Head-Dedicated MRI Device with Vibration Absorber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whole-body MRI devices are cumbersome, expensive, and restrictive for subjects with claustrophobia, and they limit the functionality of functional MRI (fMRI) imaging due to their large size and closed spaces, which restricts movement and hampers effective brain activity imaging.
Innovation Solution
A head-dedicated MRI device with a main magnet, gradient coil, and RF coil housed in a cylindrical structure, allowing only the head and shoulder to be accommodated, along with a local coil for focused imaging, and a vibration absorber to mitigate Lorentz force-induced vibrations, enabling efficient brain and specific region imaging without requiring the entire body to be inside the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a whole-body MRI device is used, then comprehensive body imaging is achieved, but the device size becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MRI system into separate components: a head-dedicated MRI device for imaging the head and brain, and a body-dedicated MRI device for imaging other body parts. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function with reduced size and cost, while still providing comprehensive body imaging capability when used together
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the head imaging function from the whole-body MRI device, creating a dedicated head MRI device with a smaller bore size optimized specifically for head imaging. This extraction reduces the device size and cost for head imaging applications while maintaining the option for whole-body imaging using the separate body device
2Adaptability or versatility
If a whole-body MRI device with large housing is used, then full body imaging is possible, but subjects with claustrophobia experience discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task by creating a dedicated head MRI device with a larger bore opening optimized for head size. This segmentation allows the head imaging to be performed in a more spacious environment, reducing claustrophobia, while the body imaging can be performed separately using the body-dedicated device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the head-dedicated device with a larger bore diameter specifically where needed for head accommodation, rather than requiring the entire device to be large. This localized optimization improves subject comfort for head imaging without unnecessarily increasing the overall device footprint
3Adaptability or versatility
If a whole-body MRI device is used, then general imaging is achieved, but fMRI functionality is limited due to movement restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into head-dedicated and body-dedicated devices, with the head device featuring a larger bore that allows greater subject movement freedom. This segmentation enables improved fMRI functionality by allowing subjects to maintain natural head positions and movements during brain imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local quality of the head imaging environment by providing a larger bore diameter specifically for head accommodation, which locally increases movement freedom in the critical region for fMRI without requiring the entire device to be redesigned
4Volume of stationary object
If a head-dedicated MRI device with smaller housing is used, then device size is reduced, but vibration from Lorentz force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration absorbers as intermediary components between the gradient coils and the device housing. These absorbers act as mediators that capture and dissipate vibration energy generated by Lorentz force during gradient switching, preventing the vibrations from being transmitted to the housing and causing noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements active vibration compensation where sensors detect vibrations generated by the gradient coils, and a control system automatically adjusts gradient waveforms in real-time to compensate for the detected vibrations. This self-service mechanism allows the compact device to maintain low vibration levels through intelligent control
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 reduces the device size, allows comfortable imaging for claustrophobic subjects, enhances fMRI capabilities by enabling easier movement and varied brain function visualization, and improves image quality with high signal-to-noise ratio using local coils, while minimizing noise and artifacts through vibration absorption.
Implementation Method 1
The MRI device generates magnetic resonance by applying the RF electromagnetic waves to hydrogen nucleuses among various substances that constitute the human body positioned in the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a gradient coil that is manufactured in a hollow cylindrical body installed in close contact with an inner diameter part of the main magnet and applies a gradient magnetic field that temporarily changes a magnetic field intensity of the main magnet according to the position of a portion to be examined
Implementation Method 3
an RF coil that is manufactured in a hollow cylindrical body installed in close contact with the inner diameter part of the gradient coil, applies RF electromagnetic waves causing a magnetic resonance phenomenon inside the head of the subject positioned in the inner hollow, blocks the RF electromagnetic waves, and then receives a magnetic resonance signal
Implementation Method 4
a vibration absorber that is interposed between an upper surface portion of the housing and the ceiling portion of the installation frame, between a side wall portion of the housing and the wall portion of the installation frame, or between a bottom surface of the housing and a floor in which the installation frame is installed, connects the housing and the installation frame, and absorbs vibrations caused by the Lorentz force generated by the magnetic field of the main magnet and a current applied to the gradient coil
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a head-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, wherein a head-dedicated image is acquired in a state in which a head of a subject is positioned in a center of a magnetic field of a main magnet installed in a housing, a local coil manufactured in in the form of being inserted into or worn in a human body of the subject is utilized to acquire an image of a selected portion to be examined (for example, an oral region, an ear region, and an eye region) of the head, or a vibration absorber installed around the housing absorbs vibrations caused by the Lorentz force generated by a magnetic field of the main magnet and a current applied to a gradient coil while the image is acquired in a state in which the housing is hung on an installation frame.