI image quality and patient experience.

[0017] This invention provides an inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination. Through honeycomb-shaped air chamber segmentation and independent pressure control technology, it achieves multi-point dynamic fixation of the head. It uses AI algorithms to predict the micro-movement trend of the head and achieves advanced pressure compensation. The inflatable earmuffs combine the broadband sound absorption characteristics of nanoporous sound-absorbing materials with the dynamic sealing of the annular airbag to effectively attenuate the pulse noise during MRI operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the inflatable fixing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the inflatable fixing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of the inflatable fixing device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the air chamber of the airbag in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure of the earmuff in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the inflatable fixing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Example 1, see appendix Figure 1-5 An inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination includes an inflatable fixation device 100, an air pump (not shown in the figure), and a controller (not shown in the figure). The inflatable fixation device 100 includes an inflatable head airbag 110, an air inlet 120, and inflatable noise-canceling earmuffs 130.

[0026] The inflatable head airbag 110 is a U-shaped airbag that surrounds the sides and top of the head, and is connected to the inflatable noise-canceling earmuffs 130 at the ear positions on both sides of the head. In use, air is pumped into the head airbag 110, causing it to expand and fit against the inner wall of the ring magnetic resonance coil, filling the gap between the patient's head and the ring magnetic resonance coil, thereby fixing the position of the patient's head.

[0027] The head airbag 110 consists of an outer layer 111, an air chamber 112, and an inner layer 113, arranged from the outside in. Both the outer layer 111 and the inner layer 113 are made of flexible materials. The flexible material of the outer layer 111 is preferably latex or TPU, and the flexible material of the inner layer is preferably medical-grade silicone.

[0028] The air intake duct 120 has a mesh-like interconnected structure, and the crisscrossing air intake ducts 120 divide the air chamber 112 into 14 independent air chambers. The air intake duct 120 is enclosed by elastic diaphragms 121. The top elastic diaphragm of the air intake duct 120 is a natural extension of the outer layer 111 of the head airbag 110, and the bottom elastic diaphragm of the air intake duct 120 is a recessed extension of the inner layer 113 of the head airbag 110. The recessed channel formed between the bottom outer surface of the air intake duct 120 and the outer surface of the inner layer 113 of the head airbag 110 is the exhaust duct 122.

[0029] The air intake duct 120 has a mesh-like fully connected structure, and its inlet is connected to the air pump. Each air chamber is equipped with an independent micro-electronically controlled air intake valve 123 on the elastic diaphragm 121 between the air intake duct 120 and each air chamber. The air pump supplies air to each air chamber 112 independently through the air intake duct 120 and the micro-electronically controlled air intake valve 123.

[0030] Each air chamber 112 is equipped with an independent micro-electronic exhaust valve 124 on the elastic diaphragm between the exhaust duct 122 and the exhaust duct 122. The gas inside each air chamber 112 is discharged into the exhaust duct 122 and enters the atmosphere independently through the micro-electronic exhaust valve 124.

[0031] Each air chamber 112 has an independent pressure sensor 114 attached to the inner wall of the inner layer 113. The pressure sensor is preferably a piezoelectric ceramic sensor. The pressure sensors 114 are arranged in an array with a spacing of ≤2cm and are linked with the air pump, the micro electronically controlled air intake valve 123 and the micro electronically controlled air exhaust valve 124 through the PID control algorithm in the controller to realize the dynamic regulation of the air pressure in each air chamber 112. The regulation response time is ≤50ms.

[0032] The earcups 130 have a layered structure, consisting of an outer cover 131, an air chamber 132, a sound-absorbing structural layer 133, and an inner liner 134, from the outside in. The sound-absorbing structural layer 133 is a gradient density composite layer containing two layers of nanoporous sound-absorbing materials with different pore sizes, wherein the outer layer has a pore size of 50-200nm and the inner layer has a pore size of 20-50nm.

[0033] The outer cover 131 of the earmuff 130 is a natural extension of the outer layer 111 of the head airbag 110, and the inner lining 134 of the earmuff 130 is a natural extension of the inner layer 113 of the head airbag 110.

[0034] The earcup 130 is also provided with an annular air bladder 135 at its edge. The chamber of the annular air bladder 135 is connected to the inflation chamber 132. After the annular air bladder 135 is inflated, it forms a 360° sealing ring that matches the contour of the auricle, achieving a tight and seamless fit with the auricle.

[0035] The junction of the annular airbag 135 and the head airbag 110 forms a branch of the mesh air intake duct 120. A miniature electronically controlled air intake valve 123 is also provided on the side wall shared by the annular airbag 135 and the air intake duct 120. The inflation pump supplies air to the annular airbag 135 and the inflation chamber 132 through the air intake duct 120 and the miniature electronically controlled air intake valve 123.

[0036] A miniature electronically controlled exhaust valve 124 is provided on the outer wall of the annular airbag 135; a pressure sensor 114 is also provided between the earmuff sound-absorbing structure layer 133 and the inner lining 134. The sensor 114 is linked with the air pump, the miniature electronically controlled air inlet valve 123 and the miniature electronically controlled exhaust valve 124 through the PID control algorithm in the controller to realize the dynamic regulation of the air pressure in the annular airbag 135 and the inflation chamber 132, with a regulation response time ≤50ms.

