MRI Cable Sensor for Interference Detection and Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance tomographs require complex shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference and emissions, which increases costs and complexity, while existing interference suppression methods are inefficient in distinguishing and effectively eliminating interference signals from useful signals.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic resonance tomograph with an electrical connection line that includes an interference conductor and a sensor coupled to it, capable of detecting and forwarding interference signals to a controller for suppression, using directional couplers and resonant elements to differentiate and reduce interference signals effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If elaborate shielded cabins are installed around MRI scanners to reduce electromagnetic interference, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the interference suppression function from the physical shielding structure and relocates it to the signal processing domain. By using sensors to detect interference signals and digitally subtracting them from the MRI signals, the system eliminates the need for elaborate shielded cabins while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical shielding system (shielded cabins) with an electronic/digital interference suppression system. Instead of using physical barriers to block electromagnetic interference, the system uses sensors and signal processing to detect and eliminate interference electronically, reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If existing interference suppression methods are used, then some interference reduction is achieved, but measurement precision and effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference signalsVSAvoidinterference detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that specifically detect interference signals on power supply lines and other conductors. These sensors act as mediators between the interference source and the MRI signal processing system, enabling precise detection and subsequent digital subtraction of interference signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor interference signals, and the detected interference is fed back into the signal processing system for subtraction. This closed-loop approach ensures that interference is detected and suppressed in real-time, improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution allows for precise recognition and suppression of interference signals at their source, improving image quality by reducing artifacts and emissions, thus reducing the need for extensive shielding and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor (60) is electrically and/or magnetically coupled to the interference line (33)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an inductively or 'wirelessly' coupled, multi-channel antenna matrix is known

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

the sensor (60) is resonant at a Larmor frequency of the magnetic resonance tomograph (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

The cable has electrical conductors (33) that can carry an electric current. Due to their electrical conductivity, the conductors also act as antennas for electromagnetic waves and can therefore capacitively or inductively absorb or transmit electrical interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3800479B1Magnetic resonance tomograph with a line with sensor for detecting line interference
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP3800479B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3800479B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3800479B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable (33) for an electrical connection in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner (1) and to a MRI scanner (1) with a corresponding cable. The cable includes an electrical interference conductor that can receive and/or radiate an electromagnetic interference signal from the environment. The cable further includes a sensor (60) that is electrically and/or magnetically coupled to the interference conductor (33).