Adjustable MR Local Coil for Head Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head coil apparatuses for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging struggle to precisely accommodate different head sizes, resulting in significant gaps that reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of MR images due to inadequate conformity with the subject's head.
Innovation Solution
A local coil apparatus with a housing and receiving systems that include an activation member, a receiving member assembly, and a driving mechanism, allowing the coil assembly to change configuration to closely conform to the head, reducing gaps and improving SNR by physically adjusting to fit various head sizes through a mechanism involving rods and elastic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed head coil apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot precisely accommodate different head sizes resulting in gaps and reduced imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the receiving members movable rather than fixed. The receiving members can be adjusted between different positions to accommodate various head sizes and shapes. This is achieved through a driving mechanism that allows the receiving members to move along guiding structures, enabling the coil apparatus to dynamically adapt its configuration to match the subject's head anatomy, thereby eliminating gaps and improving imaging quality without requiring multiple fixed coil sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the receiving system into multiple independent receiving members that can be adjusted separately. Each receiving member can be positioned independently to conform to different portions of the head, allowing precise accommodation of various head shapes and sizes. This modular segmented approach enables fine-grained adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fully customizable systems.
2Reliability
If gaps exist between coils and head, then the coil structure remains simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio of MR images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the activation member that automatically triggers the driving mechanism when the subject's head is placed on the apparatus. The activation member senses the presence and position of the head, and this information automatically activates the appropriate receiving members to adjust to the correct position without requiring manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability ensures minimal gaps and optimal signal reception while avoiding the complexity of manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the activation member that detects the position and characteristics of the subject's head, and uses this information to control the driving mechanism. The system continuously monitors the head position and adjusts the receiving members accordingly to maintain optimal contact and signal reception. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high signal-to-noise ratio by automatically compensating for variations in head size and shape without requiring complex pre-programmed adjustment settings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively reduces gaps between the coils and the head, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of MR images by ensuring better conformity to different head sizes, thereby improving imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component may be disposed at the first connecting shaft. The elastic component may cause the second rod to rotate along with the first rod when the at least one receiving member is not in contact with the local part, and the elastic component may also cause the second rod to rotate relative to the first rod when the configuration change of the at least one receiving member is obstructed by the local part while the activation member is still causing the driving mechanism to drive the at least one receiving member
Data Source
AI summary
A local coil apparatus for performing a magnetic resonance (MR) scanning on a local part of a subject is provided. The local coil apparatus may include at least one receiving system for receiving the local part. The at least one receiving system may each include an activation member, a receiving member assembly, and a driving mechanism. The receiving member assembly may include one or more receiving members. Each of the one or more receiving members may include a first coil assembly configured to receive MR signals during the MR scanning. The driving mechanism may be physically connected to the one or more receiving members. When the local part is placed on the activation member, the activation member may cause the driving mechanism to drive the receiving member assembly to change from a first configuration to a second configuration to reduce a distance between at least a portion of the first coil assembly and a portion of the local part so that the first coil assembly conforms to the local part.