Magnetic Resonance Surface Coil Plug Block Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface coils in magnetic resonance tomography systems are prone to failure due to wear or improper handling, leading to damage of individual contacts and requiring costly and inconvenient replacement.
Innovation Solution
A plug block module with an adapter plug and a surface coil connector device that allows for easy installation and exchange of plug blocks, featuring a flexible or rigid connection between the plug block and adapter plug, and a latch connection for simple mounting, enabling on-site repair and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual contacts are directly connected and soldered to electronic components inside the coil, then the connection is stable and reliable, but damage to contacts due to wear or improper handling requires costly and inconvenient replacement of the entire coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coil into modular components: a removable plug block module containing the contacts and adapter plug, and a main coil body with electronic components. This segmentation allows the plug block to be replaced independently when contacts are damaged, rather than replacing the entire coil. The plug block module can be detached and replaced by users without specialized tools or knowledge of internal electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vulnerable contact elements from the main coil structure by placing them in a separate, removable plug block module. This extraction allows the contacts to be replaced independently while preserving the main coil body and its electronic components, significantly reducing repair costs and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple individual contacts are combined into one plug block, then the structure is simplified and easier to handle, but the connection between plug block and adapter plug may be damaged during exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plug is inserted into a recess in the plug block, creating a nested structure where the adapter plug fits securely within the plug block body. This nesting protects the connection during handling and exchange, as the adapter plug cannot be easily dislodged or damaged when the plug block module is being installed or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a latch connection that automatically engages when the plug block module is inserted into the surface coil. This latch provides beforehand protection by securing the connection before any potential damage can occur during normal use or subsequent exchanges.
3Productivity
If the plug block module can be easily exchanged by users, then on-site repair is enabled and downtime is reduced, but the design complexity increases with adapter plugs and latch connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service repair by designing the plug block module with external adapter plugs that can be connected and disconnected without specialized tools or knowledge. Users can perform on-site repairs by simply replacing the plug block module themselves, eliminating the need to send the coil to the manufacturer and significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plug design serves multiple functions: it provides the electrical connection interface, enables mechanical attachment/detachment, and works with the latch connection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall exchange process despite the added capability for user replacement.
4Ease of operation
If a latch connection is used for mounting the plug block module, then simple mounting and detachment is enabled, but the risk of accidental disconnection may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch connection is designed to automatically engage and lock when the plug block module is inserted into the surface coil, providing beforehand protection against accidental disconnection. The latch mechanism remains engaged during normal use, securing the connection while still allowing intentional removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch connection provides dynamic security: it automatically engages during insertion to prevent accidental disconnection, but can be easily opened by pulling the plug block module away from the surface coil. This dynamic behavior adapts to the operational state, providing stability during use and ease of removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug block module for a surface coil for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus has a plug block body with contacts for connection lines that can be connected with a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, an adapter plug that can be inserted into an adapter plug of the surface coil, a surface coil connector device that fixes the plug block module to the surface coil, and a connection between the plug block and the adapter plug.