MRI Protective Cover with Mesh Shield and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
MRI systems face challenges in preventing the introduction of loose metal objects into their strong magnetic fields and in monitoring patient conditions during imaging procedures, as existing shielding methods are inadequate and do not allow for clear visualization of patients, especially infants, during scans.
Innovation Solution
A semi-permeable, transparent, and RF-shielding cover for open bore MRI systems that includes a magnetic shielding made of materials like copper and ferromagnetic materials, with a mesh structure, and integrates a camera system to generate clear images of patients while preventing RF radiation leakage and allowing for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional MRI shielding methods are used, then magnetic field protection is achieved, but patient visualization is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding system is divided into multiple segments: a mesh shield structure that allows optical penetration while blocking RF radiation, and separate camera positioning that captures patient images without requiring removal of shielding components. This segmentation enables simultaneous magnetic field protection and patient visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
A camera acts as an intermediary device between the patient and external observers. The camera captures visual information through the mesh shield, allowing parents and medical staff to monitor patient condition without compromising the magnetic shielding integrity. The mesh shield itself serves as an intermediary that blocks RF radiation while permitting light transmission.
2Ease of operation
If loose metal objects are allowed near MRI, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A metal detection system is implemented at the entrance to the MRI room, performing preliminary screening of patients and visitors before they enter the magnetic field zone. This preliminary action identifies and alerts personnel about metal objects before they can become hazardous projectiles, maintaining safety while allowing convenient access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If full RF shielding is implemented, then magnetic field stability is improved, but patient monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure implements local quality variations: the mesh shield provides RF blocking while maintaining optical transparency in specific areas where patient visualization is needed. The camera positioning is optimized to capture images through these transparent sections, ensuring both field stability and monitoring capability are maintained in their respective zones.
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 effectively shields against magnetic fields, prevents RF radiation leakage, and allows for clear visualization and monitoring of patients during MRI procedures, enhancing safety and comfort by enabling real-time observation of patients, particularly infants, without disrupting the MRI process.
Implementation Method 1
a radiofrequency (RF) shield to cover the aperture and to prevent an external RF radiation from entering the bore and an RF radiation emitted by the MRI device from exiting the bore
Implementation Method 2
the RF shield includes a mesh, a net or any combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cover for an open bore MRI is disclosed. The cover comprises a semi-permeable barrier, MRI shielding, and physical shielding; is at least partially transparent; and it comprises fluid connection means for providing a fluid connection between an inner open bore of said open bore MRI and an environment external to said open bore MRI.A camera operable in a MRI system is disclosed. The camera can be positioned adjacent to an RF shield (e.g., the protective cover) and external to a bore of the MRI system. The camera can generate an image of at least a portion of a patient during operation of the MRI system.