Interference Suppression Antenna for MRI Emission Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance tomography systems face challenges in reducing radio frequency emissions during image capture, which can exceed emission limits due to changes in patient position and properties during examinations.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an interference suppression transmitter and antenna arranged outside the patient tunnel, emitting a synchronized interference suppression signal to reduce the field strength of excitation pulses through destructive interference, with parameters determined by patient properties such as weight, height, and position, using sensors and control units to adjust the signal in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If expensive shielding cabins are installed to reduce emissions, then emission limits are met, but system cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradio frequency emissionsVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful radio frequency emissions into a beneficial solution by using the same excitation pulses to generate destructive interference signals. The interference suppression transmitter uses the excitation pulse information to create counter-phase signals that cancel emissions, transforming the harmful radiation problem into a controlled interference pattern that reduces emissions without expensive shielding infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning destructive interference signals based on predicted patient movements and properties. The controller determines interference suppression parameters in advance and adjusts them proactively as the examination progresses, preventing emission spikes before they occur rather than reacting to them after detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If static interference suppression is used, then initial emissions are reduced, but compliance is lost when patient position or properties change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradio frequency emissionsVSAvoidadaptability to patient changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the interference suppression system adaptive and changeable in real-time. The controller continuously monitors patient position and properties, recalculates interference suppression parameters, and adjusts the anti-phase signals dynamically throughout the examination. This ensures emission reduction effectiveness is maintained despite patient movements or property changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller receives information about patient position and properties during the examination, processes this data to determine updated interference suppression parameters, and adjusts the emission signals accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures continuous compliance with emission limits by adapting to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If interference suppression signal is adjusted in real-time based on patient properties, then emission compliance is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradio frequency emissionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the interference suppression transmitter multi-functional. The same transmitter that generates excitation pulses for imaging also generates the interference suppression signals. The controller serves dual purposes: managing both the primary imaging sequences and the emission suppression parameters. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite the added real-time control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach effectively maintains adherence to emission limits by dynamically adjusting the interference suppression signal based on patient changes, ensuring continuous compliance with regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

emitting a synchronized interference suppression signal to reduce the field strength of excitation pulses through destructive interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDestructive interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS11500051B2Device and method for patient-specific interference suppression

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A magnetic resonance tomography system has an interference suppression transmitter and an interference suppression antenna. The interference suppression transmitter is configured to output an interference suppression signal via the interference suppression antenna as a function of a transmission interference suppression parameter determined from a patient property. In a predetermined region of an environment of the magnetic resonance tomography system, a field strength of the excitation pulse is reduced by destructive interference.