Magnetic resonance coil assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of magnetic resonance, in particular to a magnetic resonance coil assembly which comprises a deformable flexible material layer with a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and a circuit board arranged on the first side of the flexible material layer; the first shell is arranged on the first side of the flexible material layer and is provided with a first threading hole, and the circuit board is accommodated in the first shell; the second shell is arranged on the second side of the flexible material layer and is provided with a second threading hole; the sewing thread is used for sewing and fixing the first shell and the second shell to the flexible material layer in a mode of penetrating through the first threading hole, the flexible material layer and the second threading hole, and the sewing thread limits relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of magnetic resonance technology, and in particular to a magnetic resonance coil assembly. Background Art

[0002] A flexible magnetic resonance coil assembly can be forcefully deformed to conform to the shape of an examination site (e.g., the human head), allowing the radio frequency coil within it to be brought as close as possible to the surface of the examination site, thereby obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance images. However, not all parts of a flexible magnetic resonance coil assembly can be freely deformed. This is because the magnetic resonance coil assembly is typically equipped with a rigid circuit board containing electronic components. To protect the circuit board, particularly the electronic components on the circuit board, a protective housing is typically provided to house the circuit board.

[0003] A related art proposal for a protective housing for a flexible magnetic resonance coil assembly includes a first housing located within a flexible support and a second housing located outside the flexible support. The first housing encloses a circuit board to create a protective environment. The second housing is secured to the first housing via multiple screws, thereby securing the protective housing to the flexible support. However, finding a better alternative to achieve this connection remains a topic of interest for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a flexible magnetic resonance coil assembly.

[0005] The magnetic resonance coil assembly involved in this application includes:

[0006] a deformable layer of flexible material having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

[0007] a circuit board, disposed on the first side of the flexible material layer;

[0008] a first housing, disposed on the first side of the flexible material layer and having a first threading hole, wherein the first housing accommodates the circuit board;

[0009] A second shell is disposed on the second side of the flexible material layer and has a second threading hole;

[0010] The first shell and the second shell are sewed and fixed to the flexible material layer by a suture that passes through the first threading hole, the flexible material layer and the second threading hole, and the suture limits the relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the edge of the first shell has an inwardly concave first thread-passing notch, and the suture passes through the second side of the flexible material layer to the first side, passes through the first threading hole, and then returns through the first thread-passing notch to pass through the second side of the flexible material layer.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first shell has a lip that defines the edge, the lip is laminated on the first side of the flexible material layer, and the first threading hole is formed through the lip.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the second shell is formed in a plate shape stacked on the second side of the flexible material layer.

[0014] In some possible embodiments, the edge of the second shell has a concave second thread-passing notch, and the suture passes through the first side of the flexible material layer to the second side, passes through the second threading hole, and then returns through the second thread-passing notch to pass through the first side of the flexible material layer.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the circuit board is stacked on the first side of the flexible material layer and is fixed to the flexible material layer in a manner not passing through the first shell and the second shell;

[0016] The first shell has an opening facing the flexible material layer and the second shell and closed by the flexible material layer and the second shell;

[0017] The first shell accommodates the circuit board fixed to the flexible material layer in the first shell via the opening.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the following further comprises:

[0019] a socket formed on one of the first housing and the second housing;

[0020] a latch formed on the other of the first housing and the second housing, the latch penetrating the flexible material layer and inserted into the insertion hole;

[0021] The cooperation between the plug and the socket restricts the relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the extension direction of the flexible material layer.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the pin and the insertion hole engage with each other in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer, thereby limiting relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the plug and the socket are respectively configured in plurality, and the plurality of plugs are respectively inserted into the plurality of sockets;

[0024] When viewed from the flexible material layer, the plurality of pins are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of insertion holes are spaced apart from each other.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the flexible material layer is a first flexible material layer, further comprising:

[0026] a second deformable flexible material layer laminated on the first side of the flexible material layer;

[0027] Wherein, the circuit board and the first shell are arranged between the flexible material layer and the second flexible material layer.

[0028] According to the magnetic resonance coil assembly provided by the present application, the first shell and the second shell of the protective shell for protecting the circuit board are sewn and fixed on both sides of the flexible material layer by means of sutures, so that the protective shell and the flexible material layer can be well combined together. The structure is simple and easy to implement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present application, and are not limitations to the present application.

[0030] Figure 1 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a magnetic resonance coil assembly provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the planar structure of the magnetic resonance coil assembly, wherein the second flexible material layer is removed.

