Concave MRI Magnet Segmentation for Lateral Patient Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices have limited accessibility and openness, making it difficult to image specific body regions, especially for patients with claustrophobia or those requiring imaging of smaller areas.
Innovation Solution
The MRI device features a field generation unit with a concave magnet surface that allows access to the imaging volume from two perpendicular directions, enhancing openness and accessibility while maintaining a sufficient magnetic field for imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bore-shaped magnet design is used, then a homogeneous magnetic field is provided for full-body imaging, but accessibility to the imaging volume is limited and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is divided into multiple segments (first magnet segment, second magnet segment, third magnet segment) arranged in a specific configuration. This segmentation allows the imaging volume to be accessible from multiple directions while each segment contributes to generating the required magnetic field, thus improving accessibility without completely sacrificing field homogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-direction (longitudinal) access bore design to a multi-directional access design where the imaging volume can be approached from lateral directions as well. The magnet segments are arranged to provide magnetic field coverage while allowing access ports on multiple sides, adding spatial dimensions to patient access
2Productivity
If the bore size is reduced for cost and space utilization, then imaging of specific body regions becomes more efficient, but accessibility and patient tolerance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet segments are strategically positioned to concentrate magnetic field strength in specific regions of interest while allowing other areas to have reduced field requirements. This enables the imaging system to be optimized for specific body regions (e.g., pelvic, breast, extremity imaging) while maintaining reasonable accessibility through lateral access ports
3Area of stationary object
If a compact magnet design is used, then space utilization and cost are improved, but the ability to accommodate patients with claustrophobia worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet segments are arranged in an asymmetric configuration rather than a symmetric bore design. The first, second, and third magnet segments create an imaging volume with asymmetric access characteristics, providing open sides for patient access while maintaining field coverage, thus reducing the enclosed feeling that causes claustrophobia
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
This design provides improved access to dedicated body regions, reduces patient discomfort, and allows for more efficient imaging of specific anatomies, such as the prostate, while maintaining image quality and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
For carrying out a magnetic resonance measurement, the examination object is usually positioned in a strong and homogeneous static magnetic field (B0 field) of a magnetic resonance imaging device
Implementation Method 2
The static magnetic field may comprise magnetic field strengths of 0.2 Tesla to 7 Tesla, thus aligning nuclear spins inside the examination object along the static magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
Each radiofrequency excitation pulse causes a magnetization of nuclear spins within the examination object to deviate from the static magnetic field by an amount which is known as the flip angle
Implementation Method 4
A radiofrequency excitation pulse may comprise an alternating (electro-)magnetic field with a frequency which corresponds to the Larmor frequency at the respective static magnetic field strength
Implementation Method 5
For spatial encoding of measured data, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields are superimposed on the static magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging device (10) comprising a field generation unit (12) configured to provide a magnetic field in an imaging volume (30) of the magnetic resonance imaging device (10), wherein the field generation unit (12) comprises at least one magnet and wherein a surface directed towards the imaging volume (30) of the at least one magnet (13) comprises a concave shape, wherein a direction of access (16) to the imaging volume (30) is oriented essentially perpendicular to a main direction of magnetic field lines in the imaging volume (30).