Systems and methods for supporting flexible receiving coils

Abstract

An adjustable support for a flexible receiving coil includes multiple links. Each link may include a crossbar, a first side bar, and a second side bar, the first side bar being connected to a first end portion of the crossbar, and the second side bar being connected to a second end portion of the crossbar. The first link is rotatably connected to the second link. A first front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to a first rear end portion of the second link such that a first front end mating surface of the first link engages with a first rear end mating surface of the second link. A second front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to a second rear end portion of the second link such that a second front end mating surface of the first link engages with a second rear end mating surface of the second link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates to systems and methods for supporting flexible receiving coils used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Background Technology

[0002] MRI is a medical diagnostic imaging technique used to diagnose many types of medical conditions. In an MRI system, three electromagnetic fields interact to produce images of anatomical structures, such as human anatomy. These three fields include: 1) Main Magnetic Field – A static, uniform spatial field that polarizes the spins of various nuclei within the body, allowing for the detection of net positive populations. The static field must be highly homogeneous for imaging. For horizontal field MRI systems, the static magnetic field is oriented along the patient axis (head to toe) of the patient lying on a horizontal platform. This axis is often referred to as the Z-direction. 2) Gradient Magnetic Field – A spatially varying field that can generate differences in the z-component of the magnetic field across the imaging region. Additionally, the gradient magnetic field switches at audio frequencies to encode spin positions and produce contrast. Typically, three spatially varying magnetic fields are generated along orthogonal axes to encode spin in three directions. 3) Radio Frequency (RF) Magnetic Field – A magnetic field operating at tens of MHz, used to add energy to the spin to detect associated signals and generate contrast. The direction of the RF field is orthogonal to the main magnetic field.

[0003] An MRI system may include multiple hardware components that work in conjunction with specialized software to generate the desired magnetic field and MRI images. An MRI system may include a main magnet that generates a main magnetic field B0. The main magnet of an MRI system can generate a horizontal magnetic field (aligned with the long axis (head to toe) of a patient lying on a platform) or a vertical magnetic field (aligned from back to front of the patient lying on the platform). Most commonly, the magnetic field generated by the main magnet is 1.5 Tesla or 3.0 Tesla, but lower and higher field strengths are also used clinically. Therefore, the physical results obtained for horizontal and vertical systems can be very different.

[0004] Within the volume defined by the main magnet, there may be a gradient magnetic coil assembly. The gradient magnetic coil assembly typically includes three gradient axes to encode spin in three spatial dimensions. The gradient coil can generate a substantially linear spatially varying magnetic field within the imaging volume, which coincides with the direction of the main magnetic field but can vary along three orthogonal directions (X, Y, Z) in a Cartesian coordinate system. An exemplary gradient coil system is provided in US Patent No. 7,482,809, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] The RF transmitter / receiver assembly can be positioned within a volume defined by a gradient magnetic coil assembly and can generate an RF magnetic field as well as detect the resulting signal from the excited tissue. For some scanning procedures, the RF transmitter / receiver assembly performs both transmitting and receiving operations. However, in many scanning procedures, the RF transmitter / receiver assembly only performs the transmitting operation.

[0006] Typically, a dedicated RF receiver assembly is housed within the volume of the RF transmitter / receiver assembly to receive the RF magnetic field from excited tissue excited by the transmitted signal emitted by the RF transmitter / receiver assembly. The RF receiver assembly (also referred to herein as an "RF receiver coil" or "receiver coil") can be made of rigid plastic or similar materials, and its size and shape can be configured to conform to the anatomical structure being imaged. For example, Figure 1A A knee receiving coil with a tubular circular shell is shown, the shell having a removable upper portion for patient positioning. As another example, Figure 1B A shoulder receiving coil is shown, which may include a rigid housing that may resemble a clamshell to surround the shoulder, or the shoulder receiving coil may include a loop through which the patient's arm can pass.

[0007] Flexible coils that can be wound around an anatomical structure of interest can also be used as receiving coils. Some flexible coils, sometimes referred to as “universal coils” (and herein referred to as “flexible coils” or “coils”), can be used to meet a variety of imaging applications, such as imaging of the knee, foot, ankle, shoulder, wrist, elbow, trunk, pelvis, or neck. An exemplary flexible coil 1 is shown in... Figure 2A It is shown as being placed flat, and in Figure 2B The flexible coil 1 is shown as wound. It can be wound around the anatomical structure of interest or placed on the anatomical structure to be imaged. Such a flexible coil 1 can be used alone or in conjunction with one or more other receiving coils, such as a spinal receiving coil or a head receiving coil. The flexible coil 1 may include a cable 2 extending from it, which transmits the signals received in the coil to the MRI system, enabling the generation of images.

