MR Supply Line Impedance Markers for Error Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for accurately locating errors in the passive components of magnetic resonance (MR) system supply or signal lines, particularly at the junctions of subunits, necessitating cumbersome tests to identify the failing subunit.
Innovation Solution
Introduce an additional impedance coupled to the supply or signal line at the junctions of subunits, allowing for impedance measurement to determine the error location by comparing measured impedance to a reference value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to locate errors in supply or signal lines, then service personnel can attempt repairs, but the error location cannot be accurately determined, especially at junctions of subunits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary impedance element coupled to the supply or signal line at the junction of subunits. This intermediary component serves as a reference point that mediates between the measurement system and the error location, enabling accurate determination of whether an error occurs before or after the junction without requiring complex testing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically exchanging subunits to test for errors with an electrical impedance measurement system. By measuring impedance values and comparing them to reference values, the system electronically determines error locations without mechanical intervention or subunit exchange
2Ease of repair
If service personnel exchange subunits to identify the failing component, then they can determine which part needs replacement, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-coupling the intermediary impedance element to each subunit during manufacturing. This preliminary setup enables rapid error location during maintenance without requiring time-consuming exchange tests, as the impedance measurement directly identifies the failing subunit
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the supply or signal line to identify its own error locations through impedance measurements. The intermediary impedance elements work autonomously with the measurement system to pinpoint failures, eliminating the need for manual subunit exchange and testing by service personnel
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
Facilitates reliable and efficient identification of errors in MR system supply or signal lines without the need for extensive testing, simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an additional impedance is coupled to the supply or signal line in a region of interconnection... the additional impedance provides a reference impedance value... measuring an impedance... determining a location of the error by comparing the measured impedance to the reference impedance value
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance, and in particular to determining a location of an error in a supply or signal line. Due to the rugged environment for MR systems in hospitals supply or signal lines of MR systems are error prone. For serviceability and part replacement it is important to locate the error in the supply or signal line or to identify the subunit of the supply or signal line in which the error occurred. The basic idea of the invention is to use an additional impedance, that is coupled to the supply or signal line of the MR system in the region of interconnection for locating the error in the supply or signal line. The additional impedance provides a reference impedance value. By measuring the impedance and comparing the measured impedance to the reference impedance value, the error in the supply or signal line can be located. In one embodiment the additional impedance is realized as additional capacitance and provided as a capacitor.