Mri housing and system for mounting a display

Abstract

A system for mounting a display to an MRI system housing includes a base frame configured to connect to a front panel of the MRI system housing. The base frame has a back plate and four sidewalls extending vertically from the back plate to define a cavity configured to receive the rear side of the display. The system includes a front baffle with an opening configured to surround the display, wherein the front baffle covers the base frame and contacts the front panel of the MRI system housing. The front baffle and the base frame are configured to be joined together by at least one interlocking engagement to retain the front baffle around the display, wherein each of the at least one interlocking engagement is formed by a first engagement feature on one of the four sidewalls, the first engagement feature removably engaging with a second engagement feature on the front baffle.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to housings for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems and other patient imaging systems, and more particularly to systems for removably mounting display devices to such housings.

[0002] MR imaging (MRI) has proven useful for the diagnosis of many diseases. MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, abnormal tissues (such as tumors), and other structures that cannot be easily imaged using other imaging modalities. Furthermore, MRI operates without exposing the patient to the ionizing radiation experienced in modalities such as CT and X-rays. MRI is commonly used to obtain information about a patient's internal physiology, including for imaging the brain, chest, spine, heart, and other parts or tissues within the patient's body (or anywhere on the patient's body). Additionally, many MRI systems enable multiphysiological or whole-body imaging, where a significant portion of the patient's body is imaged. This is typically performed by imaging several parts of the patient's body separately and then stitching the images together to generate a continuous image. Other gantry-based imagers include computed tomography (CT) systems, positron emission tomography (PET) systems, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, and so on. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one aspect of this disclosure, a system for mounting a display to an imager housing, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system housing, includes a base frame and a front baffle. The base frame is configured to connect to a front panel of the housing, having a back plate configured to contact the front panel and four sidewalls extending vertically from the back plate. The back plate and the four sidewalls define a cavity configured to receive a rear side of the display. The front baffle has an opening configured to surround the display, wherein the front baffle covers the base frame and has a surrounding edge contacting the front panel of the housing. The front baffle and the base frame are configured to be joined together by at least one interlocking engagement to retain the front baffle around the display, wherein each of the at least one interlocking engagement is formed by a first engagement feature on one of the four sidewalls, the first engagement feature removably engaging with a second engagement feature on the front baffle.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first engagement feature is a channel on the outside of each of at least two opposing sidewalls of the four sidewalls of the base frame, and the second engagement feature is a protrusion on each of at least two opposing inward sides of the front baffle, wherein the channel and the protrusion are configured to fit together tightly to hold the front baffle around the display and above the base frame.

[0006] Optionally, the protrusion is a semi-circular protrusion on the front fender, and the channel is a semi-circular recess on the outside of the sidewall of the base frame.

[0007] In another embodiment, the first engagement feature is a protrusion on the outside of each of at least two opposing sidewalls of the four sidewalls of the base frame, and the second engagement feature is a channel on each of at least two opposing inward sides of the front baffle, wherein the channels and protrusions are configured to fit together tightly to hold the front baffle around the display and above the base frame.

[0008] In one embodiment, the system includes at least two interlocking engagements on opposite sidewalls.

[0009] In another embodiment, the system includes at least one interlocking engagement on each of the four sidewalls surrounding the display.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the system includes at least two interlocking engagements on each of the four sidewalls surrounding the display.

[0011] In one embodiment, the front baffle includes a front ring configured to surround the front of the display and a flange perpendicular to the front ring, wherein a second engagement feature is a protrusion on the inward side of the flange, and a first engagement feature is a channel on the outside of each of at least two sidewalls of the base frame.

[0012] Optionally, the flange is configured to deflect outward as the protrusion slides past the pawl on the outside of at least two sidewalls of the base frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, the protrusion is a semi-circular protrusion on the flange, and the channel is a semi-circular recess on the outside of the sidewall of the base frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the front panel has a notch, and the base frame is configured to fit within the notch in the front panel such that a gap is maintained between the outer surface of each sidewall of the base frame and the inner surface of the notch. A flange on at least one of the sidewalls is configured to slide between the outer surface of the sidewall of the base frame and the inner surface of the notch when the current baffle is attached to the base frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, the front baffle is configured such that when the protrusion of the front baffle is in the channel, the front ring around the display is flush with the front of the display.

[0016] In one embodiment, the front panel further includes a keyboard portion configured to surround a keyboard configured to provide control input to the MRI system, wherein the keyboard portion is located below the display ring portion. The base frame further includes a keyboard mounting bracket for mounting the keyboard below the display.

[0017] In another embodiment, the front panel further includes at least one fork-shaped buckle positioned to fasten around at least one tubular knob attached to the front panel.

