Wireless Squeeze Ball Position Detection in MRI Body Coils
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless squeeze ball systems for MRI do not effectively detect the position of the squeeze ball, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the MRI scanning process, as they focus primarily on detecting squeezing rather than the ball's position within the MRI system's coils or its removal from the scanning area.
Innovation Solution
A position detection apparatus for a wireless squeeze ball, comprising an electromagnetic induction module, a mode triggering module, and a signal generating module, which uses induced voltage signals from magnetic field changes to send analog signals to the MRI system, allowing it to determine the squeeze ball's position within or outside the body coil, and includes a wirelessly charged battery for monitoring charge levels, using distinct frequencies to differentiate from MRI signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless squeeze ball is used without position detection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect ball position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection methods with electromagnetic field-based detection. The electromagnetic induction module detects the ball's position by sensing changes in the MRI system's magnetic field without mechanical contact, maintaining wireless operation while enabling reliable position monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic induction module as an intermediary between the squeeze ball and the MRI system. This module indirectly detects position changes by sensing magnetic field variations caused by the ball's movement, enabling reliable detection without direct mechanical or electronic connection.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic induction module is added to detect position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic induction module serves multiple functions: it detects the ball's position within the MRI bore, determines whether the ball is inside or outside the body coil, and triggers appropriate safety protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the MRI system's own magnetic field as the detection medium. The electromagnetic induction module passively senses field variations caused by the ball's position without requiring external power sources or additional infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless squeeze ball without position detection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information occurs regarding ball position
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic induction module continuously monitors the ball's position and provides real-time feedback to the MRI control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that position information is always available to trigger appropriate safety responses, preventing information loss while maintaining wireless operation.
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
Enables the MRI system to promptly learn position change information of the wireless squeeze ball, improving operational efficiency and patient experience by ensuring the squeeze ball is correctly positioned and alerting on potential issues like low battery or removal from the scanning area without requiring new hardware, only software updates.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic induction module, configured to send to the mode triggering module an induced voltage signal generated due to a change in magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic induction module is a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch
Data Source
AI summary
A position detection apparatus including: an electromagnetic induction module configured to send to a mode triggering module an induced voltage signal generated due to a change in a magnetic field; a mode triggering module configured to output a preset trigger signal based on the induced voltage signal, the trigger signal corresponding to the induced voltage signal; and a signal generating module configured to generate an analog signal of a first mode corresponding to the induced voltage signal based on the received trigger signal, and send the analog signal of the first mode to an MR receiving module of an MRI system via an antenna module, so that: the MR receiving module judges whether the wireless squeeze ball has entered the interior of a body coil from outside a tubular body of the MRI system, based on the analog signal of the first mode.