MRI Radiofrequency Antenna Integrated Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies require external, costly, and labor-intensive devices for detecting patient movement during examinations, which are time-consuming and not cost-effective, especially for non-essential movements like respiration and heartbeat.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a motion detection unit, specifically a radar unit, within the MRI device's radiofrequency unit, allowing for the detection of patient movement using radar signals transmitted and received through the radiofrequency antenna, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing preparation and cleaning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external measurement devices are used for detecting patient movement, then movement detection capability is improved, but device complexity and preparation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motion detection unit with the radiofrequency unit of the MRI device, integrating the radar antenna into the existing radiofrequency antenna structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external measurement devices and their associated preparation efforts, while maintaining movement detection capability through the shared antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiofrequency antenna is designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting radiofrequency signals for MRI imaging and detecting radar signals for motion detection. This multi-functionality allows the single antenna system to perform both imaging and motion monitoring without requiring additional dedicated devices.
2Measurement precision
If external measurement devices are used for detecting patient movement, then movement detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motion detection functionality into the existing radiofrequency unit, the patent eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate external measurement devices. The shared antenna system reduces overall system cost while providing comprehensive movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal antenna system performs both MRI imaging and motion detection functions, reducing the total number of components required. This multi-functionality approach lowers the overall cost compared to having dedicated separate devices for each function.
3Measurement precision
If external measurement devices are used for detecting patient movement, then movement detection capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of motion detection into the radiofrequency unit eliminates the need for separate device attachment and removal processes. The shared antenna system automatically detects motion without requiring additional preparation steps, thereby reducing the time lost to setup and cleaning procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radar signals are transmitted through the radiofrequency antenna, then motion detection is enabled, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits radar signals periodically through the radiofrequency antenna during specific time windows when no MRI imaging is occurring. This periodic transmission allows motion detection functionality to be added without causing interference with MRI signals, as the radar transmissions are scheduled during idle periods of the imaging process.
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 solution enables cost-effective and efficient detection of patient movement, including subtle movements like respiration and heartbeat, without interfering with the MRI signals, and allows for redundant detection to improve signal-to-noise ratio and reduce parasitic effects.
Implementation Method 1
The motion detection unit includes a radar unit, and a movement of the patient is detected by at least one radar signal of the radar unit
Implementation Method 2
The use of the radar unit affords the advantage that the radar unit may be integrated particularly cost-effectively into the already existing radiofrequency unit
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance device includes a radiofrequency unit that includes a radiofrequency antenna, at least one radiofrequency line and at least one radiofrequency injection point. Radiofrequency signals are transferred to the radiofrequency antenna by the at least one radiofrequency line and are coupled into the radiofrequency antenna at the at least one radiofrequency injection point. The magnetic resonance device also includes a patient receiving zone that is at least partially enclosed by the radiofrequency antenna, and a motion detection unit for detecting a movement of a patient that may be positioned within the patient receiving zone. At least one radiofrequency line includes at least one injection element by which at least one motion detection signal of the motion detection unit is coupled into the radiofrequency line.