Ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system

Abstract

This utility model discloses an ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system, including a base plate and a coil assembly. The coil assembly is slidably and limitingly connected to the base plate. The coil assembly includes a base and a top cover. The base is connected to the base plate, and both the base and the top cover contain coil units. The top cover is closed and connected to the base, forming a cavity that can accommodate the ankle. The top cover has a locking device, and the base has a locking groove. The locking device and the locking groove are detachably engaged. This utility model, through the cooperation of the locking device and the locking groove, can open or lock the top cover and the base, improving the connection stability between the top cover and the base, thereby preventing the top cover and the base from loosening or shifting during examination, and effectively ensuring the accuracy of the examination results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging technology, and specifically to an ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMRI), also known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), utilizes the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on the varying attenuation of emitted energy in different structural environments within matter, an external gradient magnetic field is applied to detect the emitted electromagnetic waves, thus creating an image of the object's internal structure. Specifically, the coils in an MRI scanner are called radio frequency coils, receiving coils, and gradient coils depending on their function. In clinical practice, the coil usually refers to the receiving coil used to receive the magnetic resonance signals generated by the area being imaged. Currently, when performing MRI on the ankle, an ankle coil is worn on the patient's ankle.

[0003] Existing ankle coils mainly include two structures: one is a flip-top structure, where the top cover is hinged to one end of the base. Flipping the top cover separates it from the base, allowing the patient's foot to be inserted into the ankle coil for examination, as disclosed in CN222032366U; the other is a pull-out structure, where the top cover is closed to the base. Pulling the top cover separates it from the base, allowing the patient's foot to be inserted into the ankle coil for examination, as disclosed in CN106707207A, a radiofrequency coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging. Regardless of whether it's a flip-top or pull-out structure, the closing force between the top cover and the base relies on the weight of the top cover itself. The lack of a locking mechanism between the top cover and the base makes them prone to loosening and displacement during examination, affecting the accuracy of the results. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address some or all of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system, including a base plate and a coil assembly. The coil assembly is slidably and limitingly connected to the base plate. The coil assembly includes a base and a top cover. The base is connected to the base plate. Both the base and the top cover are provided with coil units. The top cover is closed and connected to the base. The top cover and the base together form a cavity that can accommodate the ankle. The top cover is provided with a locking device, and the base is provided with a locking groove. The locking device and the locking groove are detachably engaged.

[0005] As a further improvement of this utility model, the locking device includes an unlocking block, a transmission component, and a locking tongue. The locking tongue is detachably engaged with the locking groove. The unlocking block is slidably connected to the upper cover. One end of the transmission component is connected to the unlocking block, and the middle part of the transmission component is hinged to the upper cover. The transmission component can rotate and swing along the hinge. The end of the transmission component away from the unlocking block abuts against the locking tongue. The transmission component can drive the locking tongue to slide within the upper cover, thereby causing the locking tongue to separate from the locking groove.

[0006] As a further improvement of this utility model, the locking device also includes a locking spring, one end of which is connected to the upper cover and the other end is connected to the locking tongue. The locking spring can push the locking tongue to move closer to the transmission member, thereby causing the locking tongue to engage with the locking groove.

[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, there are two transmission components and two locking tongues, and the two transmission components are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the unlocking block, and the locking tongues and transmission components are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, a positioning post is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover, and a positioning hole is provided on the upper end surface of the base at the corresponding position of the positioning post, and the positioning post and the positioning hole are detachably connected.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, there are four positioning posts, and the four positioning posts are distributed in a rectangular shape on the lower end surface of the upper cover, and the positioning holes are set one-to-one with the positioning posts.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, a slider is provided on the lower end surface of the base, and a guide groove is provided on the base plate, wherein the slider is slidably engaged with the guide groove.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the slider is provided with a limiting block, the guide groove is provided with a limiting step, and the limiting block abuts against the limiting step.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, handles are provided at both ends of the base plate.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the handle is integrally formed with the base plate.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention, through the cooperation of the locking device and the locking groove, can separate the upper cover from the base and also lock the upper cover and the base in place, improving the connection stability between the upper cover and the base. This prevents the upper cover and the base from becoming loose or shifting during inspection, effectively ensuring the accuracy of the inspection results. On the other hand, the coil assembly and the base plate adopt a sliding connection method, which can simultaneously meet the inspection needs of the left and right feet, improving practicality and versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure from another perspective of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the upper cover in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the terminology used in the specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0022] In this invention, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment to other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a base plate 1 and a coil assembly, the coil assembly being slidably and limitingly connected to the base plate 1; by pushing the coil assembly to slide laterally on the base plate 1, the ankle coil can be used to examine both the patient's left foot and the patient's right foot, thus improving its practicality and versatility.

