MR Elastography Motor Bearing Layout for Flexible Transducer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MR elastography systems face challenges with integration into MR tomography rooms due to bulky designs, interference with magnetic fields, and limitations in flexibility and freedom of movement, leading to inaccuracies and difficulties in clinical workflow.
Innovation Solution
A motor system for MR tomography rooms with a rotational drive and bearing means that allows for a movable connection between the MR elastography transducer and the support structure, reducing the length of the shaft and minimizing unwanted frequencies, while being MR compatible and adaptable to varying positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long shaft is used to connect the motor to the MR elastography transducer, then the motor can be positioned away from the MR tomography device, but unwanted frequencies are introduced that reduce imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the MR room and positioned in the control room, connected via a flexible shaft that allows transmission of rotational energy while accommodating movement. This separates the motor from the imaging area, improving operator mobility while using a flexible shaft to minimize unwanted frequency transmission compared to rigid long shafts
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible shaft is used to connect the motor to the MR elastography transducer. The flexible nature of the shaft allows it to bend and accommodate movements while transmitting rotational energy, reducing the transmission of unwanted frequencies and vibrations that would occur with rigid shafts, thereby maintaining imaging accuracy
2Power
If a bulky motor setup is used to power the MR elastography transducer, then sufficient rotational energy is provided, but the system becomes cumbersome and impedes freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate components: the motor is placed in the control room while the MR elastography transducer remains in the MR room, connected via a flexible shaft. This segmentation allows the motor to provide sufficient power without being physically present in the MR room, thereby maintaining freedom of movement for operators and patients
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft acts as an intermediary that transmits rotational energy from the motor in the control room to the MR elastography transducer in the MR room. This intermediary allows power transmission without requiring a bulky motor setup within the MR room, preserving freedom of movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor is positioned far from the MR elastography transducer, then integration flexibility is improved, but the shaft length increases introducing unwanted frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible shaft is used to connect the motor to the MR elastography transducer, allowing the motor to be positioned remotely in the control room while minimizing the transmission of unwanted frequencies. The flexibility of the shaft reduces vibration and frequency transmission compared to rigid shafts, maintaining imaging accuracy while providing integration flexibility
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
Enhances integration and flexibility, improves MR elastography imaging accuracy by reducing interference and allowing better clinical workflow integration, with improved handling and reduced mechanical vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical vibrations are generated by rotating an eccentric mass within said MR elastography transducer. Such a transducer is also called gravitation transducer.
Implementation Method 2
a MR elastography transducer concept based on a rotational eccentric mass: preliminary experiences with the gravitational transducer
Implementation Method 3
a bearing means configured such that the terminal relative to the support structure is movable along a trajectory predetermined by the bearing means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates in one aspect to a motor for a magnetic resonance (MR) tomography room, in another aspect to a patient table for the MR room, in another further aspect to a MR elastography device and in a further aspect to a MR tomography device. The invention relates in one aspect to a motor for a magnetic resonance (MR) tomography room, wherein a MR tomography device for a MR elastography imaging protocol is arranged within the MR tomography room, comprising: - a rotational drive for supplying rotational energy to power a MR elastography transducer usable during the MR elastography imaging protocol and - a support structure, wherein the rotational drive comprises a terminal for connecting the MR elastography transducer to the rotational drive, characterized in a bearing means configured such that the position of the terminal relative to the support structure is adaptable along a trajectory predetermined by the bearing means, wherein the rotational drive is mounted to the support structure via the bearing means.