Wireless Clock Signal Transfer for MRI Peripheral Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance tomography units face interference issues due to asynchronous clock signals from peripheral devices, which can disrupt imaging and control systems, and lack remote control capabilities within the shielding booth.

Innovation Solution

A system for wirelessly transferring clock and control signals using electromagnetic data signals with frequencies greater than the Larmor frequency, employing sensors and transmitters that utilize optical or radio waves for open-air communication, ensuring interference-free signal processing and control without cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If peripheral devices use free-running oscillators for clock signals, then device independence and flexibility are improved, but signal interference with MRT receiving systems occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system consisting of a transmitter in the MRT system and a receiver in the peripheral device. This intermediary channel transfers synchronized clock signals wirelessly, eliminating direct electrical connections and preventing interference while maintaining coordination between systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical connection methods (cables, direct electrical interfaces) with wireless electromagnetic communication. This substitution eliminates physical connections that cause interference while maintaining signal synchronization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If peripheral devices are placed inside the shielding booth, then control capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference with MRT receiving systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary that allows control signals to pass through the shielding booth boundary without requiring physical penetration. The transmitter outside the booth and receiver inside the booth enable control capability while the shielding remains intact to prevent interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical cable connections that would require penetrating the shielding booth with wireless electromagnetic communication. This allows control signals to be transmitted through the shielding barrier without compromising the electromagnetic shielding integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cable connections are used for signal transfer, then connection reliability is improved, but flexibility and ease of positioning are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical cable connections with wireless electromagnetic communication. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraints of cables, allowing peripheral devices to be freely positioned and moved while maintaining reliable signal transfer through the wireless channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables interference-free data transfer and control of peripheral devices, maintaining image quality and allowing remote operation within the magnetic resonance tomography unit's shielding booth.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter for transferring the clock signal and the control signal wirelessly by means of an electromagnetic data signal to a peripheral device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a sensor for receiving the electromagnetic data signal and converting it into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11874352B2Apparatus and method for transferring clock signals from a magnetic resonance tomography unit to a peripheral device

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A peripheral device for a magnetic resonance tomography unit. The peripheral device includes a first sensor for receiving an electromagnetic data signal from the environment of the peripheral device. The peripheral device is configured to execute signal processing in dependence on the electromagnetic data signal and a frequency of the electromagnetic data signal is greater than a Larmor frequency of the magnetic resonance tomography unit.