In-Bore Mounting Platform Using Borewall Pressure Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
MRI machines face limitations in introducing objects due to space constraints, material compatibility issues, and logistical challenges, which hinder efficient patient positioning and device integration, and existing solutions are cumbersome and slow, making them impractical for medical use.
Innovation Solution
A platform system for mounting devices within a scanner bore, using adaptable structures with non-metallic materials that engage with the bore wall to provide stable, flexible, and reconfigurable mounting options, compatible with MRI and CT scanners, allowing for custom positioning of objects during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional MRI machines are used for imaging, then imaging functionality is provided, but the ability to introduce and mount additional objects or devices inside the bore is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a base fixture that attaches to the scanner, boom supports that extend from the base, and in-bore fixtures that engage with the bore wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy installation and removal without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple scanner types including MRI and CT scanners. The base fixture can attach to different scanner models, and the in-bore fixtures can engage with various bore wall configurations, allowing a single mounting system design to serve multiple imaging modalities and scanner generations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bore space is utilized for mounting devices, then device integration is enabled, but space available for patient positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system utilizes the radial dimension by extending boom supports outward from the base fixture and engaging in-bore fixtures with the bore wall. This radial arrangement allows devices to be mounted in the annular space between the patient table and bore wall, effectively using otherwise wasted space without encroaching on the patient positioning area.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-bore fixtures utilize flexible, thin-walled structures that can conform to the bore wall surface. These fixtures include flexible mounting surfaces and adaptive engagement mechanisms that can adjust to variations in bore diameter and shape, maximizing space utilization while maintaining patient access.
3Strength
If ferrous metal materials are used for mounting structures, then mechanical strength is achieved, but compatibility with MRI imaging is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs composite construction combining non-ferrous metal components (such as aluminum or titanium) with high-strength polymer materials. This composite approach achieves the required mechanical strength while ensuring MRI compatibility by eliminating ferrous metals that would cause imaging artifacts or safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the material composition parameters by substituting ferrous metals with non-ferrous alternatives. The aluminum or titanium components provide sufficient structural strength without the magnetic properties that would interfere with MRI imaging, fundamentally changing the material parameter set to resolve the compatibility conflict.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex mounting mechanisms are introduced, then device mounting flexibility is improved, but operational efficiency and setup time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system components are pre-configured and pre-assembled to their functional positions before actual installation. The base fixture is pre-attached to the scanner, boom supports are pre-positioned, and in-bore fixtures are pre-adjusted, allowing for rapid final assembly and minimizing setup time during operational deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow operators to quickly reconfigure the position and orientation of boom supports and in-bore fixtures without complex manual adjustments. This dynamic flexibility enables rapid adaptation to different device mounting requirements while maintaining efficient setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in a medical scanning device that includes a base fixture; an in-bore fixture with a semi-circular outer profile, and which comprises adaptive borewall pressure loads distributed across multiple locations on the outer profile, wherein the adaptive borewall pressure loads direct pressure radially outward; and a boom support attachable between the base fixture and the in-bore fixture.