Variable Patient Seat Design for Compact MRI Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging devices require large spaces and complex workflows for patient positioning, especially in smaller medical facilities, and precise patient positioning is difficult without trained personnel.
Innovation Solution
A patient seat designed with variable sections and a drive unit that allows for angled arrangements and automatic positioning, integrating a radio-frequency unit to simplify patient preparation and reduce space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional patient tables with planar support surfaces are used, then patient positioning can be achieved, but large amounts of space are required and workflows become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support device is divided into a first support section and a second support section that can be independently positioned and angled relative to each other. This segmentation allows the device to occupy less space while maintaining positioning capabilities, as each section can be optimized for specific functions rather than requiring a large planar surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support device incorporates adjustable and angleable support sections that can be dynamically reconfigured. The second support section can be angled relative to the first support section, allowing the device to adapt to different examination requirements while reducing the overall space footprint compared to fixed planar tables.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning of receiving coils is used, then isocentering can be achieved, but the workflow becomes complex and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic positioning capabilities where the control unit autonomously adjusts the patient support device and receiving coil positions based on pre-stored positioning data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual positioning by trained personnel while maintaining high isocentering accuracy, thereby reducing workflow complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning data for accurate isocentering is stored in advance in the control unit. This preliminary preparation of positioning information allows the system to automatically execute precise positioning without requiring real-time manual intervention, simplifying the workflow while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If conventional patient tables are used, then patient support is provided, but the device dimensions and space requirements remain large
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support device is segmented into multiple support sections that can be compactly arranged and angled relative to each other. This segmentation enables the device to provide comprehensive patient support functionality while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for smaller medical facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The second support section can be angled relative to the first support section in three-dimensional space. This dimensional flexibility allows the device to achieve the necessary support functionality without increasing the device's footprint in the horizontal plane, thereby reducing overall device dimensions.
4Measurement precision
If precise patient positioning is required with small imaging volumes, then positioning accuracy must be high, but trained personnel are needed which increases logistical and financial demands
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs patient positioning and isocentering operations using pre-stored positioning data, eliminating the need for trained personnel to perform these tasks. This self-service capability maintains high positioning accuracy while reducing the facility's resource requirements for specialized staff.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning data is stored in advance in the control unit, enabling automatic execution of precise positioning tasks without requiring trained personnel. This preliminary preparation of positioning information allows small facilities to achieve high positioning accuracy without the logistical and financial burden of hiring and training specialized staff.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a patient seat (31) for supporting a patient (15) during a magnetic resonance examination, comprising a first section, a second section, a connecting element (34), a radio-frequency unit (51) with at least one antenna element (50), and a drive unit, wherein the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) and the second section (31a; 31b; 31c) form parts of a receiving surface for the patient (15), wherein the connecting element (34) mechanically connects the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) to the second section (31a; 31b; 31c) and is designed to enable a variable relative movement between the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) and the second section (31a; 31b;31c), wherein the at least one antenna element (50) of the radio-frequency unit (51) is designed to receive signals in a power and frequency range of a magnetic resonance examination, and wherein the drive unit (32) is designed to move the patient seat (31) variably along a spatial direction. The invention further relates to a magnetic resonance device (10) with a patient seat according to the invention.