[0008] The challenge for practitioners is that the flexible coil 1 does not maintain a specific shape. For example, when imaging the knee, coil 1 cannot be positioned as a semicircle before the knee is located. Therefore, practitioners must perform one of the following methods: First, lay coil 1 flat on the table before the patient arrives. Then, the technician must pull one end of coil 1 away from the non-target knee and wrap both ends of coil 1 around the target knee. This can be difficult, for example, with heavier patients. Alternatively, practitioners can have the patient lie on the patient table and then lift the target knee to allow the flexible coil 1 to slide under the knee. However, lifting the patient's knee can be challenging, for example, with heavier patients or patients with severe trauma. For each of these methods, coil 1 is typically closed into a loop and secured with a hook-and-loop fastener (hook-and-loop buckle, e.g., Velcro). ® Secured with fasteners such that the entire knee is surrounded by the receiving coil element. Shoulder imaging can be more challenging. For example, one end of the flexible coil 1 may be placed under the patient's shoulder, while the remainder of coil 1 is wound around the shoulder and then around the patient's chest. To properly position coil 1, the patient first lies on the table, and then the practitioner must lift the patient to place a portion of the flexible coil 1 under the patient. Straps can be used to hold coil 1 in place. Additionally or alternatively, patient positioning pads can be used. However, these are often anatomically specific, and the practitioner needs to select appropriate pads and then position them in a way that holds the anatomy and / or coil in the correct position.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a device for supporting flexible coils that can hold the coils in the appropriate shape close to the anatomical structure of interest and is compatible with use in an MRI environment. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purposes and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the following description, and will be learned through practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and obtained by means of the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and its claims, as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0011] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter relates to systems and methods for supporting flexible receiving coils. For example, an adjustable support for a flexible receiving coil is provided. The adjustable support may include a plurality of links, including at least a first link, a second link, and a third link. Each link includes a crossbar, a first side bar, and a second side bar. The crossbar has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first side bar is coupled to the first end portion of the crossbar, and the second side bar is coupled to the second end portion of the crossbar. The first side bar includes a first front end portion and a first rear end portion. The first front end portion includes a first front mating surface, and the first rear end portion includes a first rear mating surface. The second side bar includes a second front end portion and a second rear end portion. The second front end portion includes a second front mating surface, and the second rear end portion includes a second rear mating surface. The crossbar, the first side bar, and the second side bar define a coil engagement surface. The first link is rotatably coupled to the second link. The first front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the first rear end portion of the second link, such that the first front end mating surface of the first link engages with the first rear end mating surface of the second link, and the second front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the second rear end portion of the second link, such that the second front end mating surface of the first link engages with the second rear end mating surface of the second link. The first link and the second link define an adjustable angle between them.

[0012] According to the disclosed subject matter, the coil engagement surface of each link may include a coil attachment feature. The coil attachment feature may include a first side of a hook-and-loop fastener configured to engage a second side of a hook-and-loop fastener of a flexible receiving coil.

[0013] The first front end portion of the first link can be rotatably connected to the first rear end portion of the second link via a first ball-and-socket joint, and the second front end portion of the first link can be rotatably connected to the second rear end portion of the second link via a second ball-and-socket joint. As another example, the first front end portion of the first link can be rotatably connected to the first rear end portion of the second link via a friction fit, and the second front end portion of the first link can be rotatably connected to the second rear end portion of the second link via a friction fit. The first front end mating surface of the first link may include a plurality of gears configured to engage with a plurality of gears disposed on ...

[0014] According to the disclosed subject matter, a support base can be configured to receive at least one link. The support base may include a latch configured to releasably engage at least one crossbar. Additionally or alternatively, the support base may also include at least one cable receiving recess.

[0015] Each link can be a non-ferromagnetic material. The second link can be rotatably connected to the third link such that the first front end portion of the second link is rotatably connected to the first tail end portion of the third link, such that the first front end mating surface of the second link engages with the first tail end mating surface of the third link, and the second front end portion of the second link is rotatably connected to the second tail end portion of the third link, such that the second front end mating surface of the second link engages with the second tail end mating surface of the third link, and the second link and the third link define an adjustable angle between them.

