Magnetic Resonance Patient Table Vertical Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance apparatuses face challenges in positioning patients with varying anatomies, as the patient table is not adjustable in the vertical direction, leading to suboptimal image quality for patients with significantly different body types, such as children or obese individuals, due to fixed positioning that compromises image data capture.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a vertical adjusting unit within the magnetic resonance apparatus that allows the patient table to be moved to multiple vertical positions, accommodating different patient anatomies and examination requirements, thereby optimizing the positioning of the patient within the isocenter for improved image data quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the patient table is fixed at a single vertical position, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy for patients with different anatomies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed patient table into an adjustable one. The vertical adjusting unit enables the patient table to dynamically change its position between a first vertical position and a second vertical position, allowing adaptation to different patient anatomies while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the patient table is positioned for average patients, then the positioning is optimal for average anatomy, but the image quality deteriorates for patients with significantly different body types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidanatomy compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the patient table system to serve multiple patient types through vertical position adjustment. The vertical adjusting unit enables the same patient table to be optimally positioned for both average-sized patients and those with significantly different anatomies, making the magnetic resonance apparatus universally applicable across diverse patient populations without requiring multiple specialized tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the patient table is moved to accommodate larger patients, then more space is available, but the positioning precision for the isocenter may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace availabilityVSAvoidisocenter positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic adjustment capability. The vertical adjusting unit allows the patient table to be precisely repositioned vertically when accommodating larger patients who require more space. This controlled movement ensures that even when the table position changes to provide adequate space, the region of interest can still be accurately positioned within the isocenter, maintaining measurement precision despite the change in volume requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11786181B2Magnetic resonance apparatus with a patient positioning apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US11786181B2 patent drawing
  • US11786181B2 patent drawing
  • US11786181B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a magnetic resonance apparatus having a scanner unit, a patient receiving region at least partially surrounded by the scanner unit, and a patient positioning apparatus, which has a patient table that is movable within the patient receiving region. The patient positioning apparatus may include a vertical adjusting unit for an adjustment of a vertical position of the patient table within the patient receiving region, and the vertical adjusting unit nay include at least two different vertical positions for a positioning of the patient table within the patient receiving region.