Adjustable MRI Coil for Patient Anatomy Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and nape magnetic-resonance coil devices face challenges in achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio due to anatomical differences among patients, leading to complex adjustments and undesired coupling between coil elements, which limits their applicability to a broader population.
Innovation Solution
A combined head and nape magnetic-resonance coil device with at least one posterior coil unit and two anterior coil units, where the anterior coil units can move independently along a direction relative to the posterior coil unit, allowing for flexible adaptation to individual anatomy and reducing the need for complex adjustments, thereby enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and usability across varying patient anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coil device is made mechanically adaptable with adjustable parts to fit different patient anatomies, then the field of application is increased, but the device complexity increases and many work steps are required for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The coil device is divided into multiple independent coil units (anterior and posterior) that can be adjusted separately. Each coil unit can be independently positioned to adapt to different patient anatomies without requiring complex coordinated adjustments of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil units are designed with movable mounting mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment during patient positioning. The anterior coil units can move along a direction relative to the posterior coil unit, enabling flexible adaptation to various anatomical configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coil device is made very flexible to adapt to patient anatomy, then the adaptability is improved, but undesired coupling between coil elements occurs and signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil device consists of separate anterior and posterior coil units that maintain independent electromagnetic characteristics. This segmentation prevents undesired coupling between coil elements while still allowing mechanical flexibility for anatomical adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the coil device have optimized properties - the anterior coil units are designed with specific movement capabilities along a direction, while the posterior coil unit provides stable reference positioning. This local optimization maintains signal quality while enabling adaptability.
3Reliability
If the coil device uses fixed positioning to maintain stable coil positions, then the measurement consistency is improved, but the adaptability to different patient anatomies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil device incorporates controlled dynamic elements that allow adjustment during patient positioning, followed by stable fixation in the optimal position. The anterior coil units can move along a direction relative to the posterior coil unit during adjustment, then maintain consistent positioning during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil device is pre-configured with adjustable mounting mechanisms that enable optimal positioning before the measurement begins. The anterior coil units are designed to be adjustable along a specific direction to achieve optimal contact with patient anatomy prior to data acquisition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If many adjustable parts are used to adapt the coil device to patient anatomy, then the field of application is expanded, but the number of work steps for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is segmented into independent steps for different coil units. The anterior coil units can be adjusted independently along a direction, allowing parallel adjustment operations that reduce total adjustment time compared to coordinating multiple interdependent adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined head and nape magnetic-resonance coil device for a magnetic-resonance examination using a magnetic-resonance device, includes at least one posterior coil unit and at least two anterior coil units. At least one anterior coil unit of the at least two anterior coil units is mounted in relation to the posterior coil unit such that the at least one anterior coil unit may move along at least one direction of a spacing between the posterior coil unit and the at least one anterior coil unit.