MRI Bed Signal Connection Structure for Cable Jamming Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges with long signal transmission lines and numerous RF chokes, which cause structural layout issues and increased risk of cable jamming, especially in movable patient beds, due to the need for complex and expensive cable management systems.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance signal transmission line connection structure that reduces the length of signal transmission lines and the number of RF chokes by using a first connection part on the patient bed and a second connection part on the MRI system main body, allowing for non-contact or contact-type coupling terminals and a return mechanism to facilitate signal transfer without the need for extensive cable configuration within the patient bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple RF chokes are disposed on the patient bed cable to eliminate external interference, then signal interference is reduced and imaging quality is ensured, but the cable length increases significantly and structural layout space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RF chokes from the patient bed cable and relocates them to the chamber wall. This separation allows the cable to remain short while still providing the necessary interference filtering function, thus resolving the contradiction between signal quality and cable length.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber wall serves as an intermediary structure that hosts the RF chokes. This mediator allows the filtering function to be provided without requiring the chokes to be attached to the moving cable, thereby reducing cable length while maintaining signal interference protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the patient bed cable is made long to accommodate multiple RF chokes, then external interference is reduced, but the risk of cable jamming increases and cable management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the RF chokes from the cable and mounting them on the chamber wall, the patent eliminates the need for a long cable. This significantly reduces the risk of cable jamming and simplifies cable management while maintaining external interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into two independent parts: a short cable for signal transmission and separate RF chokes mounted on the chamber wall for interference filtering. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing cable jamming risk while maintaining filtering effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If a plug with multiple pins is used for cable connection to the socket, then signal transmission is enabled, but the pins are bent easily during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional plug-socket connection by making the cable end a fixed socket and the patient bed end a movable plug. This inversion allows the plug to be spring-loaded, automatically pushing pins into contact with the socket, thereby preventing pin bending during connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plug design provides beforehand cushioning by pre-loading the pins with elastic force. This ensures that the pins are always in contact with the socket and can withstand insertion and removal forces without bending, thus protecting connection durability.
4Reliability
If existing cable treatment schemes are used to protect the cable, then cable protection is provided, but the cost increases significantly or dimensions become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes out the cable from the chamber interior and routes it externally, eliminating the need for complex in-chamber cable management systems. This simple external routing provides adequate protection without the high cost and large dimensions associated with existing cable treatment schemes.
Data Source
AI summary
MR signal transmission line connection structure. A first connector fixed to a bed of an MR imager and connectable to an MR imaging. A second connector, which is disposed at an opposite side of an opening side of a chamber of the MR imaging device allowing entry of the bed, connected to a signal receiver for MR signals by a cable. The first connector has a first connection terminal, and the second connector has a second connection terminal. When the bed moves into the chamber, the first connector abuts the second connector such that the first connection terminal is connected to the second connection terminal, and an MR signal received by the coil is conveyable to the signal receiver via the first and second connection terminals. When the MR imaging ends, the bed moves back out of the chamber, breaking the connection between the first and second connection terminals.