Operation and control of magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined MRI and radiotherapy devices pose challenges in workflow and protocol due to the need for staff to leave the treatment room during radiotherapy, and the difficulty in replacing touchscreen devices mounted behind protective panels without replacing the entire panel.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement for a display device, comprising a transparent panel, a display device held against the rear face of the panel, and a retaining structure with resilient fingers to secure the display device in place, allowing easy replacement and maintaining touchscreen functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive fixing is used to secure the touchscreen device to the transparent panel, then the touchscreen functionality is maintained, but the replacement of the touchscreen device becomes extremely difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement divides the fixing system into separate components: a chassis with resilient fingers that can independently secure the touchscreen device to the transparent panel. This segmentation allows the touchscreen device to be replaced without replacing the entire panel assembly, as the fixing mechanism is separated from the panel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fingers provide a dynamic, flexible mounting solution that allows for easy installation and removal of the touchscreen device. The elasticity of the fingers enables the device to be secured firmly during use but released easily when replacement is needed, contrasting with the permanent nature of adhesive fixing.
2Ease of operation
If the touchscreen device is firmly secured to maintain close relationship with the panel, then touchscreen functionality works, but the device becomes difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into separate resilient fingers attached to a chassis, allowing the display device to be firmly held during operation but easily removed when replacement is needed. The segmentation enables independent replacement of the display device without affecting the panel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement allows the display device to be discarded (removed) and replaced without damaging the fixing mechanism itself. The resilient fingers and chassis remain in place and can recover their position, enabling repeated installation and removal cycles of the display device.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive fixing is used to mount the display device, then the device is secured in place, but the transparent panel must be replaced along with the display device
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a separate chassis assembly with resilient fingers that can be independently attached to or removed from the transparent panel. This allows the display device and fixing mechanism to be replaced as a unit while leaving the panel intact, reducing overall system complexity for maintenance operations.
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
Enables staff to remain in the treatment room during radiotherapy and facilitates easy replacement of touchscreen devices without replacing the entire panel, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a part of which bears against the rear face of the display device to resiliently urge the display device against the rear face of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A combined MRI and radiotherapy apparatus comprises a radiotherapeutic source, an MRI system, a patient support, drive motors for the patient support arranged to adjust the position of the patient support while a patient is on the support, a control panel having a user-operable input interface for controlling the drive motors, and a display unit. A mounting arrangement for a display device comprises a transparent cover, a display panel held against a rear face of the cover so as to be visible through a front face of the cover, and a retaining structure for holding the display panel in place. The retaining structure comprises a chassis fixable in position relative to the cover, the chassis having at least one resilient finger extending therefrom alongside a rear face of the display panel, a part of which bears against the rear face of the display panel to resiliently urge the display panel against the rear face of the cover. The radiotherapeutic source, MRI system, patient support and the control panel will usually be located within an enclosed space, to confine the therapeutic radiation; a second control panel is provided outside the enclosed space, able to control at least the radiotherapy source.