[0032] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the cooperation between the radio frequency coil and the first flexible material layer is shown in a plan view.

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the coordination of the protective shell, the first circuit board and the first flexible material layer is shown in a three-dimensional diagram.

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the present invention, wherein the third suture is omitted.

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view of .

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 5Bottom view of .

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Exploded diagram of .

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 side view.

[0039] Description of reference numerals:

[0040] 100-flexible support, 200-RF coil;

[0041] 1-first flexible material layer, 1A-first side, 1B-second side;

[0042] 2- second flexible material layer;

[0043] 3- coil ring;

[0044] 4- Electronic components;

[0045] 5- first circuit board;

[0046] 6- second circuit board;

[0047] 7-conductive column;

[0048] 8-first housing, 8a-first threading hole, 8b-insertion hole, 8c-first threading notch, 8d-lip;

[0049] 9-second housing, 9a-second threading hole, 9b-pin, 9c-second threading notch;

[0050] 10-Electronic devices;

[0051] 11-first suture;

[0052] 12-second suture;

[0053] 13-third suture;

[0054] 14-Protective case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application. It is understood that, in the absence of conflict, some technical means of the various embodiments described herein can be replaced or combined with each other.

[0056] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., if used, are used solely to distinguish the objects being described and do not convey any order or technical meaning. Thus, an object defined as "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such objects. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" alone does not imply the presence of a "second element," nor does the term "second element" alone imply the presence of a "first element." Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," and the like, do not denote a limitation on quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one, and "plurality" means at least two.

[0057] Figure 1 and Figure 9 A magnetic resonance coil assembly (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the assembly) provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The magnetic resonance coil assembly can undergo corresponding mechanical deformation according to the contour of the examined part, thereby better adhering to the surface of the examined part to obtain high-quality magnetic resonance images.

[0058] The magnetic resonance coil assembly includes a deformable flexible support body 100 and a plurality of radio frequency coils 200 supported by the flexible support body 100 .

[0059] The flexible support body 100 includes a first flexible material layer 1 and a second flexible material layer 2 arranged in a stacked arrangement. The first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 can be fixedly connected together by stitching (not shown). In some embodiments, the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 can be connected as a whole at one of their side edges. For example, a large flexible material layer can be folded in half around its center to form the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2. In addition, the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 can be a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the first flexible material layer 1 can include an outer fabric layer, an inner lining layer, and a flexible sponge layer sandwiched between the fabric layer and the lining layer. The first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 can both be freely deformable.

[0060] When a magnetic resonance examination is performed on a subject using the component, one of the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 is in contact with the subject's body, while the other is away from the subject's body. Exemplarily, the one may be the first flexible material layer 1, and correspondingly, the other may be the second flexible material layer 2.

[0061] A plurality of RF coils 200 may form a coil array. These RF coils 200 are disposed between the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 and fixed to the flexible support 100 by suturing, thereby maintaining a stable relative position between the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2 .

[0062] Please also see Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, each RF coil 200 includes a coil ring 3 and an electronic component 4 electrically connected to the coil ring 3 .

[0063] The coil loop 3 is sutured and fixed to the first flexible material layer 1 via a first suture 11 spanning the loop arm of the coil loop 3, and is configured to deform following the deformation of the first flexible material layer 1 and the flexible support body 100, and the coil loop 3 is stacked with the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2. In this embodiment, the coil loop 3 is mainly formed by a flexible wire conductor and extends over a range of approximately 340°. In addition, the coil loop 3 is electrically connected to the electronic component 4, and the magnetic resonance signal induced by the coil loop 3 is processed by the electronic component 4 and transmitted to the outside. In other embodiments, the wire conductor used to form the coil loop 3 is segmented at a position opposite to the electronic component 4, and the segmented wire conductors are connected in series via capacitors.

[0064] The electronic assembly 4 includes a first circuit board 5, a second circuit board 6 spaced parallel to the first circuit board 5, and a conductive post 7 that mechanically secures and electrically connects the first circuit board 5 and the second circuit board 6. Electronic components 10 are each provided on opposite sides of the first circuit board 5 and the second circuit board 6. The ends of the coil ring 3 are soldered to the first circuit board 5, thereby electrically connecting the electronic components 10 on the first circuit board 5. The ends of the conductive post 7 are soldered to the first circuit board 5 and the second circuit board 6, thereby electrically connecting the electronic components 10 on the first circuit board 5 to the electronic components 10 on the second circuit board 6. As a result, the coil ring 3, the electronic components 10 on the first circuit board 5, and the electronic components 10 on the second circuit board 6 are electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a magnetic resonance signal receiving circuit. For example, the electronic components 10 on the first circuit board 5 include capacitors, and the electronic components 10 on the second circuit board 6 include preamplifiers.

