RF coil assemblies and MRI equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides an RF coil assembly, comprising a first rigid frame and a flexible coil in a natural planar shape, which has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The first end of the flexible coil is attached to the first rigid frame, and the second end of the flexible coil is away from the first rigid frame. The first rigid frame is formed so that the flexible coil is bent when the first end of the flexible coil is attached to the first rigid frame to form a shape of the RF coil assembly that conforms to the shape of a region with multiple contours of a subject. According to the present invention, the RF coil assembly is lighter and better matches the region to be imaged of different subjects. The contour shape of the RF coil assembly can be maintained for immediate use, rather than having the operator attach the flexible coil to the body region to achieve the shape. Therefore, compared with conventional flexible coils, positioning and fastening of the RF coil assembly is easier and faster, and enhances the workflow of MR scanning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an RF (radio frequency) coil assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to an RF coil assembly suitable for use with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The present invention also relates to an MRI device including the RF coil assembly. Background Art

[0002] RF coil assemblies are used in MRI equipment. In addition to "flat" coil assemblies (which are lightweight and suitable for MRI scans of a specific area of ​​a subject, such as the abdomen), there are also "curved" coil assemblies that take a non-planar form. Curved coil assemblies typically have a hard plastic casing surrounding a flexible coil to maintain the coil assembly in the desired configuration. Curved coil assemblies can be used for MRI scans of areas of a subject, such as the head, shoulders, or ankles, where a more conventional flat coil assembly would be inappropriate. These "curved" coil assemblies are often cumbersome and quite heavy. If the size and shape of the "curved" coil assembly required for a particular subject is not available, replacing the "curved" coil assembly for that subject can be time-consuming. Furthermore, different "curved" coil assemblies are often required for different "curved" areas of the subject, such as the head, shoulders, or ankles, which not only increases costs but also makes storage and management of the "curved" coil assemblies difficult.

