Open MRI Magnet Layout for Targeted Regional Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whole-body magnetic resonance scanners are inefficient for imaging smaller body regions and can cause claustrophobia in patients, particularly children, due to their confined imaging spaces.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance device with a field generation unit comprising two magnet segments forming a triangular half-open space, allowing for a smaller, targeted imaging volume, and a support structure that adjusts the position of a second magnet relative to a first magnet to enhance accessibility and imaging flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional whole-body scanners are used, then the imaging volume is large, but the device causes claustrophobia and is inefficient for smaller body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is divided into multiple separate magnet segments (first magnet segment, second magnet segment, third magnet segment) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the imaging volume to be selectively defined and adjusted, enabling the device to accommodate different body regions and patient sizes without requiring a large confined space, thus reducing claustrophobia while maintaining imaging flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet segments are made movable relative to each other through the support structure, allowing dynamic adjustment of the imaging volume position and size. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to various imaging requirements and patient positions, providing openness and accessibility while maintaining the ability to image specific body regions effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional whole-body scanners are used, then the imaging volume is large, but the device is inefficient for imaging smaller body regions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magnet assembly into multiple independent magnet segments, the device can selectively position and adjust the imaging volume to match the specific body region being imaged. This segmentation enables efficient imaging of smaller body regions by concentrating the magnetic field only where needed, rather than requiring a large whole-body imaging volume, thus improving imaging efficiency for targeted regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet segments can be positioned to create a localized imaging volume with optimized magnetic field characteristics specifically tailored to the body region being imaged. This local quality adjustment allows the device to provide efficient and high-quality imaging for specific regions (such as joints, organs, or extremities) without the inefficiencies of imaging the entire body when only a small region is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional whole-body scanners are used, then the imaging volume is large, but the device has high cost and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is segmented into multiple separate magnet segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to achieve a compact overall structure while maintaining the capability to image various body regions, reducing both device size and space requirements compared to conventional whole-body scanners that require large confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable magnet segments allow the imaging volume to be dynamically adjusted to accommodate different body regions and patient positions. This dynamic capability enables a single compact device to replace multiple fixed whole-body scanners, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining imaging flexibility for various applications.
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 device provides enhanced openness and accessibility for imaging specific body regions, reducing the overall size and cost, and allows for improved imaging of organs deeper within the body, accommodating patients with disabilities or obesity.
Implementation Method 1
the examination object is usually positioned in a strong and homogeneous static magnetic field (B0 field) of a magnetic resonance device. The static magnetic field may comprise magnetic field strengths of 0.2 Tesla to 7 Tesla, thus aligning nuclear spins inside the examination object along the static magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
For triggering so-called nuclear spin resonances, radiofrequency excitation pulses are emitted into the examination subject. Each radiofrequency excitation pulse causes a magnetization of nuclear spins within the examination object to deviate from the static magnetic field by an amount which is known as the flip angle.
Implementation Method 3
For spatial encoding of measured data, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields are superimposed on the static magnetic field.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic resonance device (10) comprising a field generation unit (12) configured to generate a main magnetic field including an imaging volume (30), and a support structure (11) configured to structurally support the field generation unit (12), wherein the field generation unit (12) comprises a first magnet (14) and a second magnet (18), the first magnet (14) comprising two magnet segments (14a; 14b) arranged at an angle to each other to form a triangular half-open space (47) which encloses at least a part of the imaging volume (30), and wherein the first magnet (14) and the second magnet (18) are arranged at opposing sides of the imaging volume (18).