[0018] In another aspect of this disclosure, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system or other gantry-based patient imaging system includes: a housing including a front panel with a circular opening defining an aperture for imaging a patient; a display; a keyboard; and a mounting system configured to mount the keyboard and display to the front panel of the housing. The mounting system includes a base frame configured to connect to the front panel of the housing. The base frame includes a back plate configured to contact the front panel and four sidewalls surrounding the back plate, wherein the back plate and the four sidewalls define a cavity configured to receive the rear side of the display. The base frame further includes: a keyboard mount for mounting the keyboard below the display and a front baffle having a display opening configured to surround the display and a keyboard opening configured to surround the keyboard. The front bezel and the base frame are configured to be connected together by at least one interlocking engagement to hold the front bezel around the display, wherein each of the at least one interlocking engagement is formed by a channel on one of the four sidewalls that removably engages with a protrusion on the front bezel, wherein the channel and the protrusion are configured to mate together to hold the front bezel around the display and above the base frame.

[0019] Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] This disclosure is described with reference to the following figures.

[0021] Figure 1 An exemplary MRI system with a housing is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 An embodiment of the front panel of an MRI housing is illustrated, and an exploded view of a mounting system for a display is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view shows an exemplary mounting system assembled with a monitor and keyboard and shown separately from the MRI housing.

[0024] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Different exploded views of a display showing one embodiment of the base frame assembled into the disclosed mounting system.

[0025] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An embodiment of the front baffle of the disclosed mounting system is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 The assembly into the MRI shell is shown. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The installation system.

[0027] Figure 7A and Figure 7B yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the assembled mounting system shows the connection arrangement between the front baffle and the base frame.

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An exploded view of the assembled mounting system, with the front baffle removed and rotated, showing the connection arrangement between the front baffle and the front panel of the MRI housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In this description, certain terms are used for the purpose of brevity, clarity, and ease of understanding. No unnecessary limitations should be inferred from these terms beyond the requirements of the prior art, as they are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be understood in a broad sense.

[0030] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or restricted, discussions of a particular orientation are provided by way of example only for a particular embodiment or related illustration. For example, discussions of “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and “longitudinal” features and / or relative movements (e.g., “upward” and “downward” movement) are generally intended only to describe the orientation of such features relative to a frame of reference for a particular example or illustration. Accordingly, for example, in some arrangements or embodiments, a “top” feature may sometimes be positioned below a “bottom” feature (etc.). Additionally or alternatively, embodiments can be arranged in different orientations such that the “top” and “bottom” features are arranged horizontally relative to each other, for example, in a “left-to-right” orientation.

[0031] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” as used herein, and variations thereof, are intended to cover the elements listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as any additional elements. An embodiment described as “comprising,” “including,” or “having” certain elements is also considered to be “substantially composed of those certain elements” and “composed of those certain elements.”

[0032] The inventors have recognized the need for improved systems to mount and secure a user interface display and / or keyboard to the housing of a gantry-based patient imaging system, specifically an MRI system housing. The housing shown herein is an MRI housing. In other embodiments, the disclosed mounting system can be used to mount a display to the housing of various gantry-based imagers in which a patient is positioned, such as CT imaging systems, PET imaging systems, SPECT imaging systems, etc. The display and / or keyboard are part of the user interface used to control and monitor the functions of the MRI system, such as for inputting control commands and / or viewing settings, sensed parameters, and the operating status of the MRI system. The keyboard can also be used to control automated stage movements (stage movement up / down, gantry entry / exit, return to original position, etc.) and workflow functions such as marking. Displays on MRI systems often fail and require replacement, and therefore the mounting system for the display, along with the associated user interface, needs to allow for easy access and removal. The inventors have recognized that current mounting systems make the display difficult to access and maintain. For example, existing systems mount the display behind the front panel of the MRI housing, thus requiring the removal of the entire front panel of the housing to access the display, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that the display mounting system needs to withstand the significant vibrations of the MRI system when operating to image patients, and needs to be cleanable to meet and exceed infection control standards for use in medical settings.

[0033] In addition, the inventors have strived to create a modular mounting system for the user interface that enables the connection of multiple different display devices to the MRI housing, facilitating the customization and / or modernization of the user interface system over time. Furthermore, the inventors are committed to developing a mounting system that provides easy access to and removal / reconnection of the displays, including tool-free connections in many or most steps, to minimize technician time and the need for specialized tools.

