MRI Gantry Screen and Prism Reflector for Patient Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with a fear of confined spaces often cannot undergo MRI examinations due to the enclosed environment of traditional MRI apparatuses, which can cause stress and discomfort during the lengthy imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus with a movable screen and reflector system that projects images inside the gantry bore, using a projector and a one-dimensional multi-prism reflector to create an immersive environment, reducing the sense of being blocked and enhancing patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional enclosed MRI gantry is used, then imaging function is achieved, but patient comfort and ability to endure examination deteriorates due to confined space fear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary entertainment system comprising a projector, screen, and audio device that mediates between the patient and the confined MRI environment. This system provides distracting content (movies, music, games) that serves as a psychological buffer, reducing anxiety and discomfort while the imaging function continues uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful confined space environment into a beneficial situation by introducing entertainment content. The previously harmful enclosed space becomes an immersive theater environment, where the same physical constraints that caused anxiety are transformed into an opportunity for entertainment delivery, thereby reducing patient discomfort.
2Manufacturing precision
If MRI examination time is extended to achieve high-resolution three-dimensional data, then imaging quality improves, but patient endurance deteriorates due to prolonged exposure to confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining entertainment content delivery throughout the entire extended imaging process. The projector, screen, and audio device operate continuously during the prolonged examination, providing uninterrupted distraction that enables patients to endure longer scanning times necessary for high-resolution three-dimensional imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The entertainment system helps patients mentally 'skip through' the prolonged examination period by providing engaging content that occupies their attention, making the extended duration feel shorter and more bearable, thereby enabling completion of lengthy high-resolution scans.
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 system effectively reduces patient anxiety and discomfort by providing an immersive experience, allowing patients to focus on the projected images rather than the confined space, thereby improving their ability to endure the MRI examination.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector reflects the image projected on the screen
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a medical imaging apparatus includes a gantry, a carriage, a screen, a reflector, and a frame. The gantry has a bore formed therein. The bore is formed to accept a subject to be imaged by the medical imaging apparatus. The carriage moves through the bore. The screen is provided on the carriage. An image is projected on the screen by a projector from a rear. The rear is opposite to a side of which a top plate is inserted into the bore. The reflector reflects the image projected on the screen. The reflector includes prisms arranged in a same line. The frame supports the reflector. The frame is provided on the carriage.