RF Shielding Conduit for MRI Closure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in maintaining RF shielding while allowing passage for medical equipment, which is critical for patient safety and equipment functionality, especially for unstable patients, as existing solutions are costly, require complex adjustments, and pose risks due to ferromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
An RF shielding conduit with a specific length-to-width ratio, designed to fit within an MRI closure assembly, allows passage of medical equipment tubing while providing RF shielding through a non-protruding, adaptable, and detachable module with electromagnetic conductive materials and RF detection systems, ensuring safe and uninterrupted MRI operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure assembly is used to shield the MRI bore aperture, then RF shielding is improved, but passage for medical equipment is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is segmented to include a removable cover portion that can be taken off to allow passage of medical equipment into the bore, while the remaining closure structure maintains RF shielding. This segmentation allows the system to switch between shielded and accessible states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A conduit or passage structure acts as an intermediary element that allows medical equipment to pass through the closure assembly while maintaining RF shielding integrity. The conduit is designed with specific dimensions and materials that permit equipment passage while blocking RF interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bore is kept open for medical equipment passage, then adaptability is improved, but RF shielding is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly incorporates a movable or removable cover that can be dynamically adjusted between closed (shielded) and open (accessible) positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining RF shielding when the cover is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical equipment passage is nested within the closure assembly structure itself, with conduits or channels integrated into the closure body. This nesting allows equipment passage while the surrounding closure structure maintains RF shielding integrity.
3Reliability
If waveguide attenuators and RF filters are used for passages, then RF shielding is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly uses a simple structural design with a removable cover and integrated conduits rather than complex waveguide attenuators or RF filters. The shielding is achieved through the inherent conductive properties of the closure material and its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex RF filtering components by using a simpler closure design that achieves shielding through its basic structure and removable cover mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
4Reliability
If ferromagnetic materials are present in the bore area, then magnetic shielding is improved, but projectile effect risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is designed using non-ferromagnetic materials or materials with specific magnetic properties that provide adequate shielding without creating the projectile effect. The material parameters are carefully selected to balance shielding requirements with safety considerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of ferromagnetic materials by using alternative materials or configurations that achieve magnetic shielding without the dangerous projectile effect, turning the lesson from past accidents into a safety 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
The solution effectively reduces health complications, insurance claims, and misinterpreted MRI artifacts by maintaining RF shielding, allowing continuous medical support during MRI procedures without compromising safety or equipment functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the conduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding
Implementation Method 2
RF shielding conduit in an MRI closure assembly
Implementation Method 3
RF shielding through a non-protruding, adaptable, and detachable module with electromagnetic conductive materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, in a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRD) comprising (a) a main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture; an RF shielding conduit (RFSC), having apertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.