[0034] The disclosed mounting system is a two-piece system that connects to the front panel of the MRI housing and secures the display to it. The disclosed mounting system includes a base frame configured to connect to the front panel of the MRI housing and mount the display and keyboard to it. Once installed, a front panel snaps into place on top of the base frame, with its peripheral edges tightly abutting the front panel, display, and keyboard, providing a smooth, continuous appearance for the housing, with minimal gaps at the seams for cleaning and to prevent liquid ingress. The two-piece mounting system provides a modular approach to mounting the display to the exterior of the MRI housing, which is safe, easy to maintain using tool-less connections (except where regulations may require), and cleanable to meet infection control standards in medical environments.

[0035] The base frame is configured to connect to the front panel of the MRI system housing, such as via a threaded or bolted connection, to provide a semi-permanent connection. The base frame includes a back plate configured to contact the front panel and four sides surrounding the back plate. The back plate and the four sides define a cavity configured to receive the rear side of a display. In some embodiments, the inner surface of each of the four sides of the base frame engages the housing of the display. A majority or all of the base frame is configured to remain in place during maintenance of the display. However, in some specific embodiments, at least a portion of one of the four sides of the base frame is removably attached to the remainder of the base frame and configured to be removed to allow for the removal and replacement of the display. In one embodiment of the base frame disclosed herein, a removable side panel is included, configured to be removed during maintenance to allow access to the rear side of the display and / or provide flexibility to accommodate different display housings. Therefore, the base frame can be used to mount various display and keyboard sizes, or the keyboard can be removed, and the only part of the housing requiring redesign would be the bezel.

[0036] The front panel has a display opening configured to surround the display, and some embodiments also have a keyboard opening configured to surround the keyboard. The front panel mates with the front panel of the MRI housing and provides a finished look and smooth transition, thus providing an appearance for housing the display within the front panel of the MRI housing. The front panel is configured to be removably attached to at least two of the four sides of the base via interlocking engagements and is removably attached to the front panel of the MRI system housing. The front panel is snapped into place on the front panel and over the base frame via at least one interlocking engagement. In some embodiments, the system includes at least two interlocking engagements, at least one interlocking engagement on each of two opposing sides. Each interlocking engagement may include a channel and a mating protrusion within the channel, wherein the protrusion and channel are of opposite shapes such that they fit tightly together and hold the front panel securely to the base frame. In one embodiment, the protrusion is a semi-circular convex portion and the channel is a semi-circular recess that closely matches the semi-circular protrusion, wherein the semi-circular arrangement provides two smoothly sloping sides that facilitate sliding the front baffle into place on the base frame and also disconnect it from the base frame.

[0037] The protrusion is on the outer side of the base frame or on the inner side of the front bezel that contacts the outer side; the channel is positioned such that the protrusion is in the channel when the front bezel is correctly positioned. In one embodiment, each of at least two opposite sides of the base frame has at least one channel configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the front bezel to hold the front bezel around the display, above the base frame, and against the front panel. In an alternative embodiment, each of at least two opposite sides of the base frame has a protrusion configured to mate into a channel on the front bezel to hold the front bezel around the display, above the base frame, and against the front panel.

[0038] In some embodiments, the front baffle includes a front ring configured to surround the front of the display, such as to be flush with and tightly abutting the front of the display. A flange extends vertically inward from the front ring. Protrusions / channels (depending on how the interlocking engagement is arranged) are on the inward side of the flange, and channels / protrusions (the interlocking engagement not on either side of the flange) are on the outside of at least two sides of the base frame, such that when the front baffle slides into place over the base frame, the protrusions are forced into the channels. The flange is configured to deflect outward as the protrusions slide past pawls (e.g., on the outside of at least two sides of the base frame). In one embodiment, the protrusion is a semi-circular protrusion on the flange, and the channel is a semi-circular recess on the outside of at least two sides of the base frame, wherein the semi-circular arrangement provides two smoothly sloping sides that facilitate sliding the front baffle into place over the base frame and also disconnect it from the base frame.

[0039] Interlocking engagements provide a robust connection between the front baffle and the base frame, thus securing the front baffle firmly around the display without tools. In some embodiments, the system may include at least one interlocking engagement on each of the four sides surrounding the display. In such embodiments, all four sides of the base frame have at least one channel / protrusion configured to receive a corresponding protrusion / channel on the front baffle. In some embodiments, each of at least two sides of the base frame has two or more channels, each channel configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the front baffle to removably secure the front baffle to the base frame and abut against the front panel of the MRI housing.

[0040] In some embodiments, one or more additional tool-less connections may be positioned to secure the front panel to the front panel of the MRI housing. For example, the front panel may include at least one forked latch positioned to fasten around at least one tubular protrusion attached to the front panel. This additional tool-less connection may be located on a keyboard portion of the front panel, the area configured to surround a keyboard. In one such embodiment, one or more forked latches are positioned at or near the keyboard portion on the back side of the front panel. The forked latches are positioned to engage with and fasten around at least one tubular protrusion of the front panel attached to the surface of the front panel to retain the keyboard portion of the front panel around the keyboard and securely engage against the front panel.

