Compact MRI Apparatus with Slidable Rotatable Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses are large, heavy, and expensive, making them difficult to install and use, and they often require patients to maintain uncomfortable positions for extended periods, which can be painful, especially when imaging the vertebral column.
Innovation Solution
A compact MRI apparatus with a magnetic structure having two opposite poles and a column connecting them, allowing for patient positioning in various orientations, including upright positions, using a slidable and rotatable table system that enables precise positioning and comfortable postures, along with additional retaining means like footrests and belts to support the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional total body scanners are used, then the entire body can be imaged, but the apparatus becomes very large and heavy, making installation difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into segments by using a smaller magnetic structure that can be positioned at different locations along the patient's body. Instead of requiring a large total body scanner, the system uses a compact MRI unit that can be moved to image specific regions (spine, joints, extremities) independently, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability through multiple positioning configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities where the magnetic structure and patient support table can be rotated and moved relative to each other. The table can be tilted at various angles (0°, 45°, 90°) and the magnetic structure can be positioned at different locations, allowing the same compact apparatus to adapt to various imaging requirements without requiring a fixed large structure.
2Measurement precision
If the patient is positioned in upright or bent positions to image the vertebral column under load, then the pathology can be evaluated better, but the patient must maintain the position for long periods which causes pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable patient support table that can be tilted at various angles (0°, 45°, 90°) and positioned in different configurations. This allows the patient to be imaged in upright, bent, or loaded positions when needed for accurate pathology evaluation, while also being able to return to comfortable positions during extended imaging sequences, thereby maintaining both measurement precision and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where the same compact MRI apparatus can accommodate multiple patient positions and imaging scenarios. The system can image the vertebral column under load in upright positions, evaluate spinal pathology in bent positions, and perform routine imaging in horizontal positions, making the apparatus universally applicable to various clinical needs without requiring separate specialized equipment for each position.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact magnetic structure is used instead of large total body scanners, then the apparatus becomes smaller and easier to install, but the imaging space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced imaging space by introducing dynamic positioning mechanisms. The magnetic structure can be moved to different locations along the patient's body, and the patient table can be tilted and positioned at various angles. This dynamic capability effectively expands the functional imaging volume beyond the physical constraints of the compact magnetic structure, allowing adequate imaging space for various anatomical regions despite the smaller apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overcomes the limited imaging space by utilizing additional spatial dimensions through rotation and tilting. Instead of increasing the linear dimensions of the magnetic structure, the system uses rotational movement of the table and magnetic structure to create effective imaging space in multiple dimensions, allowing adequate volume for imaging while maintaining a compact physical footprint.
4Ease of operation
If the patient table is made tiltable and movable to allow different postures, then the patient can be positioned comfortably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into independent components: a motorized table drive system for linear movement, a separate tilting mechanism for angular adjustment, and a magnetic structure positioning system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and controlled separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full positioning flexibility. The modular approach also simplifies maintenance and reduces costs compared to an integrated complex mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and comfortable imaging of multiple anatomical regions, including the spine, without the need for large and heavy equipment, allowing for precise positioning and reduced patient discomfort during extended procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic structure (2) having two opposite poles (302) spaced apart one from the other and oriented substantially parallel to a vertical plane and defining a patient imaging space
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a magnetic structure having two opposite and spaced apart poles and a column or wall transverse to the poles and connecting the poles; the poles defining two opposite walls delimiting a patient-imaging space, the two opposite walls extending along substantially parallel planes which are substantially parallel to a vertical plane; and a patient positioning table which is slidably connected to a supporting frame between the two poles; the table being positioned with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the two opposite parallel walls of the poles and the table being oriented with its transverse axis perpendicular to at least one of the two opposite walls.