[0016] An adjustable support for a flexible receiving coil may include a first end link having a crossbar, a first side bar, and a second side bar. The crossbar may include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first side bar may be coupled to the first end portion of the crossbar and includes a first front end portion and a first rear end portion, the first front end portion including a first front end mating surface. The second side bar may be coupled to the second end portion of the crossbar and includes a second front end portion and a second rear end portion, the second front end portion including a second front end mating surface. The end link may be rotatably coupled to the first link such that the first front end portion of the end link is rotatably coupled to the first rear end portion of the first link, such that the first front end mating surface of the end link engages with the first rear end mating surface of the first link, and the second front end portion of the end link is rotatably coupled to the second rear end portion of the first link, such that the second front end mating surface of the end link engages with the second rear end mating surface of the first link. Attached Figure Description

[0017] In the attached diagram:

[0018] Figure 1A A knee-type receiving coil with a tubular circular shell is shown.

[0019] Figure 1B A shoulder receiving coil with a rigid housing is shown.

[0020] Figures 2A to 2B Flexible coils in flat and coiled states are shown respectively.

[0021] Figure 3 A flexible support element based on the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0022] Figure 4A It shows an L-shaped Figure 3 Flexible support components.

[0023] Figure 4B It shows a U-shaped Figure 3 Flexible support components.

[0024] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 The chain link of the flexible support component.

[0025] Figure 6 A flexible support utilizing an end-face toothed joint is shown according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0026] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The chain link of the flexible support component.

[0027] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram illustrates a flexible support using an end-face toothed joint and a configuration in which tension is applied to a tether to release the end-face toothed joint.

[0028] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The diagram illustrates a flexible support using an end-face toothed joint and a structure in which tension is released on a tether to release the end-face toothed joint.

[0029] Figure 10 A flexible support utilizing an asymmetric end-face toothed joint is shown according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0030] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The chain link of the flexible support component.

[0031] Figures 12A to 12B It shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the asymmetric end face toothed joint of the flexible support.

[0032] Figure 12C Shown without a hat Figure 10 Asymmetric end face toothed joints for flexible support components.

[0033] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 Flexible support components.

[0034] Figures 14A to 14B It shows Figure 10 The asymmetrical teeth of the end face toothed joint of the flexible support.

[0035] Figure 15 The base is shown according to the subject matter disclosed.

[0036] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 A bottom view of the base.

[0037] Figure 17A It shows that it was received in Figure 15 The base Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the flexible support.

[0038] Figure 17B The subject matter is shown being received within the base. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the flexible support.

[0039] Figures 18A to 18D The flexible support is shown to be received in a U-shape within the base. Figure 18A And support the flexible coil in a U-shape ( Figures 18B to 18D ).

[0040] Figures 19A to 19D The flexible support is shown to be received in a C-shape within the base. Figure 19A And support the flexible coil in a C-shape ( Figures 19B to 19D ).

[0041] Figure 20 A flexible coil positioned for imaging the knee is shown.

[0042] Figure 21A and Figure 21B A flexible coil positioned for imaging the shoulder is shown.

[0043] Figure 22 A flexible coil positioned for imaging a foot is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. As used in the specification and appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and singular nouns are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. According to the disclosed subject matter, systems and methods for supporting flexible receiving coils are provided. For example, an adjustable support for a flexible receiving coil is provided. The adjustable support may include a plurality of links, including at least a first link, a second link, and a third link. Each link includes a crossbar, a first side bar, and a second side bar, the crossbar having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first side bar being coupled to the first end portion of the crossbar, and the second side bar being coupled to the second end portion of the crossbar. The first side bar includes a first front end portion and a first tail end portion, the first front end portion including a first front end mating surface, and the first tail end portion including a first tail end mating surface. The second side bar includes a second front end portion and a second tail end portion, the second front end portion including a second front end mating surface, and the second tail end portion including a second tail end mating surface. The crossbar, the first side bar, and the second side bar define coil engagement surfaces. The first link is rotatably connected to the second link. The first front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the first rear end portion of the second link, such that the first front end mating surface of the first link engages with the first rear end mating surface of the second link, and the second front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the second rear end portion of the second link, such that the second front end mating surface of the first link engages with the second rear end mating surface of the second link. The first link and the second link define an adjustable angle between them.