[0041] Figure 1An exemplary MRI system 10 with a housing 100 is shown, which provides an outer shell for the internal portions of the MRI system 10. The housing 100 encloses, for example, magnets, power systems, cooling systems, gradient and sensing systems, control and conduction systems, etc., for generating MR images. The housing 100 has a tubular shape surrounding an aperture 101 in which a platform 102 is located to support a bed accommodating a patient being imaged. The housing 100 has a front panel 118 that forms the front portion of the housing 100 at the entrance of the aperture 101. The front panel 118 is configured to mount a user interface providing a means of interacting with the MRI system 10. The user interface includes a display 20 and, in some embodiments, a keyboard 30. A mounting system is configured to mount the display 20 and keyboard 30 to the front panel 118 and also allows access to and removal of the display and keyboard for maintenance and replacement. Figure 1 In this configuration, the mounting system is assembled to the front panel 118, making only the front surface of the front bezel 150 with the mounting system visible. This provides a smooth and consistent appearance with the front panel 118, thus giving it a monolithic look.

[0042] In the depicted embodiment, the MRI system 10 includes two displays 20 and a keyboard 30 corresponding to each display 20, wherein the displays are attached to the housing 100 on each of the right and left sides of the opening 101. A mounting system is configured to mount each display 20 and keyboard 30, with two front panels 150a, 150b configured to enclose the right and left displays, respectively. The right front panel 150a is configured to mate with the right side of the front panel 118, and the left front panel 150b is configured to mate with the left side of the front panel 118. In some embodiments of the MRI system 10, only one user interface is included on the right or left side of the opening 101. In some embodiments, the front panel is shaped to allow connection to only one or the other display (right or left). In other embodiments, such as Figure 2 In the specific implementation shown, the front panel is configured to allow for connection of the display to either side of the opening. In an implementation where only one display is connected, a flat front baffle may be provided to cover the portion of the front panel 118, 218 not connected to the display.

[0043] Figure 2An exploded view of one embodiment of mounting system 210 is shown, which includes a base frame 220 and a front baffle 250 configured to mount to a front panel 218. The front panel 218 is configured to mount a display 20 on each of the right and left sides of an opening 201. The front panel has notches 212a and 212b on each of the right and left sides in which the corresponding mounting system 210 can be attached. One or more cutouts 224 are provided on the base surfaces 223a, 223b of each notch 212a, 212b, through which cables, such as power and data for travel to and from the display 20 and / or keyboard 30, can pass. In one embodiment, the base frame 220 and the front baffle 250 are each molded plastic parts and are configured to fit together as described herein.

[0044] The right recess 212a is configured to allow connection to the mounting system 210 on the right side. The right recess 212a has a top inner surface 213a, a side inner surface 214a, and a bottom inner surface 215a, which are configured to provide a cavity in which a display and / or keyboard is mounted to the front panel 218. The left recess 212b is configured to allow connection to the mounting system (not shown) on the left side. The left recess 212b has a top inner surface 213b, a side inner surface 214b, and a bottom inner surface 215b, which are configured to provide a cavity in which a display and / or keyboard is mounted to the front panel 218 on the left side of the hole 210. Figures 2 to 8 A mounting system for the right side is shown, shaped to fit into the right recess 212a. A left-side mounting system (not shown for visual clarity) is shaped to fit into the left recess 212b and is at least substantially a mirror image of the illustrated right-side mounting system 210 (the monitor and / or keyboard may have the same part number, so some of the electrical ports may be identical on both sides rather than mirrored). This design allows a single monitor to be connected to either the right or left side, or to connect two monitors, one on the right and one on the left of hole 201.

[0045] The base frame 220 is configured to fit into the cavity formed by the notches 212a and 212b. The display 20 and keyboard 30 are then mounted to the base frame. The front panel 250 is configured to be attached after the display 20 and keyboard 30 are connected, and is attached to the base frame and / or front panel 218 in a tool-less manner. The outer edges 253, 254, and 255 of the front panel 250 abut the inner surfaces 213a, 214a, and 215a of the notch 212a in the front panel 218, and the front panel 250 is configured such that its front surface is flush with the front surface 219 of the front panel 218. The side edge 256 is shaped to abut and follow the shape of the outer edge 216a of the notch 212a and is positioned such that the side surface of the front panel 250 is flush with the side surface 221 of the front panel 218.