[0065] The first flexible material layer 1 has a first side 1A and a second side 1B opposite to the first side 1A, wherein the first side 1A is the side of the first flexible material layer 1 facing the second flexible material layer 2 , and the second side 1B is the side of the first flexible material layer 1 facing away from the second flexible material layer 2 .

[0066] The first circuit board 5 is stacked on the first side 1A of the flexible material layer and is fixed to the first flexible material layer 1 by sewing the second stitches 12. Specifically, the first circuit board 5 has a through-hole provided in the thickness direction thereof. Figure 4 and Figure 8The first circuit board 5 is fixed to the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1 by sewing through a plurality of threading holes (not shown but with reference numerals omitted) through the second stitches 12 passing through the threading holes. As a result, the first circuit board 5 has a stable position on the first flexible material layer 1 and further the flexible support body 100, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the first circuit board 5 and the coil ring 3.

[0067] In other embodiments, the first circuit board 5 is fixed to the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1 by adhesive bonding.

[0068] The assembly is further configured with a protective shell 14 for protecting the first circuit board 5 and the second circuit board 6 , especially the electronic devices 10 on the first circuit board 5 and the second circuit board 6 . The protective shell 14 includes a first shell 8 and a second shell 9 .

[0069] The first housing 8 is disposed on the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1 and is located between the first flexible material layer 1 and the second flexible material layer 2. The first housing 8 has a housing cavity for accommodating the first circuit board 5 and the second circuit board 6. Furthermore, the first housing 8 has a plurality of first threading holes 8a.

[0070] The second housing 9 is disposed on the second side 1B of the flexible material layer and has a plurality of second threading holes 9a.

[0071] The third stitch 13 sews the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 to the first flexible material layer 1 by passing through the first threading hole 8a, the first flexible material layer 1, and the second threading hole 9a. The third stitch 13 can at least effectively limit the relative movement of the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 in the thickness direction of the first flexible material layer 1, especially limit the relative distance between the two in the thickness direction.

[0072] More specifically, the first housing 8, or more specifically, the aforementioned accommodating cavity of the first housing 8, has an opening facing the flexible material layer and the second housing 9. During assembly, the first circuit board 5 is first sewn and secured to the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1 using the second stitching 12. Then, the first housing 8 accommodates the first circuit board 5 (and the second circuit board 6 and conductive posts 7), already secured to the first flexible material layer 1, within the first housing 8 via the aforementioned opening. After assembly, the opening is sealed by the first flexible material layer 1 and the second housing 9. Furthermore, the opening is formed with multiple plate-shaped lips 8d stacked on the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1. The aforementioned first threading holes 8a extend through each of these lips 8d. Furthermore, the second housing 9 is formed into a plate-like shape stacked on the second side 1B of the first flexible material layer 1. This allows the first and second housings 8 and 9 to sandwich the first flexible material layer 1 between them over a relatively large area, which helps to increase the bonding strength and stability of the first, second, and first flexible material layers 1.

[0073] In other embodiments, the first circuit board 5 is not secured to the first flexible material layer 1 by stitching or adhesive, but is secured to the first flexible material layer 1 by means of the aforementioned protective shell 14. For example, the first circuit board 5 can be first secured within the first housing 8, and then the first and second housings 8 and 9 can be assembled to opposite sides of the first flexible material layer 1 using the third stitching 13.

[0074] Please combine Figures 4 to 9 The edge of the first shell 8, defined by the aforementioned lip 8d, has a concave first thread-passing notch 8c, and the edge of the second shell 9 has a concave second thread-passing notch 9c. The third suture 13 passes from the second side 1B of the first flexible material layer 1 to the first side 1A, then passes through the first thread-passing hole 8a, then returns through the first thread-passing notch 8c to pass through the second side 1B of the flexible material layer, then returns again through the second thread-passing notch 9c to enter the second thread-passing hole 9a. In other words, the third suture 13 passes from the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1 to the second side 1B, then passes through the second thread-passing hole 9a, then returns again through the second thread-passing notch 9c to pass through the first side 1A of the first flexible material layer 1, then returns again through the first thread-passing notch 8c to enter the first thread-passing hole 8a. Through such a design, the first thread notch 8c and the second thread notch 9c can well constrain the position of the third stitching 13, inhibit the movement of the third stitching 13, help increase the life of the third stitching 13 and enhance the stability of the relative positions of the first shell 8, the second shell 9 and the first flexible material layer 1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the third suture 13 may be formed into a closed loop.