[0003] US2008 / 007250A1 describes an MRI RF coil array comprising a large number of independent coil elements supported on a substrate shaped according to the contour of the anatomical structure being imaged. However, it requires a contoured substrate and a polygonal patch array drawn on the contoured substrate surface to position the coil array on the substrate surface, which results in complex coil array manufacturing and also makes the positioning and fastening of the coil array on the anatomical structure a burden. US7526330B describes an RF coil for imaging a part of a human head, comprising an upper and lower pair of RF coils supported by a rigid lower support structure and an upper support structure, respectively. WO2019 / 097863A1 describes a reflector assembly for an RF head coil having a hard plastic housing. US2018 / 306877A1 mentions a positioner 1004 attached to a base 1002. US2018 / 136293A1 mentions attaching a flexible local coil 300 to a rigid frame 100 to form a tubular integral local coil. US2018 / 097274A1 discloses an RF coil comprising a flexible antenna circuit, a support member supporting the flexible antenna circuit, and an integral flexible housing surrounding the flexible antenna circuit 110 and the support member 120.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improvements to known non-planar "arc-shaped" coil assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a non-planar "arc-shaped" coil assembly that is not only lighter than existing coil assemblies and better matches different subjects' imaging regions, but is also adaptable to different "arc-shaped" regions of the subject to be imaged.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an RF coil assembly is provided, comprising a first rigid frame, and a flexible coil having a naturally planar shape, the flexible coil having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being attached to the first rigid frame and the second end being distal to the first rigid frame. When the first end of the flexible coil is attached to the first rigid frame, the first rigid frame is shaped to bend the flexible coil into a shape that conforms to the shape of a subject's region having multiple contours. According to the present invention, the RF coil assembly is not only lighter and better adapted to different subject regions, but also serves as a versatile coil assembly that can be applied to different "arc-shaped" regions of the subject. Furthermore, the RF coil assembly formed by the flexible coil attached to the rigid frame can assume a desired shape and be retained therein for immediate use, rather than requiring an operator to attach the flexible coil to a body region to achieve the desired shape. Consequently, positioning and securing the RF coil assembly is easier and faster than with conventional flexible coils, and the workflow of MRI scanning is enhanced.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the RF coil assembly includes a concave profile that conforms to the convex profile of a region of the subject, and a semi-tubular profile that conforms to the semi-tubular profile of the region of the subject. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the region of the subject includes any one of the front of the head, the shoulders, and the ankles. Advantageously, the concave profile portion and the semi-tubular profile portion of the flexible coil, formed by attaching the flexible coil to the first rigid frame, can conform to multiple regions of the subject, thereby providing a versatile RF coil assembly. The resulting shape of the RF coil assembly was conceived based on the inventors' observation that scanning regions such as the head, shoulders, and ankles exhibit similar contour patterns, including convex contours and semi-tubular profiles. The RF coil assembly having the concave profile portion and the semi-tubular profile portion is designed to conform to scanning regions having these contour patterns. Furthermore, the rigid frame makes positioning the RF coil assembly easier and faster than conventional flexible coils.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the first rigid frame conforms to the shape of the front of the top of the head, and when the flexible coil is attached to the first rigid frame (3), the flexible coil is bent to conform to the shape of the other parts of the front of the head. In this way, the first rigid frame can match the front of the top of the subject's head to improve the subject's comfort, and the rigidity of the frame allows the RF coil assembly to be easily placed on the body area.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the first end of the flexible coil is attached to the first rigid frame, the flexible coil is bent into a substantially concave profile within a first bending region and is bent into a substantially semi-tubular profile within a second bending region, the second bending region being spaced apart from the first end, and the first bending region extending from the first end to the second bending region.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first end becomes arc-shaped due to bending along a first bending axis and a second bending axis, the first bending axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis, the second bending axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is located near the first end, the second end becomes arc-shaped due to bending along the first bending axis, and a portion of the side of the flexible coil near the first end becomes arc-shaped due to bending along the second bending axis, wherein an arc-shaped bending line is formed in the flexible coil due to bending along the second bending axis, the first bending area is defined by the arc-shaped first end, the arc-shaped portion of the side and the arc-shaped bending line, and the second bending area is defined by the arc-shaped bending line, the straight portion of the side and the arc-shaped second end.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible coil includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) partially covered by foam, with a first exposed portion of the FPCB extending from the foam. The first exposed portion of the FPCB is attached to a first rigid frame. Thus, the RF coil assembly can be easily assembled.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first rigid frame includes a first portion and a second portion that snap together to retain the first exposed portion. The first portion has a protruding surface on a side facing the second portion, from which a plurality of positioning posts extend. A plurality of positioning holes are formed in the first exposed portion of the flexible printed circuit board, and the positioning posts extend through corresponding positioning holes in the first exposed portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The profile of the protruding surface and the distribution of the positioning posts on the protruding surface and the positioning holes in the first exposed portion are configured such that the flexible coil has a concave profile near the first end and a semi-tubular profile in the remainder of the flexible coil. Consequently, no complex operations are required during assembly of the RF coil assembly.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the RF coil assembly further comprises a second rigid frame attached to the second end of the flexible coil.The second rigid frame helps maintain the shape of the RF coil assembly and facilitates an operator to hold the RF coil assembly.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the RF coil assembly further comprises a control board and a preamplifier accommodated between the first portion and the second portion. The control board and the preamplifier accommodated in the rigid frame are not easily damaged.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the RF coil assembly further comprises a hinge mechanism for detachably hinge-connecting the first rigid frame to the support, wherein the hinge mechanism allows the RF coil assembly to pivot relative to the support to receive a region of the subject.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hinge mechanism includes a pair of movable blocks, each having a pivot axis, a spring for acting on the movable blocks to move them apart, and an operating plate for abutting against the movable blocks to move them toward each other and retract the pivot axes. This allows the RF coil assembly to be easily removed from the support.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the RF coil assembly can be detachably hinged to the base coil assembly to form a head coil assembly. The base coil assembly includes a pair of support ribs for supporting the flexible coil of the RF coil assembly when the RF coil assembly is in a closed position. In this way, the RF coil assembly can be used as a top coil assembly of the head coil assembly.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second end is flexible so that the sides of the flexible coil at the second end can be compressed toward each other to pivot the flexible coil into the space between the pair of support ribs. In this way, the flexible coil can better conform to the small size of the subject's head, thereby obtaining high-quality images.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide an MRI apparatus including the RF coil assembly.

[0020] These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and function of the structurally related elements and combinations of parts, and the economy of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the different drawings. It should be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1is a perspective view illustrating an RF coil assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the RF coil assembly shown in .

[0023] Figure 3 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of a first portion of a first rigid frame of an RF coil assembly is shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of the first portion of the first rigid frame shown in .