[0046] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Front and rear perspective views of an exemplary mounting system 310 for mounting a display to the front panel of an MRI system are shown, illustrating a base frame 220 and a front baffle 250 assembled together around a display 20 and a keyboard 30. The mounting system 310 is shown separate from the front panel, making the rear side visible. The mounting system 310 shown is configured to mount to the front panel on the right side of the aperture, with the base frame 320 and front baffle 350 configured to conform to the curvature on the right side. A left-side mounting system of this configuration has a base frame 320 and a front baffle 350 shaped to conform to the curvature of the front panel on the left side of the aperture.

[0047] Figure 3A The image shows a front perspective view of the assembled mounting system 310. The front panel 350 includes a display ring portion 380 configured to surround the display 20 and a keyboard portion 410 configured to surround the keyboard 30. The side portion 440 is configured to interact with the sides of the front panel (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The side 221 of the front panel 320 is flush with the front panel 320. The display ring portion 380 includes a front ring 381 surrounding a display opening 378 configured to receive the front panel 22 of the display 20. The base of the keyboard portion 410 includes a keyboard opening 448 configured to receive and surround the keyboard 30. The front panel 459 of the keyboard portion 410 of the front bezel 350 is configured to be flush with the front panel (e.g., side 221 of the front panel 350). Figure 2 (Front side 219 of the front panel 218).

[0048] The front baffle 350 includes a surrounding edge configured to adjoin the front panel of the MRI housing. The surrounding edge includes a top edge 353, an inner edge 354, a bottom edge 355, and an outer edge 355. (Reference) Figure 5A and Figure 5B Provide and discuss a more detailed view of the front bezel 350.

[0049] Figure 3B The rear perspective view of the assembled mounting system 310 is shown, detached from the front panel, making the rear side visible. The base frame 320 is configured to be attached to the front panel via screws, bolts, or other attachment methods such as through holes 322 in the base frame 320. Specifically, the rear side 321 of the base frame 320 is held against the front panel (e.g., Figure 2The base frame 320 includes one or more cutouts 324 through which cables, connectors, etc., can be connected to the display 20. Additionally, one or more hooks 90 can be attached to the back side 26 of the housing of the display 20. The hooks 90 are positioned to pass through at least one cutout 324 and slide within it. The hooks 90 are configured to hook onto the base frame 320 to support the display in the support display 20 during installation, such as allowing the display 20 to tilt forward away from the base frame 320 to allow access to the back side of the display during maintenance or installation (e.g., in a temporary position suspended on or near the cutouts 212a, 212b, allowing the installer to use both hands to connect / disconnect electrical connections). The hooks 90 are configured such that once the display is mounted against the base frame 320, the hook is pushed into the cutout 324, and the hook can also be positioned so as not to interfere with the front panel (e.g., with the back side 26 of the housing of the display 20). Figure 2 Align the cutout 224 in the front panel 218.

[0050] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An exploded view of the base frame 320 is shown, illustrating its connection to the display 20. The display 20 has a housing 27 having a front face 22, an outer edge 24 of the front face, four sides 28, and a back side 26. In the depicted embodiment, the display has an extension 26a on the back side. The base frame 320 includes a back panel 330 configured to attach to the front panel of the MRI housing as described above. Four sidewalls 331-334 extend vertically from the back panel 330. A first lateral sidewall 331 is configured to contact the left side of the display housing 27. A top sidewall 332 is configured to contact the top side of the display housing 27. A bottom sidewall 334 is configured to contact the bottom side of the display housing 27. A second lateral sidewall 333 (composed of portions 333a and 333b) is configured to contact the right side of the display housing 27. The second sidewall has two portions, including a fixed portion 333a and a removable portion 333b. The fixed portion 333a of the second sidewall and all other sidewalls 331, 332 and 334 are permanently connected to the base plate 330, such as being molded as a single piece.

[0051] The back panel 330 and side walls 331-334 form a cavity configured to receive and accommodate the rear side of the display 20. The inner surfaces of the side walls are configured to contact the side surfaces 28 of the display housing 27 to hold it in place. The inner surfaces 331i of the first transverse side wall 331 and 332i of the top side wall 322 are... Figure 4AAs can be seen, the first sidewall 311 has a retaining strip 431 configured to support the back side 26 of the display housing 27. Similarly, retaining strip 433 on the opposite side is also configured to support the back side 26 of the display housing 27. When the back side of the display 20 is inserted into the cavity formed by the back plate 330 and the four sidewalls 331-334, the extension 26a of the back side is located between retaining strips 431 and 433. Figure 4B As best viewed from the center, the side 28 of the housing 27 of the display 20 is positioned against the inner surfaces of the four side walls 331-334, and the outer edge 24 of the front 22 rests on the top edge of the four side walls 331-334.

