MR Conditional Electrodes Using Carbon Fiber Composites
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle and surface electrodes used in MRI environments are not MR conditional, requiring removal and repositioning before and after scans, leading to time delays, inconsistencies, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Development of MR conditional electrode assemblies using non-magnetic materials such as titanium, carbon fiber, carbon graphite, and ceramic composites for needle and surface electrodes, allowing them to remain in place during MRI scans without compromising diagnostic quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stainless steel needle and surface electrodes are used, then they provide adequate electrical conductivity and signal recording capability, but they are not MR conditional and must be removed before MRI scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon fiber (non-magnetic) with conductive coatings or treatments to create electrode structures that are both MR conditional and electrically functional. The carbon fiber provides the non-magnetic structural base while additional layers or treatments ensure adequate electrical conductivity for signal recording.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrodes are removed and repositioned before and after MRI scans, then MR safety is maintained, but significant time delays and potential positioning inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable carbon fiber electrodes that are designed for single-use or limited-use scenarios. These electrodes can remain in place during MRI scans because they are MR conditional, eliminating the need for removal and repositioning. The disposable nature ensures safety while the MR conditional property eliminates time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the electrodes by using carbon fiber instead of traditional metals, which fundamentally alters the magnetic properties to be non-magnetic. This parameter change enables the electrodes to withstand MRI magnetic fields without requiring removal, thus eliminating time delays associated with electrode removal and reapplication.
3Reliability
If carbon fiber and ceramic composite materials are used for electrodes, then MR conditional status is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of carbon fiber as the base material with additional ceramic coatings or treatments. This composite structure provides both the non-magnetic properties required for MR conditional status and the electrical conductivity needed for functional performance, while the modular composite approach can simplify manufacturing compared to attempting to create monolithic advanced materials.
Data Source
AI summary
MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.