[0025] Figure 5 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of a second portion of the first rigid frame of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 5 Another perspective view of the second portion of the first rigid frame is shown in .

[0027] Figure 7 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of the flexible coil of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG.

[0028] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view showing the flexible coil attached to the first portion of the first rigid frame.

[0029] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8 , and a positioning pad is provided on the flexible coil.

[0030] Figure 10 It shows that Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG.

[0031] Figure 11 It shows that Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in .

[0032] Figure 12 is shown in the first position Figure 10 A perspective view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 13 is shown in the second position Figure 10 A perspective view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 14 It shows that Figure 1A perspective view of an RF coil assembly and a base coil assembly on which the RF coil assembly can be mounted is shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 15 The coil assembly is shown mounted on a base in a closed position. Figure 1 A perspective view of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 16 The coil assembly is shown in the open position as mounted on the base. Figure 1 Another perspective view of the RF coil assembly shown in .

[0037] Figure 17 The coil assembly is shown in the open position as mounted on the base. Figure 1 Side view of the RF coil assembly shown in .

[0038] Figure 18 is shown as being used as part of a head coil assembly Figure 1 A top view of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 19 and 20 is a perspective view showing an RF coil assembly that matches well with the heads of different subjects when used as part of a head coil assembly.

[0040] Figure 21 is shown as a shoulder coil assembly. Figure 1 A top view of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an RF coil assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the RF coil assembly shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, an RF coil assembly 1 according to the present invention comprises a first rigid frame 3 and a flexible coil 5 attached to the first rigid frame 3 . Figure 7is a perspective view showing a flexible coil of the RF coil assembly in a natural planar shape. The flexible coil 5 has a first end 5a, a second end 5b opposite to the first end 5a, and two opposite sides 5c, 5d between the first end 5a and the second end 5b. The flexible coil 5 has a longitudinal axis L extending substantially from the first end 5a to the second end 5b and a transverse axis T perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The flexible coil 5 extends substantially within a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T, so that the flexible coil 5 is initially in a planar shape before the flexible coil 5 is attached to the first rigid frame 3. That is, when no external force acts on the flexible coil 5, the natural shape of the flexible coil 5 is planar, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. The flexible coil 5 has an inner surface 5e and an outer surface 5f. The inner surface 5e is configured to be placed on an area of ​​a subject, and the outer surface 5f is opposite the inner surface 5e. The first rigid frame 3 is shaped so that, when the first end 5a of the flexible coil 5 is attached to the first rigid frame 3, the flexible coil 5 is bent along a first bending axis Y parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and further bent along a second bending axis X perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (or parallel to the transverse axis T). The bending along the first bending axis Y forms an approximately 180-degree bend, giving the initially flat flexible coil 5 a substantially semi-tubular shape. The bending angle produced by the bending along the second bending axis X is determined to conform to any one of the curves of the front of the top of the head (e.g., a curve extending from the top of the head to the forehead), the curve of the shoulder, and the curve of the heel. Because the bending angles of these curves have close similarities, the determined bending angle can conform to any of these curves. Furthermore, when the flexible coil 5 is attached to the first rigid frame 3 at the first end 5 a, the second bending axis X is near the first end 5 a, and only the region of the flexible coil 5 near the first end 5 a undergoes bending along the second bending axis X. Due to the bending along the second bending axis X, the first end 5 a is pushed inward toward the second end 5 b of the flexible coil 5 to further bend a portion of the flexible coil 5 at the first end 5 a, so that a substantially semicircular shape is formed near the first end 5 a, and a bending line B is formed in the flexible coil 5.

[0042] Thus, the first bending region defined by the curved first end 5a, the arcuate portions of the sides 5c and 5d of the flexible coil 5, and the bend line B forms a substantially concave profile due to the bending action along the first bending axis Y and the second bending axis X. This concave profile conforms to the curves of the front of the top of the head, the shoulders, and the heels. The second bending region defined by the bend line B, the straight portions of the sides of the flexible coil 5, and the arcuate second end 5b forms a substantially semi-tubular profile due to the bending along the first bending axis Y. This semi-tubular profile conforms to the curves of the face, upper arms, and lower legs. The longitudinal length and transverse width of the flexible coil 5 are sized so that regions of the subject can be accommodated within the first and second bending regions. Advantageously, the flexible coil 5 can be bent to have multiple curvatures, such as a concave profile and a semi-tubular profile, to conform to the complex curvatures of regions of the subject. Furthermore, the combined concave and semi-tubular profiles of the RF coil assembly 1 conform to the contour patterns of multiple regions of the subject, such as the front of the head, the shoulders, and the ankles. Therefore, an RF coil assembly shaped into a specific curvature can be used as a multi-purpose coil.