[0052] Shoulder bolts 446 are configured to attach the back side 26 of the display 20 to the retaining strip 433. Once the display 20 is positioned and secured within the cavity formed by the four sidewalls 331-334, the removable portion 333b of the second lateral sidewall is fastened to the other sidewalls and thus to the display 20. In the depicted example, an outer screw 447 is positioned through a hole 337 to fasten the removable portion 333b of the lateral sidewall to the top sidewall 332 and the bottom sidewall 334. One or more intermediate screws 449 pass through holes 339 in the central portion of the removable portion 333b to fasten that central portion to the side 28 of the display.

[0053] like Figure 4B As shown, one or more keyboard mounts 487 are located on the lower portion 330b of the back panel 330. The keyboard mount 487 may be configured, for example, to support the keyboard 30 at a position in the keyboard opening 448 of the front panel once the keyboard is placed in that position (see also...). Figure 6 Therefore, once the front baffle 450 is assembled onto the keys, it can access the keys 31 of the keyboard 30. (For example...) Figure 4B As shown, the keyboard mounting bracket 487 can be attached to the support plate 488, on which the printed circuit board (PCB) 39a of the keyboard 30 is mounted. The connector 39b and other aspects of the keyboard 30 can also be secured to the support plate 488.

[0054] Figures 4A to 5B and Figures 7A to 7B An embodiment of the interlocking engagement is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion is positioned on the front baffle and the channel is positioned on the base frame. The opposite arrangement (where the channel is on the front baffle and the protrusion is on the side wall of the base frame) is also contemplated and is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] Back Figure 4AThe figure illustrates one embodiment of the interlocking engagement. Multiple walls have channels 490 configured to receive protrusions on the front baffle for removably securing the front baffle to the channel. Here, the channels 490 are located on the outer surfaces of sidewalls 331-334. The outer surface 333o of the removable portion 333b and the outer surface 334o of the bottom sidewall are visible in the figure. In the depicted example, all four sidewalls 331-334 have two channels 490, each configured to receive and engage with a corresponding protrusion on the front baffle. In the depicted embodiment, each channel 490 is approximately 5 cm long. In other embodiments, each of the sidewalls 331-334 may have only one channel. In such embodiments, each channel 490 may be substantially centered on each of the sidewalls 331-334 and may be longer than in the illustrated embodiment where each of the sidewalls 331-334 has two channels. In other embodiments, only two of the sidewalls 331-334 may include one or more channels 490, such as two opposing sidewalls (i.e., two transverse sidewalls 331 and 333, or a top sidewall 332 and a bottom sidewall 334). (See reference...) Figure 7A and Figure 7B Further display and description of the fit between channel 490 and the front baffle.

[0056] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The front and rear perspective views of the front bezel 350, which is isolated from the rest of the system, are shown. As described above, the front bezel 350 includes a display ring portion 380 with a display opening 378, a keyboard portion 410 with a keyboard opening 448, and a side portion 440.

[0057] The front baffle 350 includes a surrounding edge configured to adjoin the front panel of the MRI housing. (As...) Figure 3B and Figure 5B As best viewed from the center, the top edge 353 comprises three parts, including those configured to adjoin the front panel (e.g., Figure 2 The first top edge portion 353a of the top inner surface 213a shown, and the second top edge portion 353b inclined to follow the front panel, wherein the display extends beyond the front surface of the front panel (e.g., extends beyond...). Figure 2 The outer edge 356 has a notch 212a and a third top edge portion 353c configured to extend to or beyond the side of the base frame. The outer edge 356 has a top edge portion 356a and a lower edge portion 356b. The top edge portion 356a extends at least as deep as the base frame to cover the base frame visible from a side view. The lower edge portion 356b and the edge portion 355b are portions of the side portion 440 that extend on the side surface 221 of the front panel 218 (see reference). Figure 2The bottom edge portion 355a is adjacent to the bottom inner surface 215a of the notch 212a in the front panel 218.

[0058] The inner edge portion 354a is configured to adjoin the front panel 218 in the recessed region (e.g., the inner surface 214a of the cavity). See reference. Figure 5B and Figure 8 Both, the inner edge portion 354b is curved and configured to run along the inner edge 222 of the front panel 218. The upper corner 354c of the inner edge portion 354b is configured to intersect with the corner 222c of the inner edge 222 of the front panel 218. The lower corner 354d of the inner edge portion 354b is configured to intersect with the lower corner 222d of the inner edge 222 of the front panel 218.

