Wireless Physiological Motion Sensing for MRI Gating Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional physiological signal acquisition techniques for MRI are cumbersome, costly, and ineffective in MR environments, particularly when simultaneous gating triggers for different physiological movements are required, causing discomfort and inaccurate timing.

Innovation Solution

A wireless physiological motion sensing apparatus with a sensor module and power supply module, integrated within a shielding housing, that generates motion signals via Bluetooth transmission, allowing accurate detection of respiratory and heartbeat motions for MRI gating without physical contact or complex cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional physiological signal acquisition techniques (ECG-triggered gating, pulse-triggered gating, respiratory-triggered gating) are used, then physiological motion detection is achieved, but the system becomes complex, costly, and uncomfortable for the subject

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological motion detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal transmission complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and electrical signal acquisition systems (ECG electrodes, pulse sensors, respiratory belts) with a magnetic field-based sensing approach. The sensor module detects physiological motions through magnetic field changes caused by motion, eliminating the need for complex cable connections and multiple sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of physiological motion detection from complex conventional systems and implements it through a simplified wireless sensor module. By taking out only the necessary sensing and wireless transmission components, the system eliminates unnecessary complexity while preserving the core functionality of detecting respiratory and cardiac motions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If close contact with the body is required for signal acquisition, then physiological signals can be obtained, but subject discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal acquisition reliabilityVSAvoidsubject comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct physical contact with the body (electrodes, pressure sensors) with non-contact magnetic field sensing. The sensor module detects physiological motions through magnetic field changes, allowing reliable signal acquisition without skin contact or restrictive positioning, thereby significantly improving subject comfort while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If complex cables and signal transmission systems are used, then physiological signals can be transmitted, but cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission fidelityVSAvoidcable and transmission system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex cable-based electrical signal transmission with wireless magnetic field-based transmission. The sensor module wirelessly transmits physiological motion data to the external system, eliminating the need for complex cable management, connectors, and electrical shielding while maintaining signal fidelity through magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional gating systems are used, then physiological triggering is achieved, but the system is costly and not suitable for MR environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegating trigger capabilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility with MR environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical gating systems with a magnetic field-based sensing and transmission system. The sensor module and wireless transmission components are designed to be MR-compatible, eliminating ferromagnetic materials and electrical cables that would interfere with the MR environment, while maintaining full gating trigger functionality for respiratory and cardiac motions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12560668B2Magnetic resonance system, surface coil, physiological motion sensing apparatus and gating method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

The physiological motion sensing apparatus for a magnetic resonance system includes: a sensor module, positioned relative to an examined subject of the magnetic resonance system. The sensor module is configured to sense the motion of the examined subject to generate a sense signal and transmit the sense signal to a processor of the magnetic resonance system via a wireless medium. A power supply module is configured to supply power to the sensor module; and a shielding housing that forms a shielded space. The power supply module is provided in the shielded space.