MRI Electro-Acoustic Transducer Using Lorentz Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI acoustic systems face challenges with the use of dynamic speakers and piezo-electric speakers, as they either affect the magnetic field or have limited frequency bands and high production costs, necessitating a solution for an electro-acoustic transducer that can provide consistent low sound generation with improved sound quality and reduced MRI image quality impact.
Innovation Solution
An MRI acoustic system incorporating an electro-acoustic transducer with a coil and vibrating plate that operates within the magnetic field of the MRI apparatus, controlled by a controller to adjust current intensity based on position, and equipped with a detector to prevent interference and maintain sound quality across varying magnetic field strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loud speaker is used as an acoustic outputting device, then sound output capability is improved, but magnetic material in the loud speaker affects the magnetic field of the MRI apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnetic material (permanent magnet) from the speaker system, extracting the harmful element that interferes with the MRI magnetic field while retaining the acoustic output functionality through electromagnetic excitation alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic field-based permanent magnet system with an electromagnetic field-based system using only coils and magnets from the MRI apparatus, eliminating the harmful magnetic material while maintaining sound generation capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a piezo-electric speaker is used as an acoustic outputting device, then effect on magnetic field is reduced, but frequency band is limited and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the piezo-electric mechanical system with an electromagnetic system using coils and magnets, enabling broader frequency response and lower production costs while maintaining compatibility with the MRI magnetic field environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal speaker system that can operate across wide frequency bands by utilizing the existing MRI magnetic field and gradient fields, making the system adaptable to various acoustic requirements without being limited to specific frequency ranges
3Ease of operation
If current intensity is increased to improve sound generation, then sound quality is improved, but interference with MRI signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors the MRI signal status and adjusts the current intensity to the coil accordingly, reducing current when MRI signals are present to minimize interference while maintaining sound quality when the MRI scanner is not acquiring data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the current intensity dynamic rather than static, allowing real-time adjustment of the electromagnetic excitation strength based on the operational state of the MRI scanner, enabling optimal balance between acoustic performance and signal interference
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 system achieves consistent sound generation with improved sound quality and reduced impact on MRI image quality, while reducing production costs by utilizing the MRI's magnetic field for acoustic signal generation, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a coil through which a current flows so that an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated with respect to the magnet
Implementation Method 2
a coil through which a current flows so that an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated with respect to the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acoustic system that includes a magnet that is included in a bore having an image-taking space where an object is able to be accommodated and that forms a magnetic field in the image-taking space to obtain an MR image of the object, an electro-acoustic transducer that is located outside of the bore, and includes coils through which a current for generating an attraction force or a repulsion force with respect to the magnetic field generated by the magnet and a vibrating plate that vibrates in response to the an attraction force or the repulsion force, and a controller that controls the intensity of the current inputted to the electro-acoustic transducer to generate a sound by using the magnetic field that is generated by the magnet.