[0045] References are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes. Figures 3 to 5 An adjustable support 100 is provided according to the disclosed subject matter. The adjustable support 100 (referred to herein as an "adjustable support," "flexible support," or "support") may include multiple links 110 (e.g., 110A, 110B, 110C). Each link 110 (e.g., 110A, 110B, 110C) may be rotatably coupled to adjacent links 110 (e.g., 110A, 110B, 110C). For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, link 110B is rotatably connected to links 110A and 110C. Each link 110 (e.g., 110A, 110B, 110C) can be independently rotatably connected to each adjacent link, which allows the support 100 to be configured into a suitable shape, such as a straight line (e.g., Figure 3 ), L-shaped (for example, Figure 4A ), U-shaped (for example, Figure 4B The links 110 can be C-shaped, S-shaped, or other suitable shapes. The connection between the links 110 can be configured so that it cannot rotate freely, but requires some force from the user to rotate the links 110 relative to each other. Because a force from the user is required to change the shape of the support 100, the support 100 can maintain the shape formed by the user until the user changes the shape again. This allows the support 100 to function as an exoskeleton for the flexible coil 1 and to be positioned by the user in a useful shape to support the flexible coil 1.

[0046] The adjustable support 100 may include any suitable number of links 110, such as 4 links, 5 links, 6 links, 7 links, 8 links, 9 links, or 10 or more links. Each link 110 may include a crossbar 120, a first side bar 130, and a second side bar 140. The crossbar 120 may include a first end portion 121 and a second end portion 122. The first side bar 130 may be connected to the first end portion 121 of the crossbar 120, and the second side bar 140 may be connected to the second end portion 122 of the crossbar 120. The first side bar 130 may include a first front end portion 131 and a first rear end portion 133, the first front end portion 131 including a front mating surface 132, and the first rear end portion 133 including a rear mating surface 134. Similarly, the second side bar 140 may include a second front end portion 141 and a second rear end portion 143, the second front end portion 141 including a front end mating surface 142, and the second rear end portion 143 including a rear end mating surface 144. Although a certain number of crossbars and side bars are described, any suitable number of crossbars and side bars can be used. For example, a link may include one crossbar and one side bar, two crossbars and one side bar, or two crossbars and two side bars.

[0047] The top surface of the link 110, defined by the top surface of the crossbar 120, the top surface of the first side bar 130, and the top surface of the second side bar 140, may be the coil engagement surface 160. Figure 3 The coil engagement surface 160 may include coil attachment features, such as one side of a hook-and-loop fastener. A second side of the hook-and-loop fastener may be disposed on the coil 1 for attachment to the support 100. Although described as a hook-and-loop fastener, any suitable attachment feature may be used.

[0048] Link 110 can be rotatably connected to an adjacent link 110 at pivot point 113. For example, pivot point 113 may include a front mating surface (132, 142) of link 110 that connects to the tail mating surface (134, 144) of the adjacent link 110. Pivot point 113 may use any suitable connection that provides the movable but rigid connection described above. For example, a ball-and-socket engagement may be used. Front mating surfaces 132, 142 may respectively include retainers 135 (e.g., 135A, 135B (not shown)) and 145 (e.g., 145A, 145B). Retainers 135 (e.g., 135A, 135B) due to Figure 5 While not visible from a certain angle, the retainer 135 can be disposed on the front mating surface 132, having the same shape and arrangement as the retainers 145 (e.g., 145A, 145B) disposed on the front mating surface 142. The front mating surfaces 132 and 142 may also include shaft holes 137 and 147. The tail mating surfaces 134 and 144 may include ball-spring receiving grooves 136 (e.g., 136A) and 146 (e.g., 146A, 146B). The tail mating surfaces 134 and 144 may also include shaft holes 138 and 148. Figure 5 Eight locking devices 135, 145 and four ball-spring receiving slots 136, 146 are shown; however, any suitable number of locking devices and ball-spring receiving slots can be used. A spring 150 and a ball 151 can be disposed in each of the ball-spring receiving slots 136, 146, and a cap 152 can be provided.