[0043] Figure 3 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of a first portion of a first rigid frame of an RF coil assembly is shown in FIG. Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of the first portion of the first rigid frame shown in . Figure 5 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of a second portion of the first rigid frame of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG. Figure 6 Yes Figure 5 Another perspective view of the second portion of the first rigid frame shown in FIG. Figure 3-6 As shown, in one embodiment, the first rigid frame 3 includes a first portion 7 and a second portion 9 that are separately injection molded. The first portion 7 and the second portion 9 can be snapped together to form the first rigid frame 3. The first portion 7 has a concave surface 7b and a convex surface 7a, the concave surface 7b being configured to be placed on an area of ​​the subject, and the convex surface 7a being opposite the concave surface 7b. A plurality of positioning posts 11 and a plurality of threaded posts 13 extend from the convex surface 7a. The second portion 9 has a concave surface 9a and an articulation mechanism seat 15, the concave surface 9a corresponding to the convex surface 7a of the first portion 7, and the articulation mechanism seat 15 is located on the convex surface 9b opposite the concave surface 9a.

[0044] Because the concave surface 7b is configured to be placed on a region of the subject, such as the front of the top of the head, it can be shaped to slope downward from the top of the head toward the forehead. Since the curve of the top of the head is very similar to the curves of the shoulders and the back of the feet, the shaped concave surface 7b described above can be easily applied to other regions, such as the shoulders and the back of the feet. The flexible coil 5 is attached to the corresponding convex surface 7a to form a first curved region that smoothly extends from the convex surface 7a and slopes downward toward the bend line B. Thus, the concave surface of the first rigid frame 3 and the inner concave surface of the first curved region of the flexible coil 5 (which are placed on the region of the subject) can better conform to convex contours, such as the curve from the top of the head downward to the forehead. The inner semi-tubular surface of the second curved region conforms to the semi-tubular contour of the face. Advantageously, the entire RF coil assembly results in a concave and semi-tubular contour that conforms to regions of the subject that include multiple contours, such as the convex and semi-tubular contours of the head, shoulders, or ankles.

[0045] Alternatively, the first rigid frame 3 is shaped like a semi-spherical cap to be placed on the top of the head. When the flexible coil 5 is attached to the convex surface 7a of the semi-spherical cap shape, the flexible coil 5 is shaped into a concave curved area and a semi-tubular curved area. As a result, the entire RF coil assembly better conforms to the area of ​​the subject that includes a convex contour and a semi-tubular contour. Similarly, the concave surface 7b can also be shaped like half a bowl to produce an entire RF coil assembly that better conforms to the area of ​​the subject that includes multiple contours. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shapes described herein, such as semicircular, concave, semi-tubular, convex, semi-spherical cap, semi-bowl, etc., are not exact, but include shapes that are very similar to the described shapes.

[0046] Advantageously, the entire RF coil assembly can conform to multiple areas with similar but complex contours, such as the convex and semi-tubular contours of the head, shoulders, and ankles. Furthermore, the first rigid frame 3 makes positioning and securing the RF coil assembly easier and faster than with conventional flexible coils. When used as an overhead coil, the RF coil assembly can replace a conventional rigid overhead coil and attach directly to a conventional head base, thereby upgrading a conventional rigid overhead coil to the head coil of the present invention with minimal cost and effort. Furthermore, the distal second end 5b of the first rigid frame 3 remains flexible, allowing it to deform to better conform to subjects of varying sizes or different regions of the subject.

[0047] Figure 7 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of the flexible coil of the RF coil assembly shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown in , the flexible coil 5 is flat before being attached to the first rigid frame 3. The flexible coil 5 includes a flexible printed circuit board 17. The flexible printed circuit board 17 is partially covered by a housing, for example, a biocompatible foam 19, and a first exposed portion 21 of the flexible printed circuit board 17 extends from the foam 19 at the first end 5a of the flexible coil 5. The foam 19 can be applied by a thermoforming method using a mold or a layering method using foam and an adhesive. There are a plurality of positioning holes 23 in the first exposed portion 21 of the flexible printed circuit board 17. In one embodiment, there is a second exposed portion 25 at the second end 5b of the flexible coil 5 opposite to the first end 5a. A plurality of openings 27 are formed in the flexible coil 5 so that the eyes, ears, nose and mouth of the subject are not covered by the flexible coil 5, and the RF coil assembly is used as a top-of-head coil assembly, thereby improving the comfort of the subject.

