Head MRI Gantry With Seated Imaging and Vertical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are large and costly, making them unsuitable for smaller medical facilities like dental practices, and require patients to be in a reclining position, which is less comfortable and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A compact MRI system designed for head imaging, featuring a gantry with a patient opening that allows seated positioning, adjustable height and orientation, and a swivel mechanism to accommodate patient comfort and reduce space requirements, along with separable components for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal MRI system with horizontal base field and circular opening is used, then imaging capability is comprehensive, but space requirement is high and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for head imaging (gantry with magnet system, patient positioning device) from a complete universal MRI system, removing unnecessary components to reduce space and cost while maintaining head imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI system is segmented into a compact gantry unit with magnet system and a separate patient positioning device, allowing independent optimization of each component for head imaging applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal MRI system with horizontal base field and circular opening is used, then imaging capability is comprehensive, but device complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for head imaging from a complete universal MRI system, removing unnecessary components to reduce space and cost while maintaining head imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patient positioning device is designed to accommodate multiple head positions and orientations, providing universal applicability for various head imaging requirements without increasing system complexity
3Ease of operation
If patient is positioned in reclining position on patient table, then conventional imaging protocol is maintained, but patient comfort is reduced and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patient positioning device allows dynamic adjustment between reclining and seated positions, enabling the system to adapt to different patient comfort requirements and space constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical positioning capability with height adjustment, allowing the patient to be imaged in a seated position at elevated height, thereby reducing horizontal space requirements while maintaining imaging quality
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 system provides comfortable seated imaging for patients, significantly reduces space requirements, and is cost-effective for smaller medical practices, enabling efficient head imaging without the need for extensive installation space.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet system with a base field magnet and a patient opening, wherein the magnet system extends along a longitudinal axis in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging system may include a scanning unit. The scanning unit may comprise a gantry which has a magnet system with a base field magnet and a patient opening, and a carrier unit which has a vertical translation mechanism which is set up to arrange the gantry in a predetermined height position. Part of the magnetic resonance imaging system may include a patient seat on which a patient can be positioned seated in an at least semi-upright position during imaging and which is arranged to be displaceable in a horizontal direction relative to the gantry.