Wireless Patient Sensor Powered by Supercapacitors for MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the intense electromagnetic environment of an MRI machine, traditional cabling for patient monitoring is cumbersome and prone to interference, while existing wireless solutions often require suboptimal signal filtering, limiting noise reduction and operational control.
Innovation Solution
A wireless patient monitoring system powered by supercapacitors, which eliminate the need for ferromagnetic batteries and provide a removable, rechargeable power source that uses DC-to-DC converters to maintain voltage and includes a charging station for rapid and safe charging, allowing for accurate assessment of charge readiness and noise reduction through multiple digital filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cabling is used for patient monitoring in MRI, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the cables are cumbersome and interfere with access to the patient and movement of personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable connection from the monitoring system by implementing a wireless transmitter that communicates with the MRI control system via radio frequency signals. This extraction of the physical cable eliminates the mechanical constraints while maintaining data transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with an electromagnetic communication system. The wireless transmitter uses RF signals to transmit patient monitoring data, substituting the mechanical-electrical connection with an electromagnetic field-based communication method that eliminates physical constraints.
2Ease of operation
If wireless in-bore sensors are used for patient monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but the transmitted signal must be pre-filtered which limits noise reduction and operator control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-filtering of the physiological signal before wireless transmission to remove MRI-induced noise. By applying the filter in advance at the sensor level, the system ensures that only relevant signal components are transmitted, improving signal quality while maintaining wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the signal transmission parameters by implementing bandwidth limiting and frequency filtering. These parameter changes restrict the transmitted signal to specific frequency ranges that contain the physiological information while excluding the high-frequency MRI noise, thereby improving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power wireless patient monitors in MRI, then portable operation is achieved, but ferromagnetic materials are attracted by the magnetic field and can interfere with the homogenous field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery power source from the wireless monitoring system and replaces it with an external power supply located outside the MRI bore. This extraction eliminates the ferromagnetic materials from the MRI environment while maintaining the wireless monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power transmission intermediary system that delivers electrical power to the wireless transmitter through the MRI table or positioning system. This intermediary power delivery method allows the transmitter to remain battery-free while still operating wirelessly within the MRI environment.
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
This solution enables efficient and interference-free monitoring during MRI scans by providing reliable power and effective noise reduction, avoiding the limitations of traditional cabling and battery systems, while ensuring compatibility with the MRI environment and optimizing signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless patient monitor includes a capacitor storage having a capacitance of at least one Farad
Implementation Method 2
The wireless patient monitor includes a DC-to-DC converter that maintains a voltage output from the capacitor storage
Implementation Method 3
The resonance signals are generated when the tissue is subjected to a strong magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
The resonance signals are generated when the tissue is subjected to a strong magnetic field and excited by a radiofrequency pulse
Data Source
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A wireless patient sensor (16) for monitoring a patient (14) during an MRI examination, the patient sensor comprising: a housing positionable near the patient (14) during the MRI examination; an input circuit for receiving a physiological signal (22) from the patient (14); a transmitter (30) for transmitting the physiological signal (19) wirelessly to an external station (24) in a manner compatible with operation of the MRI machine; and a power source contained in the housing and providing power for the input circuit and transmitter (30), the power source comprising a capacitor storage (36) without chemical batteries. A system of powering of a wireless patient monitor using capacitors is also provided.