[0049] To assemble adjacent links 110, the front mating surfaces 132, 142 of the first link 110 can be aligned with the rear mating surfaces 134, 144 of the second link 110, respectively, such that the shaft holes 137, 147 of the first link 110 are aligned with the corresponding shaft holes 138, 148 of the second link 110. A first nut and bolt (not shown) or other suitable fastener can be used with a first bolt extending through shaft holes 137 and 138, and a second nut and bolt (not shown) or other suitable fastener can be used with a second bolt extending through shaft holes 147 and 148 to secure the two links 110 together. A ball 151 and a spring 150 can be placed in each ball-spring receiving slot 136, 146 such that the ball extends toward the holder 135, 145. A cap 152 can be placed on the ball-spring receiving slots 136, 146 to hold the ball 151 and spring 150 in place. In this configuration, ball 151 will engage with latches 135, 145 to provide a movable but rigid connection between links 110. Although the ends of links 110 are described as front and tail ends, any of the features described above may be provided at either end of link 110 to provide a movable but rigid connection.

[0050] Based on the disclosed subject matter, end links 111 and 112 may be provided. End links 111 and 112 may be similar to link 110, but the side links may only have a tail edge (and corresponding features), such as link 111; or the side links may only have a front edge (and corresponding features), such as link 112.

[0051] As another example, adjacent links can be connected at the pivot point using the concept of face gears. (References are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation.) Figures 6 to 9B An adjustable support 200 (referred to herein as a "flexible support," "adjustable support," or "support") is provided. In the support 200, links 210 (e.g., 210A, 210B, 210C) can be locked or released at a pivot point 213 to allow free pivoting. Locking is achieved using interlocking face gears (such as a hirth joint). The pivot point 213 can be pushed together to lock the links 210 together, and the pivot point 213 can be separated to unlock movement. The support 200 may include links 210 that can be all locked / unlocked in a single action. This can be achieved by transmitting movement to all joints via a rope or cable. For effective operation, the rope or cable must pass through the pivot axis to ensure that changes in the angle of the links do not alter the length of the rope, which could cause some joints to engage or disengage.

[0052] Link 210 may include a crossbar 220, a first side bar 230, and a second side bar 240. The top surface of the link defined by the crossbar 220, the first side bar 230, and the second side bar 240 may be a coil engagement surface 260, which may include the features described above with respect to coil engagement surface 160. The crossbar 220 may include a first end portion 221 and a second end portion 222. The first side bar 230 may be coupled to the first end portion 221 of the crossbar 220, and the second side bar 240 may be coupled to the second end portion 222 of the crossbar 220. The first side bar 230 may include a first front end portion 231 and a first tail end portion 233, the first front end portion 231 including a front mating surface 232, and the first tail end portion 233 including a tail mating surface 234. Similarly, the second side rod 240 may include a second front end portion 241 and a second rear end portion 243, the second front end portion 241 including a front end mating surface 242, and the second rear end portion 243 including a rear end mating surface 244. Links 210 may be rotatably connected to adjacent links 210 at a pivot point 213. For example, the pivot point 213 may include front end mating surfaces (232, 242) of links 210 that connect to the rear end mating surfaces (234, 244) of adjacent links 210. An end-face toothed joint may be formed between the front end mating surface 232 of the first link 210 and the rear end mating surface 234 of the adjacent link, and an end-face toothed joint may also be formed between the front end mating surface 242 of the first link 210 and the rear end mating surface 244 of the adjacent link. The first tether 253 may extend along each of the first side bars 230 to connect each of the pivot points 213 on the first side, and the second tether 253 may extend along each of the second side bars 240 to connect each of the pivot points 213 on the second side.

[0053] The tail end mating surfaces 234, 244 may include tether locks 237, 247, which may be configured to receive the tether 253, for example, through the center of the tether locks 237, 247. Figure 7 From the perspective of Figure 7 While not visible in the foreground, a tether lock 237 can be disposed on the tail mating surface 234, having the same shape and arrangement as the tether lock 247 disposed on the tail mating surface 244. Tether locks 237 and 247 can extend through respective openings 238 and 248 in the front mating surfaces 232 and 242. Tether locks 237 and 247, openings 238 and 248, and tether 253 can be arranged such that additional tension on tether 253 forces the front mating surfaces 232 and 242 and the tail mating surfaces 234 and 244 to separate, thereby releasing the end face toothed joint and allowing rotation. Figure 8A and8B As another example, tether locks 237, 247, openings 238, 248, and tether 253 can be arranged such that tension on tether 253 maintains engagement of the end face toothed joint, and releasing tension on tether 253 causes the front mating surfaces 232, 242 and the rear mating surfaces 234, 244 to be forcibly separated, thereby releasing the end face toothed joint and allowing rotation. Figure 9A and 9B The tether 253 can pass through the axis of the pivot point 213 to ensure that the changing angle between the links 210 does not change the length of the tether 253, thereby preventing an increase in tension on the tether 253, which could cause the end face toothed joint to engage or disengage.