[0048] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view showing the flexible coil attached to the first portion of the first rigid frame. Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8 A perspective view of the flexible coil is shown with a positioning pad provided on the flexible coil. When the RF coil assembly is assembled, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the flexible coil 5 is first attached to the first portion 7 of the first rigid frame 3, with the positioning posts 11 on the protruding surface 7b of the first portion 7 passing through corresponding positioning holes 23 in the first exposed portion 21 of the flexible printed circuit board 17. The contour of the protruding surface 7b, as well as the distribution of the positioning posts 11 on the protruding surface 7a of the first portion 7 and the positioning holes 23 in the first exposed portion 21, are configured so that, after the flexible coil 5 is attached to the first portion 7 of the first rigid frame 3, the flexible coil 5 is bent into a concave contour near the first end 5a and into a semi-tubular contour at the remainder of the flexible coil. The positioning posts 11 on the protruding surface 7a of the first portion 7 and the positioning holes 23 in the first exposed portion 21 make it very easy to attach the flexible coil 5 to the first portion 7 and give the flexible coil 5 a desired contour.

[0049] Positioning pads 29 may be provided on the first exposed portion 21 of the flexible printed circuit board 17 attached to the first portion 7 to prevent displacement of the first exposed portion 21 relative to the first portion 7. After other possible electronic components (such as the RF coil assembly's control board and preamplifier) ​​are connected to the first exposed portion 21, the second portion 9 is snapped onto the first portion 7. The first and second portions 7, 9, are then fastened together using screws passing through the second portion 9 and screwed into threaded studs 13 on the first portion 7. This securely holds the first exposed portion 21 of the flexible printed circuit board 17 and other possible electronic components of the RF coil assembly between the first and second portions 7, 9, to form the RF coil assembly 1. The control board and preamplifier are housed within the rigid frame 3, making them less susceptible to damage. The RF coil assembly 1 may preferably include a second rigid frame 30 at the second end 5b of the flexible coil 5 to securely hold the second exposed portion 25. The second rigid frame 30 may be handle-shaped to help maintain the shape of the RF coil assembly 1 and facilitate handling by the operator. Of course, it is also feasible that the second rigid frame 30 is provided at the foam-covered portion of the flexible coil 5 without the second exposed portion at the second end 5 b.

[0050] The RF coil assembly 1 according to the present invention may further include a retractable hinge mechanism 31 mounted on the hinge mechanism seat 15 of the second portion 9 , and an interface 32 provided at the second portion 9 of the first rigid frame 3 and electrically communicating with the flexible coil 5 . Figure 10 It shows that Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the RF coil assembly shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the retractable hinge mechanism 31 includes a bracket 33 and a pair of movable blocks 35. The bracket 33 has a pair of side plates 33a facing each other. Each movable block 35 has a pivot axis 35a extending from one side of the movable block body and a blind hole 35b formed in the body opposite to the pivot axis 35a. Each movable block 35 has an oblique groove 35c with an inclined surface 35d. The movable block 35 is arranged between the pair of side plates 33a of the bracket 33, and the pivot axis 35a extends through the through hole 33b in the side plates 33a. The two ends of the spring 37 are received in the blind hole 35b of the movable block 35, so that the movable blocks 35 always move away from each other. The hinge mechanism 31 also includes an operating plate 39, which has an operating button 39a formed at one end and two protrusions 39b formed at the other end. Figure 11 It shows that Figure 10. After the operating panel 39 is mounted in place via the fixing plate 41 (where the fixing plate 41 is fastened to the bracket 33 via screws 43), the operating button 39a of the operating panel 39 extends through the opening 33d on the bracket 33 so as to be accessible from the outside, and the two protrusions 39b extend into the corresponding inclined grooves 35c of the movable block 35 to abut against the inclined surfaces 35d, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in .

