Movable MRI Magnet Assembly Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MRI systems are unable to perform functional imaging of moving subjects or body parts due to the fixed nature of their magnet and RF coil structures, which restricts the ability to study naturalistic motions and associated neural activity, especially for large movements that require impractically large or costly scanners.

Innovation Solution

A moving MRI system with a magnet assembly and actuator system that allows the scanner to move in synchronization with the subject, using a cryocooler to maintain the magnet at operating temperature, enabling imaging during motion and tilt without the need for liquid helium, and incorporating real-time motion tracking and correction techniques to reduce artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the magnet and RF coil structures are fixed in position, then image quality is maintained, but the system cannot perform functional imaging of moving subjects or body parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to image moving subjectsVSAvoidfixed magnet and RF coil structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the magnet assembly movable by coupling it to a motion platform with actuators, transforming the traditionally fixed magnet structure into a dynamic system that can move with the subject. This allows functional imaging during naturalistic motion while maintaining image quality through synchronized motion of the magnet, RF coils, and gradient coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the subject undergoes large movements, then naturalistic motion studies are enabled, but the motion must be restricted to the confines of the MRI scanner structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of naturalistic motionVSAvoidmotion restriction to scanner confines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the subject within a fixed scanner, the patent inverts the approach by moving the entire scanner (magnet, RF coils, gradient coils) with the subject on a motion platform. This allows large-amplitude naturalistic motions while maintaining the subject-scanner spatial relationship needed for high-quality imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If weak or very weak magnetic fields are used, then significant motion of the subject is permitted, but image quality is inadequate for high quality anatomic or functional MRI

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermission for significant subject motionVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the use of strong magnetic fields during motion by making the entire imaging system dynamic. The magnet assembly moves synchronously with the subject, allowing strong fields (superconducting or permanent magnets) to be used while permitting significant subject motion, thereby achieving both high image quality and motion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the magnet assembly is made movable to enable imaging during motion, then functional imaging of naturalistic motions is enabled, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability for functional imaging during motionVSAvoidmovable magnet assembly with actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnet assembly, RF coils, gradient coils, and motion platform into an integrated movable system. By combining these components and moving them together synchronously with the subject, the system achieves functional imaging during motion while managing complexity through unified design and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 high-quality imaging of moving subjects, reducing motion artifacts and allowing for the study of neural activity during naturalistic motions, improving understanding of brain processes such as vestibular function, motor control, and cardiovascular function, while simplifying scanner design and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet assembly that includes at least one magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

at least one actuator coupled to the housing and configured to change a position and orientation of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Implementation Method 3

using a cryocooler to maintain the magnet at operating temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryocooling: Cryogenics

Data Source

PatentUS10222444B2Systems and methods for moving magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") system that can be operated while a subject performs, experiences, or otherwise undergoes naturalistic motion. This movable MRI ("mMRI") system includes a magnet whose position and orientation can be changed while the subject is moving, such that the magnet and subject maintain a substantially fixed spatial relationship relative to each other.