[0059] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 6 The display ring portion 380 of the front bezel 350 includes a front ring 381 configured to surround the display 20 and be flush with the front surface 22 of the display 20. The inner edge 383 of the display ring portion 380 is adjacent to the outer edge 24 of the front surface 22 of the display 20. Figure 4A ). For example in Figure 7A and Figure 7B As better shown in the cross-section, the flange 510 is configured to deflect when the front baffle 350 slides onto the base frame 320 to snap the two interlocking components together. Each side of the display ring portion 380 has at least one flange 510, which includes a protrusion 512 configured to mate within a channel 490 on the sidewall 331 of the base frame 320. On the outer side 770 of the display ring portion 380, the flange 510a is separated from the side 750 by an undercut 760, such that the flange 510a is separated from the side 750, and thus has space to deflect outward toward the side 750 when the front baffle 350 is attached to and disconnected from the base frame 320.

[0060] like Figure 7B As marked, pawl 391 is located at the top of channel 490. Flange 510 is configured to flex outward as the protrusion slides past pawl 491 on the outer sidewall 331o of sidewall 331. Flange 510b slides between the inner surface 214a of front panel 218 and the outer sidewall 331o of base frame 320. Sidewall 331 is spaced from inner surface 214a by lip 731 on back panel 330, thereby creating gap 708 between outer sidewall 331o of sidewall 331 and inner surface 214a of front panel 218. Flange 510b slides downward into gap 708, and as it does so, flange 510b bends such that protrusion 512b mates into channel 490b.

[0061] In the depicted embodiment, protrusion 512b is a semi-circular protrusion on flange 510b, and channel 490b is a semi-circular recess on the outer surface 331o of sidewall 331 of base frame 320. In other embodiments, protrusions 512, 512b may be on sidewalls 331-334, and channels 490, 490b may be on flanges 510, 510b. The semi-circular arrangement provides two smoothly sloping sides that facilitate sliding the front baffle into place on the base frame and also disconnect it from the base frame. In other embodiments, protrusions 512, 512b and 490, 490b may be different corresponding shapes configured to facilitate snap-fit ​​engagement between front baffle 250 and base frame 320.

[0062] Flange 510 is short, causing the mating surface to be close to the top edge of the front ring 381, thereby allowing the mating surface to firmly and securely fasten the display ring portion 380 of the front baffle 350 around the display 22. In some embodiments, the top edge of the protrusion 512b is positioned on flange 510b at a short distance dp from the top surface of the front ring 381, such as no more than 3 / 8 inch from the top surface of the front ring 381. In the depicted embodiment, the distance d between the top edge of the front ring 381 and the top edge of the protrusion 512 is 3 cm.

[0063] Additional connection devices may be provided for tool-less attachment of the front baffle 350 to the base frame 320 and / or the front panel of the housing. Figure 8A second connection method is depicted, which involves fork-shaped fasteners 817a, 817b on the back side 880 of the front panel 350, such as in the area of ​​the keyboard portion 410 and / or the side portion 440. This secures the keyboard portion 410 of the front panel 350 in place, such that the keyboard opening 448 is tightly secured around the keyboard 30. Each fork-shaped fastener 817a, 817b has two forks 820 with circular fastener openings 819a, 819b between the forks, and is configured to receive and fasten around a corresponding tubular knob 827a, 827b on the base plate of the base frame 320. Each tubular knob 827a, 827b may be made of a soft material such as rubber or soft plastic, and is configured to be pressed down when the forks 820 of the fork-shaped fasteners 817a, 817b pass through the tubular knob. Alternatively, the tubular knobs 827a, 827b may be made of a rigid material such as brass or other metals or hard plastic, and the fork-shaped retainers 817a, 817b are configured to bend around the knobs to deflect during connection and disconnection. In the depicted embodiment, the first fork-shaped retainer 817a is on the side portion 440 of the front baffle 350 and is configured to receive the first tubular knob 827a to hold the side portion 440 to the outer edge 816 of the substrate 320. The second fork-shaped retainer 817b is located on or near the keyboard portion 410 of the front baffle 350. The second tubular knob 827b is located on or near the inner edge 854 of the base frame 320. Thus, the second fork-shaped retainer 817b is configured to hold the keyboard portion 410 to the inner edge 854 of the substrate 320 to hold the keyboard portion 410 of the front baffle around the keyboard 30.