[0025] The coil assembly includes a base 2 and a top cover 3, with the base 2 slidably connected to the base plate 1. Both the base 2 and the top cover 3 contain coil units 4, which are connected to the control center of the magnetic resonance imaging system via a circuit board. The coil units 4 acquire image information of the patient's ankle and transmit this information back to the magnetic resonance imaging system via the circuit board, thus enabling the examination of the patient's ankle. The top cover 3 is closed to the base 2, forming a cavity that can accommodate the ankle. During the examination, the patient can insert their ankle into the cavity by opening the top cover 3, and then the top cover 3 is closed to the base 2, thus encasing the patient's ankle for examination. The top cover 3 has a locking device, and the base 2 has a locking groove 21; the locking device and the locking groove 21 are detachably engaged. Normally, the upper cover 3 is closed with the base 2, and the locking device is engaged with the locking groove 21. When an examination is required, the locking device can be operated to separate it from the locking groove 21, thus opening the upper cover 3. The patient then inserts their ankle into the base 2, and the upper cover 3 is closed again, and the locking device is engaged with the locking groove 21, thereby limiting and fixing the upper cover 3 and the base 2. The patient's ankle can then be examined.

[0026] The ankle coil, through the cooperation of the locking device and the locking groove 21, can separate the upper cover 3 from the base 2, and can also lock and fix the upper cover 3 from the base 2, thereby improving the connection stability of the upper cover 3 and the base 2, thus avoiding the situation where the upper cover 3 and the base 2 become loose or shift during inspection, and effectively ensuring the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0027] A limiting plate 22 is provided on the upper surface of the base 2. The limiting plate 22 is used to position the patient's foot when it is inserted into the base 2. During the examination, after opening the upper cover 3, the patient can place their foot on the limiting plate 22, indicating that the patient's foot has been placed in the appropriate examination position. Then, the upper cover 3 can be closed for the examination. The limiting plate 22 facilitates the positioning of the patient's ankle, improving the convenience of the operation.

[0028] The locking device includes an unlocking block 5, a transmission component 6, and a locking tongue 7. The locking tongue 7 is slidably connected to the upper cover 3, and one end of the locking tongue 7 extends out of the upper cover 3. The end of the locking tongue 7 extending out of the upper cover 3 is detachably engaged with the locking groove 21. The unlocking block 5 is slidably connected to the upper cover 3. One end of the transmission component 6 is hinged to the unlocking block 5, and the middle part of the transmission component 6 is hinged to the upper cover 3. The transmission component 6 can rotate and swing along the hinge. The end of the transmission component 6 away from the unlocking block 5 abuts against the locking tongue 7, and the transmission component 6 can drive the locking tongue 7 to slide within the upper cover 3, thereby causing the locking tongue 7 to separate from the locking groove 21. Normally, the locking tongue 7 is engaged with the locking groove 21, thereby locking the upper cover 3 and the base 2. When the ankle coil needs to be used for inspection, the unlocking block 5 can be pulled upwards. The unlocking block 5 slides upwards on the upper cover 3, which will drive the transmission component 6 to rotate and swing on the upper cover 3. The transmission component 6 pushes the locking tongue 7 to slide inside the upper cover 3, thereby pushing the locking tongue 7 to disengage from the locking groove 21. At this time, the upper cover 3 can be lifted upwards, thereby separating the upper cover 3 from the base 2 and unlocking it.

[0029] In this embodiment, the upper cover 3 is provided with an unlocking reset spring (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the unlocking block 5. When the user pulls the unlocking block 5 upward, the unlocking block 5 will compress the unlocking reset spring; when the user releases the unlocking block 5, the unlocking reset spring will push the unlocking block 5 to slide downward on the upper cover 3 to reset until it returns to its initial position.

[0030] To achieve locking, in this embodiment, the locking device also includes a locking spring 8. One end of the locking spring 8 is connected to the upper cover 3, and the other end is connected to the locking tongue 7. The locking spring 8 can push the locking tongue 7 to move closer to the transmission member 6, thereby causing the locking tongue 7 to engage with the locking groove 21. During the process of closing the base 2 with the upper cover 3, the locking tongue 7 is aligned and inserted into the locking groove 21. The locking groove 21 will push the locking tongue 7 to slide within the upper cover 3. At this time, the locking tongue 7 will compress the locking spring 8. After the locking tongue 7 passes through the locking groove 21, under the elastic force of the locking spring 8, it will push the locking tongue 7 to slide closer to the transmission member 6 until the locking tongue 7 abuts against the transmission member 6. At this time, the locking tongue 7 will also engage and fix with the locking groove 21, thereby achieving locking.

