Conceptual design of an adjustable arm support for multi-position magnetic resonance imaging
Sen, Pranab (2026)
Diplomityö
2026
School of Energy Systems, Konetekniikka
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026061167607
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026061167607
Tiivistelmä
This study explores the conceptual development and structural assessment of an adjustable arm support designed for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main goal was to create a compact and MRI-compatible device capable of stabilizing the upper limb within the limited space available inside a clinical MRI bore while accommodating different arm positions required during imaging procedures.
A systematic engineering design process was followed, including a review of relevant literature, concept generation and selection, CAD-based design, and numerical structural analysis. A passive mechanical approach was chosen due to its simplicity, reliability, and compatibility with the MRI environment. The final concept consists of adjustable support plates connected by a passive locking mechanism and incorporates patient-specific padding and strap fixation to provide secure arm positioning.
The feasibility of the design was assessed through CAD-based spatial analysis, which demonstrated that several clinically relevant arm configurations could be accommodated within a standard 70 cm MRI bore. Structural performance was evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS Mechanical under static loading conditions. The simulation results showed that the assembly remains structurally stable and experiences only limited deformation under the applied loads.
As this work represents an early-stage CAD-based engineering concept study, no physical prototype was fabricated or experimentally validated. Future work should focus on prototype development, experimental testing, MRI compatibility verification, and further refinement of the locking mechanism to improve functionality and clinical usability.
A systematic engineering design process was followed, including a review of relevant literature, concept generation and selection, CAD-based design, and numerical structural analysis. A passive mechanical approach was chosen due to its simplicity, reliability, and compatibility with the MRI environment. The final concept consists of adjustable support plates connected by a passive locking mechanism and incorporates patient-specific padding and strap fixation to provide secure arm positioning.
The feasibility of the design was assessed through CAD-based spatial analysis, which demonstrated that several clinically relevant arm configurations could be accommodated within a standard 70 cm MRI bore. Structural performance was evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS Mechanical under static loading conditions. The simulation results showed that the assembly remains structurally stable and experiences only limited deformation under the applied loads.
As this work represents an early-stage CAD-based engineering concept study, no physical prototype was fabricated or experimentally validated. Future work should focus on prototype development, experimental testing, MRI compatibility verification, and further refinement of the locking mechanism to improve functionality and clinical usability.