MRI Slip Ring Assembly With Phase-Controlled Field Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing slip ring assemblies used in medical devices, particularly in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, generate a magnetic field that interferes with the central magnetic field of the MRI, leading to reduced accuracy of MRI images.

Innovation Solution

A slip ring assembly is designed with at least one first conductor group and one second conductor group, each comprising annular conductors. These conductors are arranged to have currents with specific phase and amplitude differences, ensuring that the magnetic fields generated by the first and second conductor groups at least partially offset each other, thereby reducing the overall magnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a slip ring assembly is used as a power supply medium and communication medium for the treating device, then the treating device can operate effectively, but the magnetic field generated by current flowing through the slip ring assembly interferes with the central magnetic field of the MRI device, reducing MRI accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation reliability of treating deviceVSAvoidMRI image accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slip ring assembly is divided into multiple conductor groups (first conductor group and second conductor group), each carrying currents with specific phase relationships. This segmentation allows the magnetic fields from different conductor groups to be controlled independently, enabling cancellation of interfering magnetic fields while maintaining power supply function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful magnetic field interference into a beneficial effect by using the magnetic fields from different conductor groups to cancel each other out. The currents are configured with specific phase differences (less than or equal to 60 degrees) and amplitude relationships, causing the magnetic fields to offset each other and reduce overall interference in the MRI device's central magnetic field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Power

If current flows through the slip ring assembly to power the treating device, then the treating device receives necessary power, but the generated magnetic field creates interference in the MRI central magnetic field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply to treating deviceVSAvoidmagnetic field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the currents flowing through different conductor groups, specifically controlling the phase differences (less than or equal to 60 degrees) and amplitude relationships. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the magnetic fields generated are configured to offset each other, reducing interference while maintaining the necessary power supply function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed slip ring assembly effectively reduces the magnetic interference in the central magnetic field of the MRI device, thereby enhancing the accuracy of MRI images and ensuring reliable operation of both the MRI and the treating device.

Implementation Method 1

A first current having a first phase and a first amplitude is configured to flow through the first conductor, a second current having a second phase and a second amplitude is configured to flow through the second conductor, a third current having a third phase and a third amplitude is configured to flow through the third conductor, and a fourth current having a fourth phase and a fourth amplitude is configured to flow through the fourth conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250132535A1Slip ring assembly, and medical device having slip ring assembly

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

A slip ring assembly includes: at least one first conductor group, and at least one second conductor group. Each first conductor group includes a first conductor and a second conductor, and the first conductor and the second conductor are configured as annular shapes, respectively. Each second conductor group includes a third conductor and a fourth conductor, the third conductor and the fourth conductor are configured as annular shapes, respectively. The first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor and the fourth conductor are arranged to be apart from each other. A first current having a first phase and a first amplitude is configured to flow through the first conductor, a second current having a second phase and a second amplitude is configured to flow through the second conductor, a third current having a third phase and a third amplitude is configured to flow through the third conductor.