MRI Support Legs with Elastic Damping for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI apparatuses face challenges in effectively damping vibrations, particularly rocking and lower surface vibrations, which can degrade image quality, especially when the static magnetic field strength exceeds 1 tesla, and current damping techniques increase costs and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastically deformable support legs with varying spring constants, arranged between the apparatus bottom surface and the floor, and strategically positioned support members to absorb displacement and stabilize the MRI apparatus, thereby damping vibrations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical static magnetic field type MRI apparatus is used to improve accessibility and patient comfort, then the apparatus structure becomes less stable and more prone to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses passive damping elements (springs and dashpots) arranged in a specific configuration to counteract the gravitational instability and vibration tendencies of the vertical MRI apparatus structure, creating a balanced system that maintains stability while preserving the vertical configuration benefits
2Measurement precision
If strong static magnetic field (more than 1 tesla) is used to enhance image quality, then the vibration force increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-installs passive damping elements (springs and dashpots) in the apparatus structure before operation to cushion and absorb the vibration forces that will be generated during high-field operation, preventing vibration-related image quality deterioration before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibration energy generated by strong magnetic fields into useful thermal energy through the damping elements, where the springs and dashpots dissipate the vibration energy as heat, transforming the harmful effect into a benign outcome while maintaining image quality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing damping techniques are used to reduce vibration, then vibration is damped but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive damping elements that automatically adjust and damp vibrations without requiring external control systems, sensors, or active power supply, allowing the apparatus to self-regulate vibrations and eliminating the need for complex installation and maintenance infrastructure
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
This configuration enhances the stability of the MRI apparatus, effectively damps rocking and lower surface vibrations, maintaining high image quality at strong magnetic field strengths while reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the support legs being elastically deformed in a direction in which a weight of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is to be applied
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, which includes a apparatus bottom surface, a static magnetic field generator, two pieces of which are placed opposite each other vertically across an image pickup space, and a plurality of support legs for supporting a weight of the resonance imaging apparatus, the support legs being elastically deformed in a direction in which the weight is to be applied, and being arranged between the apparatus bottom surface and a floor. Furthermore, each of the support legs has a spring constant which is set to absorb a displacement between the apparatus bottom surface and the floor, while bearing the weight. This MRI apparatus has the simple structure enabling the efficient damping of the vibrations which may cause the deterioration of magnetic resonance images.