MRT Ventilator With Air Volume Amplifier for Magnetic Field Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic leakage fields from magnetic resonance tomography units interfere with the operation of electrical and mechanical components, particularly ventilator motors, necessitating complex installation scenarios and compromises in motor placement and airflow, which affect ventilation and cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance tomography system with an adapted ventilator that includes an airstream generator and an air volume amplifier, separated from the air exit by an air line section, to amplify airflow without being directly exposed to strong magnetic fields, using non-magnetic materials and passive geometric structures to enhance airflow without active movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ventilator motors are positioned close to the MRT to improve ventilation efficiency, then cooling and ventilation performance is improved, but the motors are disrupted by magnetic leakage fields causing higher losses and reduced power
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator system is divided into two separate components: a motor unit positioned outside the MRT tunnel where magnetic field strength is acceptable, and a fan unit positioned inside the tunnel close to the examination region. These segments are connected via air lines, allowing the motor to be isolated from harmful magnetic fields while the fan remains close to the ventilation target for efficient air delivery and cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
Air lines serve as an intermediary medium to transmit the air stream generated by the motor-unit from the low magnetic field region to the fan-unit in the high magnetic field region. This intermediary allows the motor to operate in a safe magnetic environment while still achieving effective ventilation and cooling close to the MRT examination region.
2Reliability
If motors are shielded from magnetic fields using iron plate housings to protect functionality, then motor operation is protected, but the housings become very heavy and cause mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the high magnetic field environment and positioned outside the MRT tunnel where magnetic leakage is minimal. This eliminates the need for heavy iron plate shielding housings, as the motor operates in a naturally low magnetic field region, significantly reducing weight and mechanical stress while maintaining reliable motor functionality.
3Reliability
If motors are positioned far from the MRT to avoid magnetic fields, then motor operation is protected, but large diameter hoses are required increasing installation time and space
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into motor and fan units connected by air lines. The fan unit is positioned close to the MRT examination region (within 1-2 meters) where ventilation is most needed, while the motor unit is positioned slightly farther away in a low magnetic field zone. This segmentation allows the use of smaller diameter air lines compared to positioning the entire motor-fan assembly far away, reducing installation space requirements and time.
4Productivity
If multiple motors are deployed to provide sufficient airflow in high magnetic field regions, then ventilation coverage is improved, but the complexity of testing and ensuring reliable functionality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is segmented into a motor unit and fan unit that can be independently positioned and optimized. This single-unit segmentation approach is simpler to test and commission than multiple distributed motors, as it requires testing only one motor-fan connection rather than coordinating multiple motors and their respective air delivery systems.
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
Enables flexible and efficient ventilation and cooling within the magnetic resonance tomography unit, reducing the need for powerful motors and large hoses, while maintaining system integrity and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The air volume amplifier is so configured as to increase an air volume of the airstream that is carried via the air line section to the air volume amplifier, so that an airstream with increased air volume is output
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance tomography system may include an adapted ventilator with an air exit. The adapted ventilator may include an airstream generator (e.g., with a motor), an air volume amplifier which is arranged at the air exit and/or includes the air exit, and an air line section which carries an airstream that is generated by the airstream generator to the air volume amplifier. The air volume amplifier may be configured to increase an air volume of the airstream that is carried via the air line section to the air volume amplifier, so that it outputs an airstream with increased air volume.