RF Shield Conduit Holder for MRI Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI enclosures face challenges in allowing fluid transfer without compromising their electromagnetic shielding, which is essential for producing clear diagnostic images by preventing stray radiation noise.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a channel and hollow cylinder system within an RF shield that allows for the reversible insertion and isolation of fluid conduits, enabling easy fluid transfer while maintaining electromagnetic integrity, with features like spiral gaskets for RF sealing and a handle mechanism for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid conduits are allowed to pass through MRI enclosure walls, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but electromagnetic shielding integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (conduit holder assembly with RF shield integration) that mediates between the need for fluid transfer and the requirement for electromagnetic shielding. The holder assembly includes a conduit passage through the RF shield wall, allowing conduits to pass while maintaining shielding integrity through proper sealing and positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RF shield wall to create a dedicated conduit passage, separating the fluid transfer function from the electromagnetic shielding function. The conduit holder assembly is integrated into the RF shield structure, creating a segmented approach where the shielding remains intact except for the controlled opening for fluid conduits.
2Ease of operation
If conduit insertion mechanisms are made simple and reversible, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of RF isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the pre-configured conduit holder assembly that is permanently mounted in the RF shield wall. The holder includes a pre-formed conduit passage and positioning features that guide conduit insertion, ensuring proper alignment and RF sealing before the conduit is inserted. This preliminary preparation simplifies the insertion process while maintaining reliable RF isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit holder assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between simple operation and reliable isolation. It provides a standardized interface with positioning features and sealing elements that ensure proper RF isolation while allowing easy insertion and removal of fluid conduits through the holder's accessible opening.
3Reliability
If conduit passage is made permanent and fixed, then reliability of RF shielding is improved, but adaptability for different conduit types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the conduit holder assembly with universal features that can accommodate different types of fluid conduits (IV lines, catheters, other fluid transfer devices). The holder includes a conduit passage with appropriate dimensions and positioning features that can securely hold various conduit types while maintaining RF shielding integrity. This universal design allows the same permanent installation to serve multiple conduit types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conduit holder assembly into modular components including the RF shield integration, the holder body, and the conduit passage. This segmentation allows the permanent RF shield portion to maintain shielding reliability while the modular holder components provide adaptability for different conduit types through adjustable positioning and sealing features.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system for providing passage of fluid lines through an RF shield, the device comprising an RF shield having external and internal surfaces; a channel defined by the RF shield and extending from the external surface to the internal surface of the RF shield; a hollow cylinder rotatably communicating with said channel and extending substantially the length of the channel; a longitudinally extending region of said cylinder defining a gap adapted to receive a fluid conduit; mounting plates attached to the external surface and the internal surfaces of the RF shield; a movable member having a handle, the movable member attached to either end of the channel, the handle in slidable communication with the mounting plate so as to slide about the periphery of the plate; and a depending end of the handle rigidly attached to the cylinder which in turn is in rotatable communication with the circular plate such that the handle can be manipulated to a first position to allow loading of the conduit into the cylinder and whereby the handle can be manipulated to a second position to prevent unloading of the conduit from the cylinder.