MRI magnet room cleaning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in maintaining a clean and germ-free MRI magnet room is exacerbated by the difficulty in using conventional cleaning equipment, which poses a risk of magnetic interference and potential injury due to the presence of ferromagnetic materials.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum and steam cleaning system with non-magnetic hoses and a portable dispensing unit, designed to operate safely within the MRI magnet room, utilizing a base unit installed in the equipment room and connected via retractable tubing that reaches all corners, ensuring safe and thorough cleaning without exposing the cleaning personnel to magnetic hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional handheld vacuum cleaners with long hoses are used in the MRI magnet room, then cleaning capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to magnetic attraction of ferromagnetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit containing ferromagnetic components is extracted from the magnet room and placed in the equipment room, leaving only non-magnetic handheld dispensing units and tubing inside the magnet room. This eliminates the magnetic attraction hazard while preserving cleaning capability through the extended non-magnetic tubing system.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-magnetic tubing acts as an intermediary medium to transmit vacuum suction and steam from the power unit in the equipment room to the magnet room. This allows the cleaning function to be performed inside the magnet room without introducing ferromagnetic materials that would be attracted by the MRI magnet.
2Productivity
If the power unit is placed close to the MRI magnet for effective cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential projectile injury
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into two parts: the power unit containing ferromagnetic components is located in the equipment room, while the handheld dispensing unit is used inside the magnet room. This spatial segmentation allows efficient cleaning operation inside the magnet room while keeping the hazardous power unit at a safe distance from the MRI magnet.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazardous power unit is extracted from the magnet room environment and placed in the equipment room. The non-magnetic handheld dispensing unit and tubing system are used inside the magnet room to deliver cleaning functions, thereby eliminating the risk of the power unit becoming a projectile while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ferromagnetic cleaning equipment is brought into the magnet room, then cleaning function is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to catastrophic injury or death
Solution Approach 1:
Ferromagnetic cleaning equipment is extracted from the magnet room and placed in the equipment room. The cleaning function is maintained inside the magnet room through non-magnetic handheld dispensing units connected via non-magnetic tubing, eliminating the catastrophic injury risk while preserving cleaning adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-magnetic tubing and handheld dispensing units serve as intermediaries to perform cleaning functions inside the magnet room without introducing ferromagnetic materials. This allows the cleaning system to adapt to the magnet room environment safely by using non-magnetic intermediary components.
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 system effectively cleans and disinfects the MRI magnet room, reducing the risk of magnetic interference and ensuring the safety of both caregivers and patients by using non-magnetic components that can reach all areas without the need for the power unit to be near the magnet, thus preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum and steam cleaning system
Implementation Method 2
vacuum and steam cleaning system
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner system for an MRI magnet room. The system includes a base vacuum and/or steam unit configured to supply vacuum and/or steam, the unit disposed outside the MRI magnet room. A hand-held or portable dispensing unit is substantially free of magnetic material so that it is safe to use inside the magnet room. A tubing system for conveying vacuum and/or steam from the base unit to the handheld unit, the tubing system including a magnet room portion configured for disposition inside the magnet room and free of magnetic material. A communication link is configured to communicate control signals generated by user manipulation of a control panel to the base unit.