MRI Shielded Door With Cam Surface and Rod-less Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current door systems for MRI and radiation enclosures fail to maintain an emf-free atmosphere effectively, as they are complex and prone to allowing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiation ingress, especially due to the need for multiple shielding planes and space constraints in medical imaging environments.
Innovation Solution
A shielded door system with a rod-less cylinder and cam surface mechanism that allows for single-plane movement, utilizing bladder-actuated electrical fingers and compression strips for seamless electrical contact with the jamb, and a dual framing configuration for added radiation shielding and acoustic dampening, reducing complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex multi-plane sealing system is used to maintain EMF-free atmosphere, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into multiple sealing planes (first seal plane at header, second seal plane at footing) that operate independently but collectively provide comprehensive EMF shielding. Each plane has dedicated sealing components (bladder-actuated fingers, compression strips) that segment the sealing function to maintain reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system extends from a single plane to multiple spatial planes (header and footing levels). The cam surface mechanism guides the door along a controlled path that engages seals in sequence across different dimensions, transforming a two-dimensional sealing problem into a multi-dimensional solution that improves shielding without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If multiple shielding planes are implemented, then radiation and EMI shielding is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing components are nested within the door structure itself. The bladder-actuated electrical fingers and compression strips are integrated into the door leaf and jamb assembly, with the cam surface mechanism positioned to guide the door's movement. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external shielding structures, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining multi-plane shielding effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the door's position and orientation during closing, allowing the sealing planes to engage optimally without requiring excessive clearance. The rod-less cylinder provides controlled actuation that adapts to the cam surface geometry, enabling compact multi-plane sealing within constrained spaces
3Reliability
If extensive electrical wiring is used for shielding, then EMF blocking is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder-actuated electrical fingers use flexible bladder elements that can be easily formed and sealed within the door structure. These thin-film-like bladders provide the necessary electrical continuity for EMF shielding without requiring bulky rigid wiring. The compression strips similarly use flexible conductive materials that are easier to manufacture and install than extensive rigid electrical wiring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The rod-less cylinder replaces traditional mechanical linkages and extensive wiring systems with a pneumatic or hydraulic actuation mechanism. This substitution reduces the number of electrical connections required while maintaining control over the door's sealing action, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a door system which has a door leaf with a first horizontally disposed edge and a second horizontally disposed edge inferior to the first horizontally disposed edge. The door system also includes a rod-less cylinder in communication with the first horizontally disposed edge and a cam surface formed with the second horizontally disposed edge. The cam surface limits the door to a single plane of movement relative to an opening of an enclosure defining a door jamb.