A Hall Effect-Based Force Sensing Mechanism for Force Sensing Inside Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Physics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems generate strong static magnetic fields, posing challenges for integrating electronic sensors.
• Accurate force measurement is crucial for various MRI-guided procedures and robotic applications.
• Existing force sensors may not be compatible with the high magnetic fields within an MRI scanner.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel Hall-effect based force sensing mechanism that is safe for use within an MRI scanner.
• To measure one degree-of-freedom force under a 3-Tesla static magnetic field.
• To assess the accuracy and repeatability of the proposed MRI-safe force sensor.

Main Methods:

• A Hall-effect sensor was mounted on the end of a cantilever beam.
• The sensor's position and orientation change when force is applied to the cantilever.
• Changes in magnetic flux density were detected by the Hall-effect sensor, producing a voltage output proportional to the applied force.
• Experiments were conducted to test the sensor's performance within a 3-Tesla MRI environment.

Main Results:

• The Hall-effect based mechanism successfully measured force within the MRI scanner's magnetic field.
• The sensor's voltage output demonstrated a relationship approximately proportional to the applied force.
• Initial experiments indicated the potential for accurate and repeatable force measurements.

Conclusions:

• A Hall-effect based force sensing mechanism can be safely and effectively utilized within a 3-Tesla MRI scanner.
• This technology offers a promising solution for force feedback in MRI-guided interventions.
• Further validation is recommended to fully characterize the sensor's performance.