Project Objectives
High Priority Objectives
create a MRI compatible assembly that will fit within bore dimensions
independent positioning of the mouse head such that the top will be in the "sweet spot" of the MRI machine
a hammock to support the mouse body in a comfortable position
adjustable positioning of the optic fiber cable used to deliver light such that it will be perpendicular to the surface of the mouse head
a plastic/glass tube to deliver air puffs to the mouse whiskers on one side
a remotely controlled tube to feed sugar water to the mouse every 15 minutes while in the MRI scanner
Second Priority Objectives
add third support ring and air bladder proposed by previous team for better support of the base and further minimize vibration effects
include a RF coil mount
Other Constraints and Issues
all components must be made of plastic; no metals (even if non-magnetic)
WOW Design Solution
include a MRI-compatible camera for video surveillance
make all adjustable parts remotely controlled
Risk Reduction Strategy
create molding of mouse to be tested to eliminate any questions about size constraints and how much the device must hold
contact Mark Steinborn, MRI compatible materials expert at UCSD Center for Functional MRI
share access to Team 7's MRI machine replica to use as a “test bed”
Intermediate Milestones
finish CAD design of individual components (4/8)
body and head positioning assembly - Norman
feed tube and air duct adjustment mechanism - Raphael
optical wire holder and adjustment mechanism - Crystal
integrate components into one assembly (4/9)
show design to sponsor for quick feedback (4/10)
order all materials (4/13)
prototype assembled for preliminary testing (4/26)
finish preliminary testing and obtain feedback from sponsor (5/3)
complete redesign based on feedback (5/10)
order necessary materials (5/12)
assembled improved assembly (5/24)
finish final testing of improved assembly (5/31)