[0051] Figure 12 is shown in the first position Figure 10 A perspective view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. Figure 13 is shown in the second position Figure 10 In the normal state, the pivot shaft 35a of each movable block 35 extends from the through hole 33b of the side plate 33a under the action of the spring 37, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 When the operating button 39a of the operating plate 39 is pulled upward relative to the bracket 33, the two protrusions 39b abut against the inclined surfaces 35d of the corresponding movable blocks 35 and move the movable blocks 35 toward each other, so that the pivot axis 35a of each movable block 35 retracts relative to the bracket 33, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 When the operating button 39a of the operating plate 39 is released, the spring 37 pushes the pivot shaft 35a of the movable block 35 to extend out from the through hole 33b of the side plate 33a again, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown. It should be understood that the hinge mechanism 31 can be implemented in other ways. For example, the movable block 35 and the operating plate 39 can be configured in such a way that when the operating plate 39 moves downward relative to the bracket 33, the pivot shaft 35a of each movable block 35 retracts relative to the bracket 33. In addition, the bracket 33 can be omitted, and a portion of the first rigid frame 3 can serve as the bracket 33.

[0052] Figure 14 It shows that Figure 1, and a perspective view of a RF coil assembly and a base coil assembly on which the RF coil assembly can be mounted. The base coil assembly 45 is configured to support a subject's head during imaging and includes a coil disposed within a rigid housing. The base coil assembly 45 has a pair of support arms 47. Each support arm 47 is formed with a hole 49 for receiving the pivot shaft 35a of the movable block 35, allowing the RF coil assembly 1 to be removably mounted on the base coil assembly 45. Specifically, to mount the RF coil assembly 1 on the base coil assembly 45, the operating button 39a of the operating panel 39 is pulled upward, retracting the pivot shaft 35a of each movable block 35. When the pivot shaft 35a of each movable block 35 aligns with the hole 49 in the support arm 47, the operating button 39a of the operating panel 39 is released, and the pivot shaft 35a extends into the corresponding hole 49. Thus, the RF coil assembly 1 is pivotally mounted on the base coil assembly 45, forming a head coil assembly. When the operation button 39a of the operation panel 39 is pulled upward again, the RF coil assembly 1 can be separated from the base coil assembly 45. A pair of supporting ribs 51 are provided on the base coil assembly 45. Figure 15 and 16 As shown, when the RF coil assembly 1 is in the closed position, the support ribs 51 support the flexible coil 5 of the RF coil assembly 1. There is an interface 53 which is in electrical communication with an analog to digital converter of the MRI apparatus. Figure 15 The coil assembly 45 is shown mounted on the base in the closed position. Figure 1 A perspective view of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG. Figure 16 The coil assembly 45 is shown in the closed position. Figure 1 Another perspective view of the RF coil assembly shown in . Figure 17 The coil assembly 45 is shown mounted on the base in the open position. Figure 1 A side view of the RF coil assembly is shown. By grasping the second rigid frame 30, the operator can easily pivot the RF coil assembly from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position. Figure 18 is a top view showing the RF coil assembly 1 being used as part of an overhead coil assembly to scan a subject's head. It will be appreciated that the RF coil assembly 1 may be detachably attached to another support, such as a subject support couch.

[0053] Figure 19 and 20 is a perspective view showing the RF coil assembly being matched to the heads of different subjects when used as part of an overhead coil assembly. Generally speaking, in the closed position, the flexible coil 5 of the RF coil assembly 1 is supported on support ribs 51 on the base coil assembly 45 to match the shape and size of most subjects. However, as Figure 19As shown, since the second end 5b is always flexible, by compressing the side portions 5c, 5d of the flexible coil 5 at the second end 5b toward each other and pivoting the flexible coil 5 downward into the space between the support ribs 51, the flexible coil 5 can better fit the head of a subject of small size, thereby obtaining high-quality images. Figure 19 In comparison, Figure 20 The flexible coil 5 shown in FIG. 5 is pivoted further downward to fit the child's head.

