MRI Vacuum Plug Rupture Tool for Emergency Vacuum Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual vacuum rupture systems for medical imaging devices, such as MRI machines, are often inaccessible or improperly used in emergency situations due to improper training and storage, posing risks when patients or equipment are magnetically trapped.

Innovation Solution

A point-of-use system featuring a vacuum plug with a rupture disk and a puncture tool retainer, allowing for quick and safe manual rupture of the vacuum by a puncture tool, which is removably coupled to the MRI device, utilizing a frustum reverse buckling rupture disk and a puncture tool with an angled tip for efficient vacuum release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a manual vacuum rupture system is stored separately from the MRI device, then it is easier to store and manage, but it becomes inaccessible or improperly used in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage and managementVSAvoidaccessibility in emergency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The puncture tool is integrated directly into the MRI device by coupling it to the vacuum plug, which is attached to the vacuum vessel. This merging ensures the tool is always accessible at the point of use while maintaining proper storage through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The puncture tool is pre-positioned and ready for immediate use by being permanently coupled to the vacuum plug on the MRI device. The angled tip is pre-configured for optimal puncture effectiveness, eliminating the need for separate storage and retrieval actions during emergencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If extensive training is required for using the vacuum rupture system, then the system can be used more safely, but it responds more slowly in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe usageVSAvoidresponse time in emergency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-explanatory and self-operating. The puncture tool's angled tip automatically aligns with the rupture disk, and the tool's design guides proper insertion and activation, eliminating the need for extensive training while ensuring safe and effective operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rupture disk is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after each use. This simplifies the operation to a single-action puncture without requiring complex procedures or extensive training, while maintaining safety through engineered design constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the puncture tool is made easily accessible, then it can be used quickly in emergencies, but it may be accidentally activated or misused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick access in emergencyVSAvoidaccidental activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The puncture tool features a specific angled tip geometry that must align precisely with the rupture disk's puncture point. This localized geometric constraint ensures that only proper insertion at the correct angle and position will activate the rupture, preventing accidental activation while maintaining quick access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The angled tip of the puncture tool is designed with specific curvature and orientation that matches the rupture disk's surface geometry. This curved, angled configuration ensures that casual contact or improper insertion cannot activate the rupture mechanism, while the precise alignment required for proper use enables quick and reliable activation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 ensures rapid and reliable vacuum release in emergencies without requiring extensive training, as the puncture tool is always accessible at the MRI device, reducing the risk of magnetic field disruption and enhancing safety by being hidden yet readily usable.

Implementation Method 1

A puncture tool is configured to puncture the vacuum plug to rupture the vacuum in the medical imaging machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11313481B2Systems for rupturing a vacuum in a medical imaging device

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A system for rupturing a vacuum in a medical imaging device. The system includes a vacuum plug attached to the medical imaging device and configured to retain a vacuum in the medical imaging device. A puncture tool is configured to puncture the vacuum plug to rupture the vacuum in the medical imaging machine. A puncture tool retainer removably couples the puncture tool to the medical imaging device.