PET-MRI Sensor Orientation to Reduce Magnetic Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current PET-MRI devices face efficiency decreases due to the MRI machine's magnetic field affecting the PET image sensor, limiting the utilization of high-performance radioactive image materials.

Innovation Solution

The PET-MRI device is designed with a PET image sensor structure where the direction of the electric field is parallel to the MRI machine's magnetic field, using a cylindrical or dipole structure to minimize magnetic interference, allowing for the integration of high-performance radioactive image materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the PET image sensor is placed in the MRI machine's magnetic field, then the PET-MRI hybrid device can be integrated, but the PET image sensor efficiency decreases due to magnetic field interference

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePET-MRI hybrid device integrationVSAvoidPET image sensor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic field shielding structure is introduced as an intermediary between the MRI magnet and the PET image sensor. This shielding structure blocks or attenuates the magnetic field lines from reaching the PET image sensor, thereby protecting it from magnetic field interference while allowing the PET-MRI hybrid device to function integrally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The PET image sensor is extracted or separated from the direct magnetic field region by positioning it in a location where the magnetic field strength is minimal or by using magnetic field shielding materials, thus removing the harmful magnetic field influence from the sensor's operating environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If conventional PET image sensors are used in the MRI magnetic field, then device simplicity is maintained, but magnetic field interference affects diagnostic accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structureVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field shielding structure, which may add complexity to the device, ultimately improves diagnostic accuracy by eliminating magnetic field interference. The added structural element converts the potential harm of magnetic field interference into a benefit of enhanced measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 configuration ensures the PET image sensor is not fundamentally affected by the magnetic field, enabling the use of advanced materials and maintaining diagnostic accuracy without the need for additional magnetic field-resistant materials.

Implementation Method 1

PET image sensor electrodes 250 are formed on the external and internal circumferential regions of a cylinder... two annihilation radiations are emitted at an angle of 180°. The PET machine 200 is a module for detecting the two annihilation radiations that are emitted together.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a typical MRI machine 100 includes a solenoid coil 150 that uniformly generates a magnetic field... generates a high frequency electromagnetic wave while a human body is in a large cylinder generating the magnetic field, allows hydrogen atoms around the human body to resonate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10459093B2PET-MRI device and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RES INST

AI summary

A PET-MRI device and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The PET device includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine comprising a solenoid coil and a magnetic-field correction coil, wherein the MRI machine has a cylindrical structure or a dipole structure; and a positron emission tomography (PET) machine comprising a PET image sensor, wherein PET image sensor electrodes are formed on one and the other ends of the PET image sensor that have a doughnut shape, and the PET machine has a cylindrical structure or a lattice structure, wherein the PET machine is formed in the MRI machine to allow a direction of an electric field of the PET machine to be parallel to a direction of a magnetic field of the MRI machine.