[0031] In this embodiment, there are two transmission components 6 and two locking tongues 7, with the two transmission components 6 symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the unlocking block 5, and the locking tongues 7 corresponding one-to-one with the transmission components 6. By setting two locking tongues 7, the upper cover 3 and the base 2 are engaged at two positions, improving the stability of the locking and further enhancing the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0032] To achieve rapid alignment between the upper cover 3 and the base 2, a positioning post 31 is provided on the lower end face of the upper cover 3, and a positioning hole 23 is provided on the upper end face of the base 2 at the corresponding position of the positioning post 31. The positioning post 31 and the positioning hole 23 are detachably connected. By fixing the positioning post 31 and the positioning hole 23, the connection stability between the base 2 and the upper cover 3 can be further improved, ensuring the accuracy of the inspection results. On the other hand, the cooperation between the positioning post 31 and the positioning hole 23 can also achieve rapid alignment between the upper cover 3 and the base 2, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0033] In this embodiment, there are four positioning posts 31, which are arranged in a rectangular shape on the lower end face of the upper cover 3. The positioning holes 23 are corresponding to the positioning posts 31 one by one. In other embodiments, the number of positioning posts 31 can be any other number.

[0034] To facilitate switching between left and right foot inspections, in this embodiment, a slider 9 is provided on the lower end surface of the base 2, and a guide groove 11 is provided on the base plate 1. The slider 9 is slidably engaged with the guide groove 11. When it is necessary to switch between left and right foot inspections, the slider 9 can be pushed to slide within the guide groove 11, thereby changing the installation position of the coil assembly on the base plate 1. After adjusting to a suitable position, the slider 9 can be connected and fixed to the guide groove 11 to secure the coil assembly on the base plate 1.

[0035] Specifically, the slider 9 is provided with a limiting block 91, which is detachably connected to the slider 9. The guide groove 11 is provided with a limiting step 12, and the limiting block 91 abuts against the limiting step 12. When switching is required, the limiting block 91 can be released first, and the coil assembly can be pushed to make the slider 9 slide in the guide groove 11. After sliding to the appropriate position, the limiting block 91 is then connected and fixed to the slider 9, so that it abuts against the limiting step 12 and is fixed, thereby connecting and fixing the coil assembly to the base plate 1.

[0036] To facilitate the handling of the ankle coil, handles 13 are provided at both ends of the base plate 1, and the handles 13 are integrally formed with the base plate 1. The ankle coil assembly can be lifted by pulling on the two handles 13, making it convenient for installation and handling. In other embodiments, the handles 13 and the base plate 1 can also be two independent parts, which are fixed together by screws or snap-fits.

[0037] The above-described specific embodiments are preferred embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the specific scope of this utility model. The scope of this utility model includes but is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. All equivalent changes made in accordance with this utility model are within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, characterized by: It includes a base plate and a coil assembly, wherein the coil assembly is slidably and limitably connected to the base plate; The coil assembly includes a base and a top cover. The base is connected to the bottom plate. Both the base and the top cover are equipped with coil units. The top cover is closed and connected to the base. The top cover and the base together form a cavity that can accommodate an ankle. The top cover is equipped with a locking device. The base is equipped with a locking groove. The locking device and the locking groove are detachably snapped together.

2. Ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking device includes an unlocking block, a transmission component, and a locking tongue. The locking tongue is detachably engaged with the locking groove. The unlocking block is slidably connected to the upper cover. One end of the transmission component is connected to the unlocking block, and the middle part of the transmission component is hinged to the upper cover. The transmission component can rotate and swing along the hinge. The end of the transmission component away from the unlocking block abuts against the locking tongue. The transmission component can drive the locking tongue to slide within the upper cover, thereby causing the locking tongue to separate from the locking groove.

3. Ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking device also includes a locking spring, one end of which is connected to the upper cover and the other end of which is connected to the locking tongue. The locking spring can push the locking tongue to move closer to the transmission member, thereby causing the locking tongue to engage with the locking groove.

4. An ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system as defined in claim 3, characterized in that: There are two transmission components and two locking tongues, with the two transmission components symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the unlocking block, and the locking tongues and transmission components are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

5. An ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The lower end face of the top cover is provided with a positioning post, and the upper end face of the base is provided with a positioning hole at the corresponding position of the positioning post. The positioning post and the positioning hole are detachably connected.

6. An ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system as defined in claim 5, characterized in that: There are four positioning posts, which are arranged in a rectangular pattern on the lower end surface of the upper cover. The positioning holes are set one-to-one with the positioning posts.

7. An ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The lower end face of the base is provided with a slider, and the base plate is provided with a guide groove, and the slider is slidably engaged with the guide groove.

8. An ankle coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system as defined in claim 7, characterized in that: The slider is provided with a limiting block, and the guide groove is provided with a limiting step, and the limiting block abuts against the limiting step.

9. The ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The base plate is provided with handles at both ends.

10. The ankle coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The handle is integrally formed with the base plate.

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