[0076] Although the third seam 13 can also limit the relative movement of the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 in the extension direction of the first flexible material layer 1 (the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible material layer) to a certain extent, the degree of limitation is limited. During use, the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 are prone to small but frequent relative movements in the aforementioned extension direction, which will cause the third seam 13 to frequently cut the first flexible material layer 1, thereby easily causing damage to the first flexible material layer 1. In this regard, please review Figure 4 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the lip 8d of the first shell 8 is further formed with a plurality of insertion holes 8b extending therethrough, and the second shell 9 is integrally formed with a plurality of latches 9b, which extend through the flexible material layer and are respectively inserted into the plurality of insertion holes 8b. The cooperation between the latches 9b and the insertion holes 8b effectively restricts relative movement between the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 in the direction of extension of the first flexible material layer 1. Thus, the restriction of relative movement between the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 in the thickness direction of the first flexible material layer 1 by the third stitching 13, and the restriction of relative movement between the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 in the direction of extension of the first flexible material layer 1 by the latches 9b and the insertion holes 8b, effectively ensure the joint stability between the first shell 8, the second shell 9, and the first flexible material layer 1.

[0077] When viewed facing the flexible material layer, the plurality of pins 9b are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of insertion holes 8b are spaced apart from each other.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pin 9b is inserted into the socket 8b in a tight fit (interference fit).

[0079] In some embodiments, the latch 9b and the socket 8b engage with each other in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer, thereby further limiting the relative movement of the first shell 8 and the second shell 9 in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer. Exemplarily, the latch 9b has a barb that hooks and engages with the edge of the socket.

[0080] In other embodiments, the latch 9 b is formed on the first housing 8 , and the socket 8 b is formed on the second housing 9 .

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance coil assembly, characterized in that: include: a deformable layer of flexible material having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a circuit board, disposed on the first side of the flexible material layer; a first housing, disposed on the first side of the flexible material layer and having a first threading hole, wherein the first housing accommodates the circuit board; A second shell is disposed on the second side of the flexible material layer and has a second threading hole; The first shell and the second shell are sewed and fixed to the flexible material layer by a suture that passes through the first threading hole, the flexible material layer and the second threading hole, and the suture limits the relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer.

2. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein The edge of the first shell has a concave first thread-passing notch. The suture passes through the second side of the flexible material layer to the first side, passes through the first threading hole, and then returns through the first thread-passing notch to pass through the second side of the flexible material layer.

3. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first shell has a lip defining the edge, the lip is stacked on the first side of the flexible material layer, and the first threading hole is formed through the lip.

4. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The second housing is formed in a plate-like shape stacked on the second side of the flexible material layer.

5. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The edge of the second shell has a concave second thread-passing notch. The suture passes through the first side of the flexible material layer to the second side, passes through the second threading hole, and then returns through the second thread-passing notch to pass through the first side of the flexible material layer.

6. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein The circuit board is stacked on the first side of the flexible material layer and is fixed to the flexible material layer in a manner not passing through the first shell and the second shell; The first shell has an opening facing the flexible material layer and the second shell and closed by the flexible material layer and the second shell; The first shell accommodates the circuit board fixed to the flexible material layer in the first shell via the opening.

7. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a socket formed on one of the first housing and the second housing; a latch formed on the other of the first housing and the second housing, the latch penetrating the flexible material layer and inserted into the insertion hole; The cooperation between the plug and the socket limits the relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the extension direction of the flexible material layer.

8. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The latch and the insertion hole engage with each other in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer, thereby limiting the relative movement of the first shell and the second shell in the thickness direction of the flexible material layer.

9. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to claim 7, wherein: There are a plurality of the plugs and the sockets, respectively, and the plurality of the plugs are inserted into the plurality of the sockets respectively; When viewed from the flexible material layer, the plurality of pins are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of insertion holes are spaced apart from each other.

10. The magnetic resonance coil assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6 to 7, characterized in that: The flexible material layer is a first flexible material layer, and further comprises: a second deformable flexible material layer laminated on the first side of the flexible material layer; Wherein, the circuit board and the first shell are arranged between the flexible material layer and the second flexible material layer.

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