[0037] The sound-absorbing structural layer consists of two layers of nanoporous sound-absorbing materials with different pore sizes. Nanoporous materials possess extremely small size and surface effects; compared to traditional materials, they have a larger surface area and higher activity, increasing the contact area and interaction time between sound waves and the material. This effectively converts sound wave energy into other forms of energy, achieving a sound absorption effect. The cavities of different sizes in the nanoporous materials can reflect and block sound waves by altering their reflection coefficient and transmittance, thus achieving sound insulation. The nanoporous layers with different pore sizes can be optimized for low-frequency and high-frequency noise respectively. Small-pore nanoporous materials effectively absorb high-frequency sound waves through the friction and viscosity effects within the micropores; while large-pore nanoporous materials have better absorption effects on low-frequency sound waves. The alternating arrangement of layers with different pore sizes increases the number of sound wave reflections within the material, lengthens the propagation path, and enhances the sound insulation effect.

[0038] After the air chamber 132 and the annular airbag 135 are inflated, they not only ensure a tight fit between the earmuff and the ear, but also, in conjunction with the sound-absorbing structural layer 133, further enhance the overall sound insulation and noise reduction effect of the earmuff.

[0039] The MRI cranial examination inflatable fixation device also includes a head motion prediction module based on a convolutional neural network; the head motion prediction module generates an air pressure adjustment command and transmits it to the controller within a time of no more than 100ms by analyzing the pressure data of the pressure sensor 114 in real time.

[0040] The controller of the inflatable fixation device for MRI cranial examination is synchronously controlled with the MRI host via the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT includes the BLE communication protocol, which can synchronously receive the magnetic resonance coil gradient field switching signal with the MRI host and trigger the airbag pressure adjustment mechanism during the field strength stabilization gap to avoid transient interference during gradient field switching, improve control accuracy, and enhance patient comfort and safety.

[0041] When a patient undergoes an MRI scan of the brain, the head airbag 110 and earmuffs 130 are first placed on the head, and then the patient lies flat inside the MRI coil. The air pump is activated, inflating the head airbag 110 and earmuffs 130 through the air inlet 120. This ensures the head airbag 110 fits perfectly against the inner wall of the MRI coil, securing the patient's head, and the earmuffs 130 fit perfectly against the auricle, achieving sound insulation and noise reduction. Simultaneously, based on the patient's comfort feedback, the air pressure in each air chamber 112, the earmuff inflation chamber 132, and the annular airbag 135 is adjusted in real time by controlling the miniature electronically controlled air inlet valve 123 and the miniature electronically controlled air outlet valve 124 to achieve optimal fixation and sound insulation.

[0042] During an MRI cranial examination, when the patient's head attempts to turn, the pressure sensor 114 on the side opposite to the direction of the turn increases in value, while the pressure sensor 114 on the side opposite to the direction of the turn decreases in value. After receiving the pressure change data, the controller controls the air pump, the micro-electrically controlled air inlet valve 123, and the micro-electrically controlled air outlet valve 124 to inflate the air chamber on the side opposite to the direction of the turn, thereby increasing the pressure in that air chamber and preventing the patient's head from turning in that direction. At the same time, the micro-electrically controlled air outlet valve 124 on the air chamber on the side opposite to the direction of the turn opens, releasing some of the pressure in that air chamber and causing the patient's head to turn back.

[0043] Example 2, see appendix Figure 6 The inflatable fixation component for MRI cranial examination has a head airbag 110 divided into 8 independent air chambers, and the rest of the components and structure are the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Although the invention has been described in detail using specific methods, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made without departing from the intent and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination, comprising an inflatable fixation device, an air pump, and a controller, characterized in that: The inflatable fixation device includes an inflatable head airbag (110), an air inlet (120), and inflatable noise-canceling earmuffs (130); the head airbag (110) is used to wrap around the brain and restrict head movement, and the earmuffs (130) are used to block noise from the MRI equipment during operation.

2. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head airbag (110) has at least three independent air chambers (112), which are isolated from each other by an air intake (120), and each air chamber is equipped with an independent pressure sensor (114).

3. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The earmuff (130) has a layered structure, consisting of an outer cover (131), an air chamber (132), a sound-absorbing structural layer (133), and an inner liner (134) from the outside to the inside. The sound-absorbing structural layer (133) is a gradient density composite layer containing at least two layers of nanoporous sound-absorbing materials with different pore sizes, wherein the outer layer has a pore size of 50-200 nm and the inner layer has a pore size of 20-50 nm.

4. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 3, characterized in that: The earmuff (130) has an annular airbag (135) at its edge, which forms a 360° sealing ring that matches the contour of the ear after inflation.

5. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air intake (120) is a mesh-like fully connected structure, and the inlet is connected to the air pump. Each air chamber is equipped with an independent micro-electrically controlled air intake valve (123). The air pump supplies air to each air chamber (112) independently through the air intake (120) and the micro-electrically controlled air intake valve (123).

6. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 5, characterized in that: A recessed channel is formed between the top outer surface of the air intake (120) and the outer surface of the head airbag (110) as an exhaust channel (122); each air chamber (112) and the exhaust channel (122) are provided with an independent micro electronically controlled exhaust valve (124), and the gas inside each air chamber (112) is discharged into the exhaust channel (122) and enters the atmosphere independently through the micro electronically controlled exhaust valve (124).

7. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pressure sensors (114) are arranged in an array with a spacing of ≤2cm, and are linked with the air pump, the micro electronically controlled air intake valve (123) and the micro electronically controlled air exhaust valve (124) through the PID control algorithm in the controller, with a response time of ≤50ms.

8. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a head motion prediction module based on a convolutional neural network; the head motion prediction module generates an air pressure adjustment command and transmits it to the controller within a time of no more than 100ms by analyzing the pressure data of the pressure sensor (114) in real time.

9. The inflatable fixation assembly for MRI cranial examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller achieves synchronous control with the MRI host via the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT includes the BLE communication protocol, which enables it to synchronously receive magnetic resonance coil gradient field switching signals with the MRI host and trigger airbag pressure adjustment during field strength stabilization gaps.

Images