MRI Patient Bed Transfer With EMI-Shielded Precision Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport apparatuses for patients in medical systems, particularly MRI devices, face challenges in efficiently and accurately moving patients within strong electromagnetic environments, including the need for precise positioning and protection against electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A transport apparatus with a patient bed unit, transferring unit, and elevating module, incorporating sliding and buffer rollers, a drag chain structure, and a line trapper, designed for horizontal and vertical movement, and equipped with a servo dynamical system for precise positioning and electromagnetic protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a patient bed unit is moved horizontally and vertically into the bore of an MRI device, then patient positioning accuracy is improved, but electromagnetic interference from the strong magnetic field worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient positioning accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A drag chain structure serves as an intermediary between the patient bed unit and external control systems, allowing mechanical movement while blocking electromagnetic interference from the MRI bore. The drag chain physically connects the moving bed to the stationary control area, enabling signal and power transmission without direct electromagnetic exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport apparatus is segmented into distinct functional zones: a control area outside the bore where electromagnetic interference is absent, and a bore area where imaging occurs. The patient bed unit acts as a movable boundary between these zones, allowing operators to control the system from the safe zone while positioning the patient in the imaging zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If sliding rollers are used to move the patient bed unit horizontally, then movement efficiency is improved, but patient safety and comfort worsen due to potential instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement efficiencyVSAvoidpatient safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Buffer rollers with larger radius than sliding rollers are positioned at the front of the patient bed unit to absorb impact forces before they reach the patient. This cushioning mechanism prevents sudden jerks or shocks during horizontal movement, maintaining patient comfort and safety while allowing efficient rolling motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Different roller types are applied to different locations on the patient bed unit: sliding rollers provide low-friction movement along the track, while buffer rollers with larger radius are strategically placed to contact the track at specific points for shock absorption. This localized differentiation of roller properties optimizes both efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the patient bed unit is lifted vertically using an elevating module, then access to the bore is improved, but system complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to boreVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevating module replaces manual lifting operations with an automated mechanical system. A motor-driven mechanism, likely involving a screw drive or belt system, vertically transports the patient bed unit into and out of the bore automatically, reducing operator physical strain and improving positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elevating module is integrated with the horizontal transfer mechanism to create a unified positioning system. The same control system that manages horizontal movement via drag chain also coordinates vertical elevation, allowing operators to control both dimensions of positioning through a single interface, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of moving object

If buffer rollers with smaller radius are used, then space utilization is improved, but impact absorption capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidimpact force

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radius of buffer rollers is specifically optimized to be larger than sliding rollers but smaller than the bore radius. This parameter adjustment creates an optimal balance: large enough to effectively absorb impact forces through increased contact area and cushioning effect, yet small enough to fit within the spatial constraints of the MRI bore and maintain efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12569202B2Transport apparatus in medical system

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

A transport apparatus may include a patient bed unit for supporting the patient; a transferring unit for moving the patient bed unit along a first direction of the MRI device; and an elevating module for moving the patient bed unit along a second direction of the MRI device.