Flush Patient Table Contact Fields for MRI Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient tables in magnetic resonance apparatuses are difficult to clean due to the presence of plug-in connections for local coils, which can harbor fluids and are hard to sanitize.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a table surface that integrates table-side contact fields in a flush, planar manner, allowing for easy cleaning and preventing fluid penetration. These contact fields are designed for electrical and optical signal transmission and are configured as a circuit board with galvanic contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug-in connections are used for local coils, then electrical and optical signal transmission is enabled, but the patient table becomes difficult to clean and fluids can penetrate into openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical contacts and optical fiber connections into a single integrated contact field structure that is flush-mounted in the patient table. This merging of multiple connection types into one unified interface eliminates separate openings that would trap fluids, while maintaining both electrical and optical signal transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contact field as an intermediary element between the patient table and local coils. This contact field includes both electrical contacts and optical fiber connections, serving as a mediator that enables signal transmission while its flush design prevents fluid penetration into the table structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional plug-in connections with openings are used, then local coils can be connected to the magnetic resonance apparatus, but fluids can enter the openings and be difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of openings by eliminating them entirely. Instead of having separate openings for electrical and optical connections, the design integrates both into a flush-mounted contact field where the connection surface is level with the table top, preventing fluid accumulation and making the surface easy to clean.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact field is designed with local quality variations - the electrical contacts and optical fiber connections are positioned and configured to enable their respective functions while maintaining a flush surface. The contact elements are arranged to provide necessary connectivity without creating protruding openings that would trap fluids.
3Ease of operation
If a flush, planar contact field is used, then the patient table surface becomes smooth and easy to clean, but the complexity of integrating electrical and optical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact field is segmented into distinct electrical contact areas and optical fiber connection areas, each optimized for their specific function. This segmentation allows the complex integration of multiple connection types to be managed through modular design, where each segment can be independently configured while contributing to the overall flush surface.
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
The solution provides a patient table that is easy to clean, prevents fluid ingress, and ensures reliable signal transmission while maintaining a smooth, flat surface.
Implementation Method 1
A local coil may include one or several coil elements (antennas), with which the magnetic resonance signals may be received
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a patient support apparatus for a magnetic resonance apparatus, a system including a patient support apparatus and at least one local coil, and a magnetic resonance apparatus. The patient support apparatus includes a patient table having a table surface for positioning a patient. The patient table includes at least one table-side contact field, (e.g., an electrical table-side contact field), for electrically contacting at least one local coil. The at least one table-side contact field is integrated in a flush manner into the table surface.