Half-Open MRI Magnet Layout for Accessible Targeted Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance devices are unsatisfactory for imaging smaller body regions due to their large size and confined imaging spaces, which can cause discomfort for patients, especially those with claustrophobia or children, and limit accessibility for certain body regions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance device with a field generation unit comprising two magnet segments forming a triangular half-open space, allowing a targeted imaging volume, using permanent, electromagnets, or superconducting magnets, and a support structure to maintain and adjust the magnet positions, enabling improved accessibility and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional whole-body scanners are used, then imaging capability is provided, but device size and confined imaging space worsen accessibility and patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet system is divided into multiple separate magnet segments (first magnet segment, second magnet segment, third magnet segment) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the imaging volume to be defined by the arrangement of discrete magnetic elements rather than a single confined bore, enabling better patient access while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear bore configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement of magnet segments forming a half-open space. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the imaging volume to be accessed from multiple directions and provides greater flexibility in positioning patients and imaging targets.
2Ease of operation
If conventional whole-body scanners are used, then imaging capability is provided, but confined imaging space causes discomfort for patients with claustrophobia and children
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magnet system into separate components that can be arranged in a half-open configuration, the patent eliminates the confined bore space that causes claustrophobia. Patients can access the imaging volume from the open side, and the magnet segments can be positioned to create comfortable imaging spaces for both adults and children.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of confining the patient within a closed bore, the patent inverts the approach by creating an open half-space where the patient can comfortably access the imaging volume from the outside. The magnet segments are arranged to define the imaging space rather than the patient being contained within a predetermined bore.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional whole-body scanners are used, then imaging capability is provided, but device size limits accessibility for certain body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet system is segmented into multiple independently positionable segments that can be arranged to define imaging volumes of various sizes and locations. This allows the same physical device to adapt to different imaging requirements (head, body, extremity) by reconfiguring the magnet segment arrangement, providing versatility without requiring a large fixed device.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet segments are designed to be movable and repositionable rather than fixed in a single configuration. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the device to adapt to different imaging targets and patient positions, enhancing versatility while maintaining a compact form factor that can be positioned flexibly in the examination room.
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 device provides enhanced accessibility and reduced size for targeted imaging of specific body regions, improving patient comfort and enabling imaging of previously inaccessible areas, such as the heart and prostate, while maintaining magnetic field homogeneity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the examination object is usually positioned in a strong and homogeneous static magnetic field (B0 field) of a magnetic resonance device. 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 2
For triggering so-called nuclear spin resonances, radiofrequency excitation pulses are emitted into the examination subject. 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 3
a support structure configured to structurally support the field generation unit. The support structure may be configured to maintain a predefined spatial arrangement of the magnet segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance device including: a field generation unit configured to generate a main magnetic field including an imaging volume, and a support structure configured to structurally support the field generation unit, wherein the field generation unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet including two magnet segments arranged at an angle to each other to form a triangular half-open space that encloses at least a part of the imaging volume, and wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged at opposing sides of the imaging volume.