MRI-Xray Support Component Using Composite Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combined MRI and X-ray imaging systems face challenges in providing adequate structural support for patients during procedures without interfering with the magnetic and X-ray fields, leading to image distortion and limitations in patient safety and workflow.
Innovation Solution
A support component formed from materials with different physical characteristics, such as Garolite G10/FR4, polyphenylene sulphide, and aramid-polyurethane foam, which are MRI and X-ray compatible, ensuring minimal interference with the imaging fields and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional structural support materials (e.g., Novotex) are used in combined MRI and X-ray imaging systems, then adequate structural support for patients is provided, but image distortion occurs and interference with imaging fields is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials principle by combining multiple materials with different properties to create a support component that simultaneously provides structural strength and imaging compatibility. The composite structure integrates materials with low aluminum equivalence factor for X-ray transparency and non-ferromagnetic properties for MRI compatibility, resolving the contradiction between structural support and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality principle by using different materials in different regions of the support component. The head holder uses materials optimized for MRI compatibility while the upper support portion uses materials optimized for X-ray transparency, allowing each region to have properties tailored to its specific imaging modality requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If materials with low aluminum equivalence factor are used to reduce X-ray interference, then X-ray image quality improves, but MRI field compatibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to achieve both low aluminum equivalence factor for X-ray transparency and non-ferromagnetic properties for MRI compatibility. The composite structure combines materials like polyphenylene sulphide with glass fiber reinforcement, providing both required properties simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials optimized for different imaging modalities in different portions of the support component. The head holder uses MRI-optimized materials while the upper support uses X-ray optimized materials, allowing each to excel in its primary function.
3Reliability
If non-ferromagnetic materials are used to ensure MRI safety, then patient safety in MRI field is improved, but X-ray image quality may deteriorate due to increased aluminum equivalence factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials principle by combining non-ferromagnetic materials with low aluminum equivalence factor. The composite structure uses materials like polyphenylene sulphide reinforced with glass fibers, achieving both MRI safety and X-ray transparency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local quality by assigning different materials to different regions: the head holder uses non-ferromagnetic materials for MRI safety, while the upper support portion uses materials with low aluminum equivalence factor for X-ray transparency.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the entire support component, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but inability to optimize for both MRI and X-ray imaging simultaneously occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials to create a support component that is optimized for both MRI and X-ray imaging. The composite structure integrates materials with complementary properties, achieving dual imaging compatibility while maintaining manufacturability through standardized composite fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local quality by dividing the support component into regions with different material compositions. The head holder and upper support portion use different materials optimized for their specific imaging requirements, allowing simultaneous optimization for both MRI and X-ray while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
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 use of these materials allows for clear, artifact-free imaging in both MRI and X-ray systems without compromising surgical procedures, enhancing patient safety and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the support component is formed of one or more materials each of which has an Aluminium equivalence factor of less than 10mm and preferably of the order of 5 to 6mm. The support component is arranged such that the presence of the support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image.
Implementation Method 2
the support component is formed of one or more materials each of which has an Aluminium equivalence factor of less than 10mm and preferably of the order of 5 to 6mm
Data Source
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AI summary
A structural support component such as a head clamp for use in imaging of a part of a patient using Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is formed of different materials each of which has an Aluminum equivalence factor of less than 10 mm and generally less than 6 mm and is arranged such that the presence of the structural support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image. The materials can be epoxy resin combined with a glass fiber substrate for easily machined parts, polyphenylene sulphide with random fiber reinforcement using glass fibers for high wear parts and polyurethane foam or Polymethacrylimide foam shaped to form a required member and covered on its outer surface with a layer formed from aramid fibers for elongate parts.