Rotatable MRI Coil Assembly Aperture Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in accommodating medical devices and providing patient comfort due to the fixed nature of their coil assemblies, which limits accessibility and visibility during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotatable annular coil assembly with an aperture within the solenoid magnet allows for variable positioning of the coil relative to the magnet, enabling the accommodation of medical devices and improved patient access, including anesthesia equipment, display devices, and cameras, while maintaining the integrity of the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed coil assembly is used in MRI systems, then the magnetic field integrity is maintained, but the accessibility and visibility during procedures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is made rotatable relative to the magnet, transforming it from a fixed structure to a dynamic one. This rotation capability allows the aperture to be positioned at different locations around the magnet bore, improving accessibility for medical devices and patient interaction while maintaining magnetic field integrity through proper shielding design
Solution Approach 2:
The coil assembly is divided into segmented windings with strategic apertures rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows specific regions to be opened for device access while other regions maintain the magnetic field, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and field integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If an aperture is created in the coil assembly, then medical devices can be accommodated, but the magnetic field uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the coil assembly have different properties: some areas have apertures for device accommodation while other areas maintain continuous windings for magnetic field generation. The aperture locations are strategically chosen and shielded to minimize impact on overall field uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic shielding materials are introduced as intermediaries between the aperture regions and the main magnetic field. These shields prevent field distortion while allowing device passage through the aperture, resolving the conflict between device accommodation and field uniformity
3Ease of operation
If the coil assembly is made rotatable, then patient access and device placement are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to pivot relative to the magnet bore. This dynamic capability enables operators to position apertures optimally for patient access and device placement without redesigning the entire system layout
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable coil assembly serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field, provides adjustable access points for devices, and enables patient positioning flexibility. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms
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 design enhances the flexibility and accessibility of MRI systems, allowing for intraoperative imaging, reduced patient isolation, and improved communication, while maintaining performance and reducing system size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet, e.g., a solenoid magnet and a portable magnet, configured to generate a magnetic field, e.g., a static magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the gradient coil of the annular coil assembly is configured to provide a gradient variation to the static magnetic field in more than one spatial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and methods, involving a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field, the magnet being a portable magnet transportable on a cart, and at least one coil assembly disposed in relation to the magnet, the at least one coil assembly having at least one gradient coil.