Adjustable Multistage RF Coil for Functional Limb Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems lack the capability for functional imaging of human limbs or extremities, and existing extremity coils provide only static, localized imaging without the ability to capture dynamic physiological activities.
Innovation Solution
A multistage RF receiving coil assembly with flexible loops and enclosures, allowing adjustable positioning and activation of RF coils to enable dynamic functional imaging of extremities, such as arms and legs, by capturing movement and muscle stress through high channel count and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional extremity coils are used, then localized imaging is achieved, but functional imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the RF coil assembly adjustable and reconfigurable. The coil can be positioned at different locations along the extremity and adjusted to different configurations, enabling it to capture dynamic physiological activities and functional imaging data while maintaining localized imaging capability. This transforms the static coil into a dynamic system that can adapt to different imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RF coil assembly into multiple independent RF coils that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to capture functional imaging data from different regions of the extremity simultaneously, providing both localized imaging precision and functional imaging capability through selective activation of specific coil segments.
2Measurement precision
If static extremity coils are used, then localized imaging is provided, but dynamic physiological activity capture is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coil system dynamic by allowing adjustment of coil position and configuration during imaging. This enables the system to capture dynamic physiological activities such as muscle movement and stress while maintaining the localized imaging quality through optimized coil positioning for each specific imaging task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the coil system including position, configuration, and activation patterns to optimize both localized imaging quality and dynamic activity capture. By adjusting these parameters based on the specific functional imaging requirements, the system achieves both high-quality localized imaging and accurate capture of dynamic physiological activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF coils are activated, then functional imaging capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF coil system into independently controllable coils, allowing selective activation based on the imaging task. This segmentation simplifies the control complexity by enabling independent management of each coil segment, making it easier to optimize functional imaging capability without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of RF coils for each specific imaging task rather than all coils simultaneously. This selective activation reduces the complexity of coil control and signal processing while maintaining the functional imaging capability needed for the specific application.
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
Enables efficient functional imaging of extremities by maximizing acceleration and capturing muscle movement and stress, suitable for athletes and musicians with higher muscle injury tendencies.
Implementation Method 1
A multistage RF receiving coil assembly with flexible loops and enclosures, allowing adjustable positioning and activation of RF coils to enable dynamic functional imaging of extremities
Implementation Method 2
During MRI, when a substance such as human tissue is subjected to a uniform magnetic field (polarizing field B0), the individual magnetic moments of the spins in the tissue attempt to align with this polarizing field, but precess about it in random order at their characteristic Larmor frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) multistage receiving coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF multistage receiving coil assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein each RF coil of the plurality of RF coils includes a plurality of flexible loops having a malleable conductor. The RF multistage receiving coil also includes a plurality of flexible enclosures, wherein a respective RF coil of the plurality of RF coils is disposed within a respective flexible enclosure of the plurality of flexible enclosures. The RF multistage receiving coil assembly is configured to be adjusted and disposed about an extremity of a subject to enable functional imaging of the extremity with the MRI system.