Compact Hearing Protection for MRI Coil Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing protection devices are not suitable for use with head and neck coils in magnetic resonance facilities, as they cannot be properly applied, leading to inadequate sound protection and positioning issues.

Innovation Solution

A compact, dimensionally stable plastic inner part is permanently connected to the outer shell, filling it completely to achieve effective sound attenuation, allowing for a narrower shell design that can be easily integrated with coils, and incorporating a connector for acoustic tubes to facilitate communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional hearing protection with a large volume outer shell is used, then sound attenuation is improved, but the device cannot be properly applied with head and neck coils

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound attenuationVSAvoidapplicability with head and neck coils

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing protection is divided into two separate components: a compact outer shell and a separate inner part that fills the shell. This segmentation allows the outer shell to be designed with minimal lateral dimensions for coil compatibility, while the inner part provides the necessary sound attenuation volume independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner part is inserted into and nested within the outer shell, with the inner part consisting of a dimensionally stable plastic mass that fills the outer shell completely. This nesting arrangement allows the hearing protection to achieve effective sound attenuation in a compact form factor that can be properly applied with head and neck coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the outer shell is designed with minimal lateral dimensions for coil compatibility, then adaptability to head and neck coils is improved, but sound attenuation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with head and neck coilsVSAvoidsound attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hearing protection combines two different material functions: the outer shell provides structural compatibility and minimal dimensions, while the inner part made of dimensionally stable plastic mass provides sound attenuation. This composite structure achieves both coil compatibility and effective sound protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If a compact inner part is permanently connected to the outer shell, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfitting accuracy between inner part and outer shell

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inner part and outer shell are permanently connected through a bonding interface, merging two functional components into a single integrated hearing protection device. This combining approach simplifies the overall device structure while requiring precise manufacturing to ensure proper fitting and sealing between the components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides excellent sound attenuation even in limited shell volumes, enabling the hearing protection to be used with head and neck coils while allowing for easy integration and effective communication with the patient.

Implementation Method 1

provision is made for a compact inner part to be arranged in and permanently connected to the plastic outer shell, said inner part consisting of a dimensionally stable plastic mass and essentially filling the outer shell completely... an excellent attenuation effect can be achieved if the shell volume is filled by a pure mass element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound attenuation through mass: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS8209777B2Hearing protection for use in magnetic resonance facilities

Publication Date: 2012.07.03 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A hearing protection for use in magnetic resonance facilities, comprising two protective covers for covering the ears of an examination patient, said covers being connected to each other via a clip, wherein each cover has a plastic outer shell, wherein a compact inner part is arranged in and permanently connected to the outer shell, said inner part consisting of a dimensionally stable plastic mass and essentially filling the outer shell completely.