Rotating Patient Table for Compact MRI Magnet Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatuses have complex constructions that result in high costs and space requirements, with displacement means causing imaging noise and interfering with the imaging process, and require sturdy magnet structures to support patient weight, leading to inefficient patient access and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging apparatus with a patient table that pivots around a vertical axis, allowing easy access and positioning of patients and receiving coils within a compact MRI system, featuring a bridge-like structure with removable coil support elements and limited displacement paths to minimize space and cost, enabling efficient imaging of various anatomic regions without the need for extensive table displacement or rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the patient table is fixed in position within the magnet structure, then the magnet structure can support patient weight, but the apparatus requires large space and complex construction for patient access and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patient table is made rotatable about a vertical axis instead of being fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning. The table can rotate between a retracted position (parallel to the vertical connection member) and an extended position (perpendicular to it), enabling easy patient access and positioning without complex displacement mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If displacement means are added to move the patient table, then patient positioning is improved, but imaging noise increases and the imaging process is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The table uses simple rotation about a vertical axis rather than complex linear displacement mechanisms. This rotational movement occurs outside the imaging volume and does not generate the same level of imaging noise as traditional displacement means, while still achieving effective patient positioning.
3Strength
If the magnet structure is made sturdy to support patient weight, then structural strength is improved, but the overall size and cost of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable table design allows the magnet structure to remain compact while still supporting patient weight. The table rotates within a limited angular range (approximately 45 degrees from parallel to perpendicular position relative to the vertical connection member), reducing the overall space requirement compared to linear displacement systems.
4Ease of operation
If the patient table is made long to accommodate full patient length, then patient comfort is improved, but the apparatus requires more space for table rotation and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The table's rotational capability allows it to be positioned at optimal angles for different imaging scenarios. When retracted parallel to the vertical connection member, the table minimizes the apparatus footprint. When extended perpendicular to the connection member, the table provides full patient length accommodation for comfortable positioning during imaging.
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 reduces the overall size and cost of the MRI apparatus, facilitates easy patient positioning, and optimizes coil placement for efficient imaging of different body parts with minimal movement, enhancing imaging efficiency and comfort while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
means for generating a static magnetic field that permeates said patient receiving space
Data Source
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AI summary
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging apparatus having an open U-or C-shaped magnet structure, wherein the magnet structure has at least one vertical connection member for joining two horizontal wall members which lie one above the other and are supported in a cantilever fashion and in a predetermined spaced relationship by said vertical member, the latter being eccentrically connected to said two wall members, particularly at a side edge thereof, which horizontal wall members and which vertical member delimit the upper and lower sides and at least a vertical lateral band of a space for receiving at least one part of a patient body, and which horizontal wall members support means for generating a staticmagnetic field that permeates said patient receiving space, which apparatus further comprises a patient table, supported in an intermediate position between the two horizontal wall members, and lies slightly above the lower horizontal wall part, said table being displaceable in at least one displacement direction, having at least one component of motion towards and/or away from said vertical connection member, wherein the table is rotatable about a vertical axis outside the magnet structure, i.e. outside the horizontal wall members.