[0054] Based on the disclosed subject matter, end links 211 and 212 may be provided. End links 211 and 212 may be similar to link 210, but the side bar may only have a tail edge (and corresponding features), such as link 211; or the side bar may only have a front edge (and corresponding features), such as link 212. End links 211 and 212 may include a release trigger 254, which may be coupled to tether 253 and may increase or decrease the tension on tether 253 as needed to release pivot point 213 when activated by a user.

[0055] It is worth noting that providing the support with the ability to easily move coil 1 closer to the patient's anatomy may be beneficial. However, during use, the support should not allow coil 1 to move freely away from the patient's anatomy, as maintaining proximity to the patient's anatomy is important for coil 1 throughout the scan duration. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the support to be easy to move inward, while requiring greater force to move outward. For example, when coil 1 is in a C-shape (see example...) Figures 19A to 19D When performing a scan, one might expect to require minimal force to close the C-shape further, but more force is needed to open the C-shape wider so that the support does not open due to patient movement or vibration during the scan. Therefore, as another example, adjacent chain links can be connected by springs and bolts, and a modified end-face toothed joint can be utilized. This construction makes closing the support easier, opening the support more difficult, and also allows for a smaller joint diameter. References are for illustrative and not limiting purposes. Figures 10 to 14B An adjustable support 300 (referred to herein as a “flexible support,” “adjustable support,” or “support”) is provided. In the support 300, links 310 (e.g., 310A, 310B, 310C) can engage with each other at a pivot point 313 using a modified end-face toothed joint.

[0056] Link 310 may include a crossbar 320, a first sidebar 330, and a second sidebar 340. The top surface of the link defined by the crossbar 320, the first sidebar 330, and the second sidebar 340 may be a coil engagement surface 360, which may include the features described above with respect to coil engagement surface 160. The crossbar 320 may include a first end portion 321 and a second end portion 322. The first sidebar 330 may be coupled to the first end portion 321 of the crossbar 320, and the second sidebar 340 may be coupled to the second end portion 322 of the crossbar 320. The first sidebar 330 may include a first front end portion 331 and a first tail end portion 333, the first front end portion 331 including a front end mating surface 332, and the first tail end portion 333 including a tail end mating surface 334. Similarly, the second side rod 340 may include a second front end portion 341 and a second rear end portion 343, the second front end portion 341 including a front end mating surface 342, and the second rear end portion 343 including a rear end mating surface 344. Links 310 may be rotatably connected to adjacent links 310 at a pivot point 313. For example, the pivot point 313 may include front end mating surfaces (332, 342) of links 310 that connect to the rear end mating surfaces (334, 344) of adjacent links 310. A toothed joint may be formed between the front end mating surface 332 of the first link 310 and the rear end mating surface 334 of the adjacent link 310, and a toothed joint may also be formed between the front end mating surface 342 of the first link 310 and the rear end mating surface 344 of the adjacent link. The front end mating surfaces 332, 342 may also include shaft holes 338, 348. The mating surfaces 334 and 344 at the tail end may also include shaft holes 337 and 347.

[0057] To connect the two links 310, bolt 353 can pass through shaft holes 337 and 338 and through the center of spring 350, and a second bolt 353 can pass through shaft holes 347 and 348 and through the center of spring 350 to secure the two links 310 together. Nut 353A can be received in a form-fitting cutout (e.g., hexagonal) and can be tightened against bolt 353. Cap 352 can accommodate and cover spring 350. Spring 350 can use controlled force to force faces 332, 334 and 342, 344 together.

[0058] The toothed end faces on surfaces 332, 342, 334, and 344 can utilize asymmetrical toothed end face teeth 335 having a first edge 335A and a second edge 335B. The teeth 335 of the end face teeth can utilize two different angles, and the teeth 335 can be arranged circularly around the joint. Angle A of the first edge 335A can be approximately 90 degrees; angle B of the second edge 335B can be approximately 45 degrees. Although specific angles are described, any suitable angle can be used for angle A and / or angle B. Figure 14A and Figure 14B The tooth 335 appears to have changed length because the view is a contour view of a circular object. However, if the tooth 335 is arranged radially evenly around the circular joint, the tooth 335 does not change length.

