Sensor Cushion for MRI Body Position and SAR Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging systems struggle to accurately determine the position of body parts, particularly the head, during examinations, leading to potential overheating due to uncertain SAR values, which can restrict examination quality and time, and existing solutions like 3D cameras are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A body part cushion equipped with presence sensors, such as temperature, pressure, and magnetic field sensors, to reliably detect and verify the presence of the body part, allowing for more accurate SAR prediction and position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 3D camera is used to determine body position, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical 3D camera systems with simple mechanical pressure sensors integrated into the cushion. These sensors detect body position through pressure distribution patterns, achieving adequate measurement precision without the complexity and cost of optical systems. The magnetic field sensors similarly replace complex mechanical positioning systems with electromagnetic field-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive pressure sensors and magnetic field sensors that can be easily integrated into the cushion, rather than expensive 3D cameras. These simpler sensors are sufficient for the application and can be manufactured at lower cost, aligning with the principle of using cheaper components when they adequately serve the function.
2Reliability
If presence sensors are added to the body part cushion, then reliability of body part position determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (pressure sensors, magnetic field sensors, temperature sensors) into a single integrated cushion system. This merging approach improves reliability by using multiple sensing modalities simultaneously while managing complexity through integrated design and centralized control logic that processes all sensor inputs together.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides mechanical support, pressure sensing, magnetic field sensing, and temperature monitoring. This universal design improves reliability through multiple detection capabilities while managing complexity by consolidating functions into a single device rather than separate systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If worst-case SAR values are assumed due to uncertain body position, then patient safety is improved, but examination quality and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where pressure sensors and magnetic field sensors continuously monitor body position and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of SAR calculations based on actual detected positions rather than static worst-case assumptions, thereby maintaining patient safety while improving examination quality and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary body position detection using pressure and magnetic field sensors before the examination begins. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate accurate SAR values in advance based on actual body position, avoiding the need to assume worst-case scenarios and enabling optimized examination parameters from the start.
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
Enhances the reliability of body part position detection, ensuring safer and higher-quality MR examinations by verifying the presence of the body part and reducing unnecessary output restrictions, while also monitoring patient comfort and stress levels.
Implementation Method 1
the body part cushion comprises a magnetic field sensor, particularly a 3D Hall sensor (three-dimensional Hall sensor), for acquiring the local magnetic field as position data
Implementation Method 2
the body part cushion has at least one presence sensor for acquiring presence data related to the presence of the body part
Data Source
AI summary
A body part cushion for supporting a body part during a magnetic resonance examination with a magnetic resonance device, wherein the body part cushion has at least one presence sensor configured to acquire presence data related to the presence of the body part and a communication apparatus configured to transmit the presence data to a receiver.