MRI-Safe Foamed Patient Transport Incubator Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies pose challenges in maintaining thermo-isolation and noise reduction for patients, especially neonates, during MRI procedures, leading to temperature fluctuations and stress, which can result in movement and complications such as hypothermia and increased imaging repetition.
Innovation Solution
A patient transport incubator (PTI) with an MRI-safe, thermo-isolating, and noise-reducing foam envelope that is disposable and designed for easy access, incorporating a detachable user interface module, sensors, and a quick release mechanism to minimize patient movement and maintain sterile conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a patient transport incubator with thickened envelope is used to maintain thermo-isolation and noise reduction, then patient temperature stability and comfort are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite foam material that integrates both thermal insulation and acoustic noise reduction properties into a single envelope structure. This multi-functional composite material allows the incubator to maintain patient temperature stability while reducing MRI scanner noise, without requiring separate layers or complex structural arrangements for each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable sterile envelope is used to maintain patient sterility, then infection risk is reduced, but manufacturing cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a disposable foam envelope that can be sterilized and discarded after a single use. This approach ensures patient sterility and minimizes infection risk by eliminating cross-contamination between patients, while the foam material is chosen to be cost-effective for single-use applications.
3Ease of operation
If the incubator envelope is designed for easy single-step access, then patient access speed is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator envelope is divided into separable sections or panels that can be quickly opened or removed. This segmentation allows medical personnel to access the patient in a single step without complex mechanisms, while maintaining the integrity and insulation properties of the remaining envelope structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the foam envelope is made thick for better noise reduction, then noise transmission is reduced, but the volume available for patient accommodation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite foam material that provides both thermal insulation and acoustic noise reduction in a single layer, maximizing the noise reduction capability per unit thickness. This allows the envelope to effectively block MRI scanner noise while preserving maximum internal volume for patient accommodation.
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 PTI effectively maintains patient temperature, reduces noise-related stress, and decreases the need for repeated MRI procedures by providing a stable, sterile environment with improved imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
an envelope comprising MRI safe foam which provides thermo-isolation from the environment
Implementation Method 2
an envelope comprising MRI safe foam which provides thermo-isolation from the environment and reduces the acoustic noise
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 2C
Figure 2D~3
AI summary
A patient transport incubator (PTI) suitable for MRI device having an open bore; the PTI comprises an inner volume having a first set of dimensions, adapted by means of shape and size to accommodate a patient or accommodate at least a portion of an MRI-compatible neonate's cradle, the inner volume is further covered by an envelope having a second set of dimensions, adapted by means of shape and size to be temporarily introduced within the open bore; wherein at least a portion of the envelope comprises MRI safe thermo-isolating and noise reducing foam. The invention will increase the safety and comfort of MRI scanning of neonates.