MR Elastography Drive Shielding for RF Interference Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unwanted disturbances and interferences occur between the drive unit of an elastography apparatus and the radio frequency antenna unit of a magnetic resonance apparatus during elastography examinations.
Innovation Solution
The elastography apparatus is equipped with an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)-tight shield housing containing a cylindrical radiofrequency hollow conductor, which houses the drive unit, preventing interference with the scanner unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the drive unit is integrated with the magnetic resonance apparatus for a compact setup, then integration simplicity is improved, but electromagnetic interference between the drive unit and radio frequency antenna unit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is separated from the main magnetic resonance apparatus by placing it within a dedicated EMC-tight shield housing. This segmentation isolates the electromagnetic interference source (drive unit) from the sensitive radio frequency antenna unit while maintaining functional integration through the force transmission unit that extends through the shield housing wall.
Solution Approach 2:
An EMC-tight shield housing with a cylindrical radiofrequency hollow conductor acts as an intermediary barrier between the drive unit and the radio frequency antenna unit. This shield housing transmits mechanical forces from the drive unit to the vibration applicator while blocking electromagnetic interference, serving as both a mechanical transmission medium and an electromagnetic barrier.
2Volume of moving object
If the drive unit is placed close to the radio frequency antenna unit for compact integration, then space utilization is improved, but unwanted disturbances and interferences occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is nested within the EMC-tight shield housing, which itself is integrated into the magnetic resonance apparatus structure. This nested arrangement allows the drive unit to occupy space within the existing apparatus volume without increasing the overall footprint, while the shield housing provides electromagnetic protection to ensure operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMC-tight shield housing with its cylindrical radiofrequency hollow conductor acts as a flexible electromagnetic barrier that can be integrated into the existing apparatus structure. This shield housing provides electromagnetic protection while maintaining a compact form factor that fits within the available space of the magnetic resonance apparatus.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic shielding is implemented to prevent interference, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EMC-tight shield housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding to prevent interference, acts as a mechanical support structure for the drive unit, and serves as a mounting point for the force transmission unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
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
The solution allows the elastography apparatus to operate without disturbances, enabling a simple integration with the magnetic resonance apparatus and effective shielding of electromagnetic waves, ensuring a compact and interference-free setup.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)-tight shield housing with a cylindrical radiofrequency hollow conductor (RF hollow conductor), wherein the drive unit is arranged within the radiofrequency hollow conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance elastography apparatus, which may include a magnetic resonance apparatus and an elastography apparatus, is described. The magnetic resonance apparatus comprises a scanner unit, a patient receiving region surrounded at least partially by the scanner unit, and a patient couch, which is embodied to introduce a patient into the patient receiving region. The elastography apparatus comprises a drive unit, a vibration applicator which is arranged for an examination on the patient, and a force transmission unit, which is embodied to transmit a drive moment from the drive unit to the vibration applicator. The elastography apparatus comprises an EMC-tight shield housing with a cylindrical radiofrequency hollow conductor, and the drive unit is arranged within the radiofrequency hollow conductor.