[0064] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to perform and use the invention. Certain terms are used for the purposes of brevity, clarity, and ease of understanding. Unnecessary limitations should not be inferred from this description beyond the requirements of the prior art, as such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be understood broadly. The patent scope of this invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for mounting a display to a housing of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the system comprising: A base frame configured to connect to the front panel of the MRI system housing, the base frame having a back plate configured to contact the front panel and four side walls extending vertically from the back plate; The back panel and the four sidewalls define a cavity configured to receive the rear side of the display; A front baffle having an opening configured to surround the display, wherein the front baffle covers the base frame and has a surrounding edge that contacts the front panel of the MRI system housing; The front baffle and the base frame are configured to be connected together by at least one interlocking engagement to hold the front baffle around the display, wherein each of the at least one interlocking engagement is formed by a first engagement feature on one of the four sidewalls, the first engagement feature removably engaging with a second engagement feature on the front baffle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first engagement feature is a channel on the outside of each of at least two opposing sidewalls of the four sidewalls of the base frame, and the second engagement feature is a protrusion on each of at least two opposing inward sides of the front baffle, wherein the channel and the protrusion are configured to mate together to retain the front baffle around the display and above the base frame.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein all of the four sidewalls of the base frame have at least one channel configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the front baffle.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first engagement feature is a protrusion on the outside of each of at least two opposing sidewalls of the four sidewalls of the base frame, and the second engagement feature is a channel on each of at least two opposing inward sides of the front baffle, wherein the channel and the protrusion are configured to mate together to retain the front baffle around the display and above the base frame.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the front baffle has a display ring portion configured to surround the display.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the display ring portion of the front baffle includes a front ring configured to surround the front surface of the display and a flange perpendicular to the front ring, wherein the second engagement feature is a protrusion on the inward side of the flange, and the first engagement feature is a channel on the outer side of the sidewall of the base frame.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the flange is configured to deflect outward when the protrusion slides past a pawl on the outer surface of at least two of the four sidewalls of the base frame.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is a semi-circular protrusion on the flange, and the channel is a semi-circular recess on the outer surface of the sidewall.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is positioned on the flange at a distance of less than 3 / 8 inch from the front ring.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the front panel has a notch, and wherein the base frame is configured to fit within the notch in the front panel such that a gap is maintained between the outer surface of each sidewall of the base frame and the inner surface of the notch. The flange on at least one of the sidewalls is configured to slide between the outer surface of the sidewall of the base frame and the inner surface of the recess when the front baffle is attached to the base frame.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein the front baffle is configured such that when the protrusion of the front baffle is in the channel, the front ring is flush with the front of the display.

12. The system of claim 5, wherein the front baffle further includes a keyboard portion configured to surround a keyboard, the keyboard being configured to provide control input to the MRI system, wherein the keyboard portion is below the display ring portion.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the base frame further includes a keyboard mounting bracket for mounting the keyboard below the display.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a fork-shaped buckle on the back side of the keyboard portion and positioned around at least one tubular knob of the front panel attached to the surface of the front panel to retain the keyboard portion of the front panel around the keyboard.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the front panel further comprises at least one fork-shaped buckle positioned to fasten around at least one tubular knob attached to the front panel.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of each of the four sidewalls of the base frame engages the housing of the display.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the four sidewalls of the base frame is removably attached to the remainder of the base frame and is configured to be removed to enable removal and replacement of the display.

18. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: A housing, the housing including a front panel with a circular opening defining a hole for imaging the patient; monitor; keyboard; An installation system configured to mount the keyboard and the display to the front panel of the housing, the installation system comprising: A base frame configured to connect to the front panel of the housing, the base frame comprising: A back panel and four sidewalls, the back panel being configured to contact the front panel, the four sidewalls surrounding the back panel, wherein the back panel and the four sidewalls define a cavity configured to receive the rear side of the display; A keyboard mounting bracket for mounting the keyboard below the display; A front bezel having a display opening configured to surround the display and a keyboard opening configured to surround the keyboard; and The front baffle and the base frame are configured to be connected together by at least one interlocking engagement to retain the front baffle around the display, wherein each of the at least one interlocking engagement is formed by a channel on one of the four sidewalls, the channel removably engaging with a protrusion on the front baffle, wherein the channel and the protrusion are configured to mate together to retain the front baffle around the display and above the base frame.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the front baffle includes a front ring configured to surround the front of the display and a flange perpendicular to the front ring, wherein the protrusion is on the inner side of the flange and the channel is on the outside of each of the sidewalls of the base frame. The flange is configured to deflect outward as the protrusion slides past a pawl on the outer side of the sidewall of the base frame.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the front panel has a notch, and wherein the base frame is configured to fit within the notch in the front panel such that a gap is maintained between the outer surface of the sidewall of the base frame and the inner surface of the notch. The flange on at least one of the sidewalls is configured to slide between the outer surface of the sidewall of the base frame and the inner surface of the recess when the front baffle is attached to the base frame.

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