[0054] Figure 21 is shown as a shoulder coil assembly. Figure 1 A top view of the RF coil assembly is shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown, the RF coil assembly 1 is separated from the base coil assembly 45 and used as a shoulder coil assembly. The RF coil assembly 1 according to the present invention also fits well around the subject's shoulder. Of course, the RF coil assembly 1 also fits well around the subject's ankle and can therefore be used as an ankle coil assembly.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that such details are solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An RF coil assembly (1) for MRI, comprising: First rigid frame (3); as well as A flexible coil (5) extending from the first rigid frame (3) and having a first end (5a) fixedly attached to the first rigid frame (3), a second end (5b) remote from the first rigid frame (3), and a longitudinal axis (L) extending from the first end (5a) to the second end (5b), the second end (5b) being opposite to the first end (5a), wherein the first rigid frame (3) is shaped to bend the flexible coil (5) when the first end (5a) of the flexible coil (5) is fixedly attached to the first rigid frame (3) to form a shape of the RF coil assembly (1), the shape conforming to a shape of a region of a subject having multiple contours, wherein the flexible coil (5) is bent to have a curvature having multiple curved contours, the flexible coil (5) being bent to a concave contour in a first bending region and being bent to a semi-tubular contour in a second bending region.

2. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The shape of the RF coil assembly (1) includes the concave contour that conforms to the convex contour of the region of the subject and the semi-tubular contour that conforms to the semi-tubular contour of the region of the subject.

3. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The region of the subject includes any one of the front of the head, shoulders, and ankles.

4. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein The shape of the first rigid frame (3) conforms to the shape of the front of the top of the head, and the flexible coil (5) is bent to form a shape that conforms to the other parts of the front of the head.

5. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The second bending region is spaced apart from the first end (5a), and the first bending region extends from the first end (5a) to the second bending region.

6. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein The first end (5a) becomes arcuate due to bending along a first bending axis (Y) and a second bending axis (X), the first bending axis (Y) being parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), the second bending axis (X) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) and being located near the first end (5a), the second end (5b) becomes arcuate due to bending along the first bending axis (Y), a portion of the side portion (5c, 5d) of the flexible coil (5) near the first end (5a) becomes arcuate due to bending along the second bending axis (X), wherein an arcuate bending line (B) is formed in the flexible coil (5) due to bending along the second bending axis (X), the first bending area is defined by the arcuate first end (5a), the arcuate portion of the side portion (5c, 5d) and the arcuate bending line (B), and the second bending area is defined by the arcuate bending line (B), the straight portion of the side portion (5c, 5d) and the arcuate second end (5b).

7. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The flexible coil (5) includes a flexible printed circuit board (17), which is partially covered by foam, and a first exposed portion (21) of the flexible printed circuit board (17) extends from the foam, and the first exposed portion (21) of the flexible printed circuit board (17) is attached to the first rigid frame (3).

8. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein The first rigid frame (3) includes a first part (7) and a second part (9) that are snapped together to hold the first exposed part (21), the first part (7) having a protruding surface (7b) on a side facing the second part (9), a plurality of positioning posts (11) extending from the protruding surface (7b), a plurality of positioning holes (23) formed in the first exposed part (21) of the flexible printed circuit board (17), the positioning posts (11) passing through the corresponding positioning holes (23) in the first exposed part (21) of the flexible printed circuit board (17), the profile of the protruding surface (7b) and the distribution of the positioning posts (11) on the protruding surface (7b) and the positioning holes (23) in the first exposed part (21) are configured in the following manner, that is, the flexible coil (5) has a concave profile near the first end (5a) and a semi-tubular profile in the rest of the flexible coil.

9. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The RF coil assembly further comprises a second rigid frame (30) attached to the second end (5b) of the flexible coil (5).

10. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein The RF coil assembly further comprises a control board and a preamplifier housed between the first portion (7) and the second portion (9).

11. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The RF coil assembly further comprises a hinge mechanism (31) for detachably hinge-connecting the first rigid frame (3) to a support member.

12. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein The hinge mechanism (31) includes a pair of movable blocks (35) each having a pivot shaft (35a), a spring (37) for acting on the movable blocks (35) to move the movable blocks (35) away from each other, and an operating plate (39) for abutting against the movable blocks (35) to move the movable blocks (35) toward each other to retract the pivot shaft (35a).

13. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein The RF coil assembly (1) is capable of being detachably hinged to a base coil assembly (45) to jointly form a head coil assembly, wherein the base coil assembly (45) includes a pair of support ribs (51) for supporting the flexible coil (5) of the RF coil assembly (1) when the RF coil assembly (1) is in a closed position.

14. The RF coil assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein The second end (5b) has flexibility so that the sides (5c, 5d) of the flexible coil (5) at the second end (5b) can be compressed toward each other to pivot the flexible coil (5) into the space between the pair of support ribs (51).

15. An MRI apparatus comprising the RF coil assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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