[0059] Rotating connector 313 requires the user to overcome the force exerted by spring 350 that pushes the two mating surfaces 332, 334 and 342, 344 together. The tooth 335 is asymmetrical in one direction. That is, the first edge 335A of the tooth 335 is cut at a steep angle (angle A), resulting in a greater force required to rotate the connector. In the opposite direction, the second edge 335B of the tooth 335 is cut at a shallow angle (angle B), resulting in a smaller force required to rotate the connector. The force required to move the connector is proportional to the sine of the tooth angle. This configuration allows for a more compact design and provides asymmetrical rotational force. In particular, a smaller force may be required to position the support 300 against the patient, but a larger force may be required to open the support 300, thus providing sufficient force to hold coil 1 against the patient.

[0060] Although some connections for pivot point 113 have been described above, pivot point 113 can use any suitable connection that provides the aforementioned movable but rigid connection. For example, a friction fit can be used, where sufficient friction between the corresponding mating surfaces 132, 142, 134, 144 maintains a specific position. By applying sufficient force to overcome the friction, movement of link 110 can be initiated. The friction fit arrangement allows links 110 to be positioned at any angle relative to each other. As another example, a locking-unlocking mechanism can be used, where the position is adjusted by unlocking pivot point 113. This can be achieved, for example, by a positive detent pin, interlocking gears, or linkage. The user can actuate a trigger (or lever, knob, or other suitable feature) to allow pivot point 113 to move freely until the desired position is achieved. Actuating or releasing the trigger can simultaneously freeze all links 110.

[0061] Regardless of the construction of links 110, 210, and 310, and referring to the information for illustrative and not limiting purposes... Figures 15 to 22A base 70 may be provided. Although the base is described with reference to support 100, it may be used with support 200, 300, or any suitable support construction. The base 70 may include one or more holes 71 that may serve as receiving portions of one or more portions of the flexible support 100. For example, support 100 may fall into the holes 71 of the base 70. The base 70 may include a hook system comprising a plurality of hooks 72 that may engage with links 110, for example, at crossbar 120. Figures 17A to 17B As shown. The release lever 73 can be coupled to the hook 72, such that pulling the lever 73 to the left or right unfolds the hook 72 and releases the support 100. The hook 72 can be latched to the support 100 in any suitable manner. Additionally, any suitable number of latches can be used. As another example, a friction fit can be used to maintain the position of the support 100. In this configuration, the release lever 73 is not required on the base 70. Although a specific configuration has been described, any suitable configuration for coupling the support 100 to the base 70 is contemplated.

[0062] The support member 100 can be positioned on the base 70 at multiple locations relative to the base 70. For example, the support member 100 can be centered on the base, thereby forming a U-shape. Figures 18A to 18D This can be used for imaging, for example, the knee or ankle. As another example, the support 100 can be positioned such that one end of the support 100 is positioned on the base 70, thereby forming a C-shape (e.g., Figures 19A to 19D This can be used for imaging, for example, the shoulder or elbow. Figures 18B to 18D and Figures 19B to 19D A flexible support 100 is shown disposed in a base 70 and supports a flexible coil 1 in a U-shaped and a C-shaped orientation, respectively. Figure 18B and Figure 19A As shown, the base 70 may include a support 74 with a recess 75, which may receive and / or guide the coil cable 2. According to the disclosed subject matter, the recess 75 may mate in reverse to a ridge in the flexible coil 1. The support 74 may be a pad made of polyurethane foam or other materials. Alternatively, the recess 75 may be directly molded into the base 70. The base 70 may be molded from plastic.

[0063] During operation, the base 70 can be positioned on the patient table. The flexible support 100 can be placed within the base. The arrangement of the flexible support 100 within the base can be selected based on the application. For example, for knee applications, the central link 110 can be placed in the hole 71 of the base 70 (…). Figure 20 As another example, for shoulder applications, end links 111, 112 can be placed in holes 71 of the base 70. Figures 21A to 21B As another example, the central link 110 and the terminal links 111, 112 can be placed in the hole 71 of the base 70. The flexible coil 1 can be placed on the support 100. The patient can then be positioned on the stage, and the flexible support 100 can be moved to pull the flexible coil 1 closer to the anatomical structure of interest. The flexible support 100 can be used to support various flexible coils. For example, a large flexible coil can be supported for imaging the arm or trunk side.

