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MRI Magnet Frame
Project: Low-Field Breast MRI System (DBM Steel Frame)
Role: Mechanical Designer
Location: Yale School of Medicine, Constable Lab
Overview: I lead the mechanical development for a novel breast MRI device designed to produce diagnostic-quality images using a low-strength electromagnet. The goal of this project is to broaden access to MRI mammography by creating a system that is less expensive and has fewer installation requirements than current market options.
Technical Contributions
- Structural Design: Designed and oversaw the fabrication of the "DBM Steel Frame"—a braced A-frame foundation supporting the core electromagnet, MRI coils, and dynamic patient loads at a precise 45° imaging angle.
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Systems Integration: Addressed conflicts between mechanical constraints and electrical performance, splitting up the frame design to prevent an electrical loop.
A1. Full system assembly (Sebastian Thielenberg, Troy Williams Gelobter et al.).
A2. Structural frame drawing (Troy Williams Gelobter).
A3. System assembly animation (Troy Williams Gelobter).
A4. Fabricated, braced A-frame foundation (Secured Welding LLC).
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Anatomy Study
Project: Anthropometric Data Acquisition & Tooling
Role: Study Coordinator & Mechanical Designer
Challenge: Developing a novel breast MRI system required a precise interface between the patient support cups and the RF receive coils. Anatomical data did not exist for breast deformation at the specific patient posture required by our hardware architecture, leading to early integration conflicts.
Solution: Designed a study based on the data collection methods used by the Army Natick Soldier Research team to conduct the ANSUR II anthropometric survey. This involved first 3D scanning participants at relevant orientations, determining an appropriate cup shape based on breast deformation, and then measuring participants with resulting cups to ensure accurate fit and measuring comfortable spacing .
- Custom Tool Design: Designed and fabricated a suite of custom measurement tools specifically engineered to capture anatomical geometry and range-of-motion constraints in the target 45° imaging position.
- Study Execution: Coordinated and led human subject research studies, handling all aspects of participant interaction and data acquisition.
- Impact: The collected data provided the critical geometric constraints needed to redesign the system’s RF coils, ensuring optimal signal proximity without compromising patient fit.
B1. 3D scanning setup diagram.
B2. 3D scanning cup and rail assembly.
B3. 3D scanning cup design.
B4. Breast measuring frame design
B5. Breast measuring frame assembly
B6. Medium cup design for measuring study.
B7. Resulting RF coil design based on measurements obtained (Chenhao Sun).