MRI-Compatible Projector With Remote Power And Liquid Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies lack a reliable and safe image projector that can operate within high magnetic fields without compromising MRI image quality or patient comfort, necessitating FDA Class II certification for safety.
Innovation Solution
An MRI-compatible video projector with a separate power supply located outside the high magnetic field, a liquid cooling system for electronics and lamp, flow and temperature sensors for safety, and a leak detection system to prevent overheating and dust accumulation, ensuring safe operation and prolonged device life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional projector is used inside the MRI bore, then patient entertainment and information delivery are enabled, but the projector generates heat and dust that compromise safety and reliability in the high magnetic field environment
Solution Approach 1:
The projector system is segmented into multiple independent subsystems: power supply unit, cooling system, and projector unit. Each subsystem is optimized for its specific function and can be independently controlled, allowing the projector to operate safely within MRI constraints while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid cooling system acts as an intermediary between the projector's heat-generating components and the MRI environment. The cooling fluid circulates through heat exchangers, absorbing heat from the projector electronics and lamp without introducing magnetic interference, thus enabling safe operation.
2Ease of operation
If the projector operates continuously for patient entertainment, then patient comfort is enhanced, but overheating and dust accumulation occur reducing device lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooling system operates continuously throughout projector operation, maintaining constant heat removal. This ensures the projector can run indefinitely without overheating, enabling extended patient entertainment while preserving device lifespan through sustained thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional air-based cooling system with fans and filters is replaced with a liquid cooling system. This substitution eliminates dust intake and filter maintenance requirements, allowing continuous operation without degradation from dust accumulation while extending device lifespan.
3Device complexity
If the power supply is placed inside the high magnetic field area, then the projector can be fully contained in the MRI room, but the power supply interferes with MRI images and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is extracted from the high magnetic field environment and placed in a separate location outside the MRI bore. Only the projector unit remains inside the MRI room, eliminating power supply interference with MRI images and removing safety hazards associated with electrical equipment in high magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connection between the external power supply and the internal projector is established through an MRI-compatible cable that acts as an intermediary. This cable is designed to withstand the magnetic field environment and transmit power without interfering with MRI imaging, enabling safe system operation.
4Temperature
If cooling fans are used to remove heat, then heat dissipation is effective, but dust accumulates in the projector and filters require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The air-based cooling system with mechanical fans and filters is replaced with a liquid cooling system. The liquid coolant circulates through closed-loop heat exchangers, providing effective heat dissipation without introducing dust into the projector. This eliminates filter replacement requirements and reduces maintenance while maintaining superior cooling performance.
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 solution provides a safe, reliable, and long-lasting MRI-compatible projector that maintains image quality, reduces the risk of overheating and dust-related issues, and enhances patient comfort by enabling entertainment during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Cool down the projector electronics and the projector lamp with a liquid cooling system
Implementation Method 2
liquid cooling system for electronics and lamp
Implementation Method 3
Include a flow sensor in line with the liquid cooling system to detect the proper flow rate
Implementation Method 4
Include a temperature sensor device inside the projector to assure the housing and the electronics are within a safe temperature
Implementation Method 5
laser leak detection system
Data Source
AI summary
An MRI-compatible video projector system with improved safety features, comprising a projector module, a liquid cooling system, comprising a coolant block of non-magnetic material disposed in or adjacent the housing of the projector and heat generating components, a coolant pump situated remotely from the projector, and coupled to the coolant block by coolant lines carrying liquid to and from the coolant block, and a projector power system situated remotely from the projector.