MRI Patient Couch Alignment Using 3D Magnetic Stray Field Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for aligning a patient couch in a magnetic resonance tomograph relative to a patient tunnel or B0 magnet are time-consuming and require careful installation of reflector elements, which prolong the setup process.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor to provide position information by arranging it on a patient couch, with B0 reference data along the Y-axis, allowing rapid alignment by comparing measured values with predefined B0 reference data to determine the Y-coordinate position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a reflector element and photodiode system is used for alignment, then position detection is achieved, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and installation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex optical system (reflector element and photodiode) and implements it using a simple magnetic field sensor that directly measures the magnetic field gradient. This removes unnecessary components and simplifies the alignment process while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of using light sources, reflectors, and photodiodes, the system uses a magnetic field sensor to detect the gradient of the magnetic field generated by the examination table, enabling rapid and accurate alignment without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a reflector element and photodiode system is used for alignment, then position detection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex optical system (reflector element and photodiode) and implements it using a simple magnetic field sensor that directly measures the magnetic field gradient. This removes unnecessary components and simplifies the alignment process while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of using light sources, reflectors, and photodiodes, the system uses a magnetic field sensor to detect the gradient of the magnetic field generated by the examination table, enabling rapid and accurate alignment without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a reflector element and photodiode system is used for alignment, then position detection is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsetup speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex optical system (reflector element and photodiode) and implements it using a simple magnetic field sensor that directly measures the magnetic field gradient. This removes unnecessary components and simplifies the alignment process while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of using light sources, reflectors, and photodiodes, the system uses a magnetic field sensor to detect the gradient of the magnetic field generated by the examination table, enabling rapid and accurate alignment without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables rapid and accurate alignment of the patient couch relative to the patient tunnel or B0 magnet, eliminating the need for reflector elements and reducing setup time.

Implementation Method 1

provision of position information of an object with a three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor in the context of an apparatus generating a magnetic stray field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250347504A1Method and System for Provision of Position Information of an Object in a Magnetic Stray Field

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to providing position information of an object with a three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor in the context of an apparatus generating a magnetic stray field. B0 reference data of the magnetic stray field at least in a first spatial direction is provided, with the first spatial direction being orthogonal to a second spatial direction and a third spatial direction. The B0 reference data is provided in the first spatial direction at a predefined position in the second spatial direction and the third spatial direction. The magnetic field strength sensor of the object is arranged at the predefined position; a measured value of the magnetic field strength sensor at the predefined position is provided, and position information of the object in the first spatial direction based on the B0 reference data and the measured value is also provided.