[0064] According to the disclosed subject matter, the base 70 can be configured to support the flexible support 100 in a vertical position. This configuration can be used in certain imaging applications, such as foot imaging. The base 70 can support the flexible support 100 so that when the patient is in a supine position, the flexible support 100 can be wrapped around the foot, for example... Figure 22 As shown. As another example, the base 70 can be configured such that the base 70 is maintained in a horizontal position on the patient table, but the hole 71 can be configured to support the flexible support 100 in a horizontal position, for example for use in foot imaging applications.

[0065] As with any device used in an MRI environment, all components of the adjustable supports 100, 200, and base 70 must not contain ferromagnetic materials and must be made of MRI-safe materials. For example, MRI-safe materials can be used, including non-ferromagnetic materials such as plastics, fiberglass, composite materials, non-magnetic brass, phosphor bronze, or beryllium copper.

[0066] The disclosed subject matter also relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible support having some or all of the features described herein.

[0067] In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter also relates to other embodiments having any other possible combinations of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. Therefore, the specific features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to the disclosed embodiments.

[0068] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methods and systems disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter is intended to include modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustable support for a flexible receiving coil, the adjustable support comprising: Multiple links, including at least a first link, a second link, and a third link, each link having a crossbar, a first side bar, and a second side bar. The crossbar has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first side bar is connected to the first end portion of the crossbar, and the first side bar has a first front end portion and a first tail end portion. The first front end portion includes a first front end mating surface, and The first tail end portion includes a first tail end mating surface. The second side bar is connected to the second end portion of the crossbar, and the second side bar has a second front end portion and a second tail end portion. The second front end portion includes a second front end mating surface, and The second tail end portion includes a second tail end mating surface. The crossbar, the first side bar, and the second side bar define the coil engagement surface; and Wherein, the first link is rotatably connected to the second link, such that: The first front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the first tail end portion of the second link, such that the first front end mating surface of the first link engages with the first tail end mating surface of the second link. The second front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the second tail end portion of the second link, such that the second front end mating surface of the first link engages with the second tail end mating surface of the second link. The first link and the second link define an adjustable angle between them.

2. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein, The coil engagement surface of each link includes a coil attachment feature.

3. The adjustable support of claim 2, wherein, The coil attachment feature includes a first side of a hook-and-loop fastener configured to engage with a second side of a hook-and-loop fastener of a flexible receiving coil.

4. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein, The first front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the first tail end portion of the second link via a first ball-and-socket mechanism, and the second front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the second tail end portion of the second link via a second ball-and-socket mechanism.

5. The adjustable support member according to claim 1, wherein, The first front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the first tail end portion of the second link via friction engagement, and the second front end portion of the first link is rotatably connected to the second tail end portion of the second link via friction engagement.

6. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein, The first front end mating surface of the first link includes a plurality of gears configured to engage with a plurality of gears disposed on the first rear end mating surface of the second link, and the second front end mating surface of the first link includes a plurality of gears configured to engage with a plurality of gears disposed on the second rear end mating surface of the second link.

7. The adjustable support of claim 1, further comprising a support base configured to receive at least one link.

8. The adjustable support of claim 7, wherein, The support base also includes a latch configured to engage with at least one crossbar in a releasable manner.

9. The adjustable support of claim 7, wherein, The support base also includes at least one cable receiving groove.

10. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein, Each link contains non-ferromagnetic material.

11. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein, The second link is rotatably connected to the third link such that the first front end portion of the second link is rotatably connected to the first tail end portion of the third link, such that the first front end mating surface of the second link engages with the first tail end mating surface of the third link, and the second front end portion of the second link is rotatably connected to the second tail end portion of the third link, such that the second front end mating surface of the second link engages with the second tail end mating surface of the third link, and the second link and the third link define an adjustable angle between them.

12. The adjustable support member according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a first end link, the first end link having a crossbar, a first side bar, and a second side bar. The crossbar has a first end portion and a second end portion; The first side bar is connected to the first end portion of the crossbar, and the first side bar has a first front end portion and a first tail end portion. The first front end portion includes a first front end mating surface, and The second side bar is connected to the second end portion of the crossbar, and the second side bar has a second front end portion and a second tail end portion. The second front end portion includes a second front end mating surface. wherein, The end link is rotatably connected to the first link, such that: The first front end portion of the end link is rotatably connected to the first tail end portion of the first link, such that the mating surface of the first front end of the end link engages with the mating surface of the first tail end of the first link. The second front end portion of the end link is rotatably connected to the second tail end portion of the first link, such that the mating surface of the second front end of the end link engages with the mating surface of the second tail end of the first link.

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