Vibration-Decoupled Microphone for MRI Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices face challenges in effectively decoupling microphones from background noise, particularly due to their proximity to noise sources like gradient coil units, which leads to unwanted noise during patient-operator communication.
Innovation Solution
The microphone unit is arranged on the housing unit in a vibration-decoupled manner using a decoupling element, such as a rubber ring, and distributed across the patient receiving area to ensure reliable communication signal detection, with a compact and space-saving design that includes miniaturized microphones and electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microphone is permanently installed within the high-frequency antenna unit integrated into the scanner unit, then the microphone is positioned close to the noise source (gradient coil unit), but this leads to unwanted background noise being transmitted directly to the microphone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a decoupling element as an intermediary component between the microphone and the housing unit. This decoupling element serves as a mediator that transmits necessary vibrations (patient communication) while blocking harmful vibrations (gradient coil noise). The decoupling element is specifically designed with acoustic pass-through characteristics that allow it to selectively transmit certain frequency ranges while attenuating noise frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling element is implemented as a flexible membrane or thin film structure that can vibrate in response to acoustic pressure from the patient's voice while maintaining its integrity against structural vibrations from the gradient coils. This flexible structure allows acoustic energy transmission while providing mechanical isolation from high-frequency coil vibrations.
2Ease of operation
If the microphone is placed in the patient examination table, then it can be positioned for communication, but covering the patient could also cover the microphone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the microphone from the horizontal plane (examination table) to the vertical dimension (housing unit surrounding the patient acquisition area). This dimensional relocation places the microphone in a different spatial zone that is not occluded by the patient's body or positioning accessories, while still maintaining acoustic coupling to the patient's voice through the decoupling element.
3Ease of operation
If the microphone is placed in a patient headset, then communication is possible, but this arrangement has low patient acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microphone from the patient headset and relocates it to the housing unit. This extraction eliminates the need for patients to wear uncomfortable headsets while maintaining the communication function. The microphone in the housing unit captures patient voice through air conduction and the decoupling element, providing a non-contact, comfort-free solution.
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 arrangement significantly reduces background noise interference, allowing for clear and reliable communication between medical personnel and patients during magnetic resonance examinations, enhancing the patient's experience and examination quality.
Implementation Method 1
The decoupling element (107) is designed to vibrate in response to acoustic pressure from a patient's voice
Implementation Method 2
the decoupling element (107) is designed to vibrate in response to acoustic pressure from a patient's voice and transmit the patient's voice to the at least one microphone (115)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic resonance device with a scanner unit, a patient recording area at least partially surrounded by the scanner unit, wherein the scanner unit comprises a housing unit that at least partially surrounds the patient recording area, and a communication unit with at least one microphone unit, wherein the at least one microphone unit has at least one decoupling element, wherein the at least one microphone unit is arranged on the housing unit in a vibration-decoupled manner by means of the at least one decoupling element.