Miniaturized Implantable MRI System Thermal and Calibration Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional MRI devices are large, expensive, and limited in mobility and applicability due to their size and design, making them unsuitable for field or internal use, and are prone to inaccuracy and overheating, which hinders their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for improving MRI technology by using miniaturized, implantable or insertable MRI systems with dynamic RF tailoring, orthogonal solenoid windings for both magnetic and RF generation, and advanced cooling techniques to maintain thermal stability, along with calibration using reference targets for image refinement and low-cost signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional MRI devices are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the devices are large, expensive, and lack mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MRI system into separate functional modules including magnet assembly, RF transmitter, RF receiver, and gradient coils that can operate independently or in combination. This modular segmentation enables the system to be configured in different sizes and configurations, allowing both portable external systems and miniaturized implantable versions to be created from the same core technology platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional large-scale external MRI systems to miniaturized implantable or insertable devices by reducing the system in three dimensions. This dimensional reduction enables the MRI capability to be placed inside or adjacent to the subject, fundamentally changing the scale and application versatility of the technology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If miniaturized MRI systems are used, then mobility and internal use are enabled, but inaccuracy and overheating occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by placing reference objects of known characteristics inside or adjacent to the subject before imaging. The system acquires reference data from these calibration objects and uses it to correct and refine the imaging parameters, thereby compensating for potential inaccuracies introduced by miniaturization and ensuring measurement precision is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses reference objects with known magnetic properties to provide feedback for system calibration and performance verification. By comparing the measured signal from reference objects against their known characteristics, the system can adjust and optimize imaging parameters to maintain accuracy in miniaturized configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If miniaturized MRI systems are used, then internal use is enabled, but thermal management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal management function from the implantable MRI device itself and places it in an external system. Cooling leads connect the implantable device to external cooling apparatus, allowing heat generated by the miniaturized RF and magnetic components to be removed externally, thereby maintaining thermal stability within the constrained internal device volume.
4Reliability
If traditional external MRI systems are used, then imaging is performed, but cost and complexity are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal MRI platform with core components (magnet, RF system, gradient coils, signal processing) that can function in multiple configurations - as a traditional large external system, as a portable system, or as a miniaturized implantable device. This multi-functionality allows the same technology to serve diverse applications at different scales, reducing overall system complexity and cost by eliminating the need for entirely separate systems for each application type.
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 more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective imaging by leveraging miniaturization for improved stability and control, allowing for internal use and reduced thermal issues, while maintaining high magnetic field control and efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the inserted portion by use of an extrinsic cooling unit leads which remove heat from the inserted unit by thermal conduction, convection or radiation
Implementation Method 2
cooling the inserted portion by use of an extrinsic cooling unit leads which remove heat from the inserted unit by thermal conduction, convection or radiation
Implementation Method 3
cooling the inserted portion by use of an extrinsic cooling unit leads which remove heat from the inserted unit by thermal conduction, convection or radiation
Implementation Method 4
A 'significant' magnetic field aligns the electronic spins and some portion of the photonic hydrogen or other molecules in a patient
Implementation Method 5
Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter perturbs the spins of this previously-aligned field, in one or more times and uses a variety of gradient practices
Implementation Method 6
RF receiver records lifecycles of the perturbed spins
Data Source
AI summary
Nuclear Magnetic Resonant Imaging (also called Magnetic Resonant Imaging or “MRI”) devices which are implantable, internal or insertable are provided. The disclosure describes ways to miniaturize, simplify, calibrate, cool, and increase the utility of MRI systems for structural investigative purposes, and for biological investigation and potential treatment. It teaches use of target objects of fixed size, shape and position for calibration and comparison to obtain accurate images. It further teaches cooling of objects under test by electrically conductive leads or electrically isolated leads; varying the magnetic field of the probe to move chemicals or ferrous metallic objects within the subject. The invention also teaches comparison of objects using review of the frequency components of a received signal rather than by a pictorial representation.