MRI Device With Opposite Input Ports For Multi-Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lab-scale MRI devices lack the ability to efficiently and routinely handle and switch between various types and sizes of objects, such as laboratory items and small animals, due to limited maneuverability and accessibility through a single device with multiple apertures.
Innovation Solution
A lab-scale magnetic resonance imaging device equipped with two opposite input ports and an animal handling system featuring elongated enclosures with different cross-sections, allowing for the insertion of multiple, individually controllable entry ports and MRI-compatible inserts, enabling the handling and scanning of diverse objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single MRI device with one aperture is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to handle and switch between various types and sizes of objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI device is divided into multiple independent apertures (at least two apertures in the magnet structure), each aperture can be independently accessed by separate patient handling systems. This segmentation allows different objects of various types and sizes to be handled through different apertures simultaneously or sequentially, greatly enhancing the device's versatility without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI device is designed with multiple apertures that can accommodate different patient handling systems, making the single device capable of handling various types and sizes of objects. The system provides universal access capabilities where each aperture serves multiple functions - accommodating different objects, different positioning systems, and different scanning configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures are added to the magnet structure, then the versatility for handling different objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet structure is segmented into multiple apertures, each functioning as an independent access point. This segmentation allows the complex requirement of handling various objects to be distributed across multiple simpler access points rather than requiring one complex single aperture, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where patient handling systems (including positioning devices and support structures) are inserted through the apertures into the imaging volume. The handling systems can be nested within the magnet structure during operation, allowing multiple objects to be accommodated in a hierarchical manner - with smaller objects or positioning devices nested within the larger magnet structure and aperture framework.
3Ease of operation
If patient handling systems are added for each aperture, then the ease of operation for positioning objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient handling systems are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can be used with any of the multiple apertures. Each handling system incorporates positioning devices, support structures, and control mechanisms that work across different aperture configurations. This universality allows the same handling system design to serve multiple apertures, reducing the overall complexity compared to having completely separate systems for each aperture while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient handling systems incorporate dynamic positioning capabilities with motorized controls that allow real-time adjustment of object positions. The systems can dynamically adapt to different object types, sizes, and positioning requirements through programmable control sequences. This dynamic capability provides ease of operation by allowing operators to easily reposition and reconfigure the handling systems for different scanning scenarios without manual mechanical adjustments.
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
Facilitates routine and efficient handling and scanning of multiple objects of different types and sizes within a single MRI device, enhancing the versatility and usability of the system for laboratory applications.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet having an imaging volume and at least two apertures
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency antenna system for transmitting radio frequency energy into each of the respective patients when in the imaging volume
Implementation Method 3
detecting magnetic resonance imaging data from the breast region of each the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to an MRD device comprising a first input port having a first cross-sectional area, and a second input port having second cross-sectional area, wherein said first input port is substantially diametrically opposite said second input port. The invention is also directed to an animal handling system for use in an MRD device comprising: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry; and a second first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry; wherein first second geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area of said second geometry, and wherein said first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of said MRD device and said second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of said MRD device diametrically opposite to second input port, such that on insertion of said first elongated enclosure into said first input port and insertion of said second elongated enclosure into said second input, said second elongated enclosure slides into said first elongated enclosure through said open distal end of said first elongated enclosure.