Tiltable Head Coil for MRI with Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head coils for magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) systems are not easily tiltable, which limits patient comfort and support for patients with cervical vertebrae conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, as they require fixed plug connections and lack mechanisms for reproducible angle adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A head coil design featuring a tiltable mechanism with a latching arrangement that includes a pivot joint and latching pin mechanism, allowing for adjustable tilt angles and secure locking positions, enabling easy connection and disconnection from the patient couch without unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed plug connection is used for the head coil, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to different patient positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The head coil is designed with a tiltable mechanism that allows it to be adjusted to different angular positions relative to the patient couch. The coil can be tilted within an angular range (e.g., 0° to 30°) and locked at desired positions using a latching mechanism, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable one that maintains stability while adapting to different patient positions and requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tiltable mechanism is added to the head coil, then adaptability to different patient positions is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The head coil assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a tiltable mounting mechanism with pivot joint, a latching mechanism with latching pin and recesses, and the coil assembly itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the system
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the head coil is tilted to a desired position, with the latching pin automatically finding and locking into the appropriate latching recess. This self-latching feature eliminates the need for manual intervention to secure the coil, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If angle adjustments are made during examination, then patient comfort is improved, but time consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The head coil is tilted and locked at the optimal angle for each patient before the examination begins. The latching mechanism secures the coil at the predetermined angular position, eliminating the need for adjustments during the examination process. This preliminary positioning ensures patient comfort is optimized from the start while avoiding time loss from mid-examination adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A head coil for an imaging magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system is provided. The head coil includes a head coil upper part and a head coil lower part. The head coil lower part includes a lower part base and a movable lower part that may be moved relative to one another via a mechanism for setting a tilt angle.