MRI Examination Room Shield Segmentation for Electromagnetic Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices are susceptible to electromagnetic interference from additional devices in the examination room, which compromises imaging quality and requires effective shielding to operate without interference.

Innovation Solution

An examination room shield with a peripherally closed shield side wall and a sub-shield assembly that includes a hollow sub-shield for installing the MRI device, along with a separate shielded space for additional devices, utilizing materials like copper foil or galvanized steel to create a Faraday cage effect and prevent electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional device is installed in the MRI examination room, then the functionality and versatility of the examination room is improved, but electromagnetic interference to the MRI device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination room functionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielded room is divided into two independent shielded spaces: a first shielded space for the MRI device and a second shielded space for the additional device. This segmentation physically separates the two devices, allowing the additional device to be installed and operated without causing electromagnetic interference to the MRI device, thus maintaining both versatility and electromagnetic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second shielded space (for the additional device) is nested within or adjacent to the first shielded space (for the MRI device) within the same examination room structure. This nested arrangement allows both devices to coexist in one room while maintaining independent electromagnetic shielding, resolving the contradiction between room versatility and electromagnetic interference protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a shielded room is constructed to protect the MRI device, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the device complexity and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshield structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of constructing one large complex shielded room, the shielding is segmented into two separate but coordinated shielded spaces. Each space has its own shielding structure optimized for its specific device, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining effective electromagnetic protection for both the MRI device and additional device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielded spaces act as intermediary structures between the MRI device and the additional device, providing electromagnetic isolation. This intermediary shielding approach simplifies the overall system design by creating clear boundaries and isolation zones, making the shielded room construction more manageable and less complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the shielded room is designed to accommodate both devices, then the operational space is improved, but the shielding effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational spaceVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operational space is segmented into distinct zones: the first shielded space for MRI operations and the second shielded space for additional device operations. This segmentation allows both devices to have adequate operational space while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding boundaries, preventing interference between the two devices despite sharing the same examination room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielded spaces are arranged in a nested or adjacent configuration within the examination room, optimizing the use of available space. This spatial arrangement ensures both devices have sufficient operational room while the shielding structures maintain their integrity and effectiveness in preventing electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effectively shields the MRI device from external and internal electromagnetic interference, ensuring high imaging quality and providing a larger operational space for operators while allowing for the use of additional devices like radiotherapy equipment without disrupting the MRI operation.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing materials like copper foil or galvanized steel to create a Faraday cage effect and prevent electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS20240264252A1Examination room shileds and imaging systems
Publication Date: 2024.08.08 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US20240264252A1 patent drawing
  • US20240264252A1 patent drawing
  • US20240264252A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an examination room shield, comprising: a peripherally closed shield side wall, and a sub-shield assembly disposed in an inner space enclosed by the shield side wall, the sub-shield assembly including a peripherally closed sub-shield side wall.