In-Ear Hearing Protector for MRI Coil Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing protectors are too bulky to allow for the close positioning of magnetic resonance imaging coils during examinations, particularly in the head and neck region, due to their design which interferes with the placement and operation of head and neck coils.
Innovation Solution
A compact in-ear headphone design with an adapter that houses a self-contained sound generating device, such as a coil or piezoelectric transducer, which uses the magnetic resonance system's base magnetic field to operate, minimizing interference and allowing for excellent acoustic insulation and coil positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional cap-type hearing protector is used, then acoustic insulation is provided, but the device volume increases and interferes with coil positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing protector is segmented into two separate components: an earplug inserted into the ear canal and a headband worn around the head. This segmentation allows the earplug to provide acoustic insulation without adding significant volume, while the headband is positioned away from the head surface to avoid interfering with coil placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The earplug is nested within the ear canal, utilizing the natural anatomical space rather than adding external volume. The acoustic insulation function is achieved by nesting the protective element inside the body cavity, eliminating the need for bulky external structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap-type hearing protector is used, then noise protection is achieved, but coil positioning close to the head is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hearing protector into an earplug and headband components, the coil positioning area on the head surface remains clear and accessible. The earplug provides noise protection internally without obstructing external coil placement, while the headband is positioned superiorly on the head.
Solution Approach 2:
The earplug acts as an intermediary that provides noise protection through the ear canal without requiring external coverage. This intermediary approach allows coils to be positioned directly on the head surface without interference from bulky protective structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If headphones with ear covers are used, then acoustic insulation is provided, but the overall size increases due to the external positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing protector is divided into an earplug component that fits within the ear canal and a headband component. This segmentation eliminates the need for large external ear covers, reducing the overall area occupied by the device while maintaining acoustic insulation through the earplug.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional external ear cover approach to a three-dimensional internal ear canal approach. By utilizing the depth dimension of the ear canal, acoustic insulation is achieved without increasing the lateral area occupied by the device.
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
Enables the positioning of magnetic resonance imaging coils in close proximity to the head without significant interference, providing effective acoustic insulation and distinguishable sound signals while minimizing artifacts and interference during imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a self-contained sound generating device, such as a coil or piezoelectric transducer, which uses the magnetic resonance system's base magnetic field to operate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hearing protector for use in magnetic resonance systems. The hearing protector comprises a pad that is to be inserted in the ear and is provided on an adapter. A sound generating device is provided on or in the adapter or a sound transmitting device leads into same.