MRI Patient Table Cable Duct Antenna Selection Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in achieving consistent image quality due to limited homogenous magnetic field volume, requiring multiple steps for large examination objects and excessive connection cables that compromise signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A selection unit is integrated into a mobile object-support element to connect a variable number of electrical terminals (antenna elements) to a fixed number of communication entities, utilizing a bus-like device with switch elements to reduce the number and length of connection cables, ensuring improved signal transmission and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the selection unit is arranged on a stationary part of the MRI system, then the antenna elements can be connected to receive points, but the signal quality deteriorates due to excessive cable routing and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The selection unit is moved from the stationary part to the mobile object-support element (patient table), inverting the conventional arrangement. This allows the antenna elements to be connected directly to the selection unit with minimal cable routing, eliminating the need for long flexible cables and reducing crosstalk and signal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection unit is extracted from the stationary system architecture and integrated into the mobile table structure. This separation removes the problematic cable routing between stationary and mobile components, as the selection unit now travels with the table and antenna elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple local antenna elements are arranged before imaging to cover large examination objects, then complete imaging in multiple steps becomes possible, but the number of connection cables increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile object-support element serves multiple functions: it supports the examination object, carries the selection unit, and integrates the antenna elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable routing infrastructure, as the selection unit and antenna elements travel together with the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection unit and antenna elements are merged into the mobile table structure, creating an integrated system. This combination reduces the number of external connections needed, as the selection unit can directly access all antenna elements mounted on the same mobile platform without requiring long flexible cables.
3Device complexity
If the selection unit is arranged on the mobile object-support element, then cable routing complexity is reduced, but the electrical connection arrangement must be adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections between antenna elements and the selection unit are pre-established during the manufacturing of the mobile table assembly. This preliminary arrangement of electrical contacts eliminates the need for complex cable routing and connections during system assembly, as the connections are already in place when the antenna elements and selection unit are mounted on the table.
Data Source
AI summary
A selection unit for a magnetic resonance imaging system may be provided. The selection unit electrically connects a first number of electrical terminals to a second number of communication entities. The selection unit is arranged in and/or on a mobile object-support element for moving an examination object which is to be depicted by the magnetic resonance imaging system into a recording position.