MRI-Compatible Mobile Computer Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices are not compatible with MRI environments due to magnetic interference and electromagnetic interference, posing risks to patients and degrading MRI image quality, with existing solutions like fiber optic cables and pneumatic headphones offering suboptimal audio-visual delivery.
Innovation Solution
A MRI-compatible mobile computer with ferromagnetic-free components and electromagnetic shielding, featuring shielded cavities and non-ferrous materials to minimize interaction with MRI scanners and prevent interference, allowing safe and effective audio-visual delivery within the MRI environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electronic devices are used in MRI environment, then audio-visual stimuli delivery is improved, but electromagnetic interference with MRI scanner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic shielding structure between the electronic device and the MRI scanner. This shielding acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic fields from the electronic device from interfering with the MRI scanner, while still allowing audio-visual stimuli to be delivered to the patient. The shielding material absorbs or reflects electromagnetic waves, preventing them from reaching the sensitive MRI imaging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes ferromagnetic materials from the electronic device components that would be attracted to the MRI scanner's magnetic field. By taking out these harmful magnetic elements while retaining the essential electronic components needed for audio-visual delivery, the device can operate safely in the MRI environment without causing harmful interference or being pulled into the scanner bore.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ferromagnetic components are removed from device, then patient safety is improved, but device functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively removing ferromagnetic materials only from specific components and locations where they would pose a safety risk, while retaining ferromagnetic materials in components where they are essential for functionality. This localized approach allows the device to maintain its core functions while eliminating safety hazards. The shielding is also applied locally around specific electronic components rather than throughout the entire device.
3Ease of operation
If electronic components are added to scan room, then audio-visual delivery is improved, but interference with MRI imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic shielding structure between the electronic device and the MRI scanner. This shielding acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic fields from the electronic device from interfering with the MRI scanner, while still allowing audio-visual stimuli to be delivered to the patient. The shielding material absorbs or reflects electromagnetic waves, preventing them from reaching the sensitive MRI imaging system.
4Ease of operation
If device is placed within MRI bore, then patient interaction is improved, but device susceptibility to magnetic field increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes ferromagnetic materials from the electronic device components that would be attracted to the MRI scanner's magnetic field. By taking out these harmful magnetic elements while retaining the essential electronic components needed for audio-visual delivery, the device can operate safely in the MRI environment without causing harmful interference or being pulled into the scanner bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic shielding structure that protects the electronic device components from the strong magnetic fields in the MRI environment. This shielding acts as a protective barrier that allows the device to be placed close to or within the MRI bore for better patient interaction while preventing the magnetic field from damaging or disrupting the electronic 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 mobile computer ensures patient safety and maintains MRI image quality by preventing electromagnetic interference and providing reliable audio-visual stimuli within the MRI environment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shielded cavity within the housing, where the shielded cavity includes a first non-ferrous, conductive surface having a first outer periphery and a second non-ferrous, conductive surface having a second outer periphery. The first and the second non-ferrous conductive surfaces operatively engage each other to define the shielded cavity between the first and the second non-ferrous conductive surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
The tablet provides a substantially ferromagnetic-free or reduced ferromagnetic content device (where there are zero to minimal adverse effects for the specified conditions) with electromagnetic shielding and filters reducing or eliminating the transmission of electromagnetic signals into or out of the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile computer suitable for use in an MRI environment is disclosed. The mobile computer includes at least one shielded cavity in which the electronics for the mobile computer are inserted. The shielded cavity inhibits undesirable emissions from the mobile computer from affecting the quality of the image obtained by the MRI scanner and inhibits electrical interference generated by the dynamic magnetic fields in the MRI scanner from affecting the performance of the mobile computer. In addition, the components used in the mobile computer are selected from non-ferrous materials and are arranged in a manner to minimize interaction between the mobile computer and the MRI scanner.