Magnetic Resonance Elastography Motor Integration for Compact Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance tomography requires a drive unit, such as a motor, to be positioned outside the scanner unit, necessitating a long transmission shaft for elastography examinations, which is space-consuming and poses challenges for compact design.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance-compatible drive unit, such as a motor, is integrated within the scanner unit, utilizing a magnetic resonance-compatible motor with a stator aligned perpendicular to the main magnetic field, and a flexible transmission unit to transmit drive torque directly to the vibration unit, allowing for a compact and efficient elastography apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive unit is positioned outside the scanner unit, then magnetic resonance measurements are not impaired, but a long transmission shaft is required which increases device complexity and space consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is divided into two functional parts: the motor (positioned outside the scanner unit to avoid interfering with magnetic resonance measurements) and the vibration unit (positioned inside the scanner unit to excite the patient's tissue). These segments are connected via a transmission shaft, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission shaft acts as an intermediary element that transfers mechanical drive torque from the motor outside the scanner unit to the vibration unit inside the scanner unit. This intermediary component enables the drive unit to be split across different spatial locations while maintaining functional connectivity without interfering with magnetic resonance measurements.
2Reliability
If the drive unit is positioned outside the scanner unit, then magnetic resonance measurements are not impaired, but the elastography apparatus becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The elastography apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: the motor unit outside the scanner, the transmission shaft connecting the modules, and the vibration unit inside the scanner. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining a relatively compact overall configuration compared to having all components outside the scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration unit is positioned inside the scanner unit, effectively nesting the elastography excitation mechanism within the existing scanner structure. This nesting approach utilizes the available space inside the scanner without requiring additional external housing, thereby maintaining compactness while ensuring measurement reliability.
3Reliability
If a long transmission shaft is used, then the drive unit can be positioned outside the scanner unit, but torque transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission shaft is designed with optimized parameters including material selection, cross-sectional geometry, and stiffness characteristics to minimize torque loss over the transmission distance. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters, the system maintains adequate torque transmission efficiency despite the necessary length of the transmission shaft.
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 a compact and space-saving elastography apparatus that effectively excites tissue regions for magnetic resonance elastography, minimizing interference and ensuring precise torque transmission without impairing magnetic resonance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the elastography apparatus may be used to excite a region of interest of the patient by means of vibrations and/or oscillations
Implementation Method 2
The main magnet is embodied to generate a homogeneous main magnetic field with a defined magnetic field strength
Implementation Method 3
The gradient coil unit is embodied to generate magnetic field gradients that are used for spatial encoding during imaging
Implementation Method 4
The radio-frequency antenna unit is arranged within the scanner unit in a fixed manner and configured and/or embodied to emit an excitation pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is based on a magnetic resonance system comprising a magnetic resonance apparatus with a scanner unit having a main magnet, a gradient coil unit, and a radio-frequency coil unit; a patient receiving region at least partially surrounded by the scanner unit, and an elastography apparatus embodied to excite regions of interest of a patient during a magnetic resonance elastography examination on the patient, comprising a vibration unit, a magnetic resonance-compatible drive unit, and a transmission unit for transmitting a drive torque generated by the magnetic resonance-compatible drive unit to the vibration unit. The magnetic resonance-compatible drive unit has a magnetic resonance-compatible motor.