MRI-Compatible Earphone Using Lorentz Force Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional earphones are not compatible with the magnetic fields of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems due to their use of permanent magnet components, which interferes with the MRI process.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-resonance compatible earphone design that utilizes a drive coil to generate a Lorentz force from the MRI's main magnetic field, driving a diaphragm to vibrate without the need for permanent magnets, and is integrated into an intercom system and head coil apparatus for effective communication during MRI procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional earphones with permanent magnet components are used, then good audio performance is achieved, but magnetic resonance compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes permanent magnet components from the earphone structure, extracting the source of magnetic interference. This allows the earphone to be used in MRI environments without disrupting the magnetic field, directly resolving the magnetic resonance compatibility issue while maintaining audio functionality through alternative drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic drive system (requiring permanent magnets) with a mechanical drive system using a balance coil and diaphragm assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for permanent magnets while preserving the audio output function, enabling MRI compatibility.
2Reliability
If permanent magnet components are removed for MRI compatibility, then magnetic resonance compatibility is improved, but audio drive mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive mechanism into separate functional components: a balance coil for electromagnetic interaction with the MRI gradient field, a diaphragm for sound generation, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling modular assembly without requiring complex permanent magnet assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the drive system by utilizing the MRI system's gradient magnetic field instead of a static permanent magnet field. This parameter change enables the use of simpler, MRI-compatible materials and structures while maintaining the necessary audio drive functionality through the balance coil's interaction with the time-varying gradient field.
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
The solution enables reliable and compatible audio transmission within MRI environments, ensuring stability and compatibility without the use of permanent magnets, thus allowing for effective communication during MRI examinations.
Implementation Method 1
The drive coil is arranged on the earphone body and configured to receive audio current. The drive coil that has received the audio current is configured to generate a Lorentz force under the action of a main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging system.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic-resonance compatible earphone is provided comprising an earphone body, a diaphragm, and a drive coil. The diaphragm is arranged on the earphone body and configured to generate sound through vibration. The drive coil is arranged on the earphone body and used to receive audio current. The drive coil that has received the audio current is able to generate a Lorentz force under the action of a main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging system. The drive coil is able to drive the diaphragm to vibrate by means of the Lorentz force generated by the drive coil. The magnetic-resonance compatible earphone has good magnetic resonance compatibility. In addition, a magnetic-resonance compatible intercom system and a head coil apparatus comprising the magnetic-resonance compatible earphone are also provided.