Adjustable RF Coil Assembly for MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI and MRS systems face challenges with rigid RF coils that do not fit snugly around smaller objects of interest, leading to poor image performance due to sizing issues, mechanical locking complexities, and lack of real-time positioning assistance, which can result in mechanical failures and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An anatomically-shaped RF coil system with a positioner and base using hook-and-loop fasteners, where the positioner is made of translucent plastic with adjustable flanges and landmarks for alignment, allowing for flexible positioning and enhanced rigidity, reducing mechanical complexity and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-array coil with large minimum volume is used to accommodate the largest object of interest, then the coil can fit all patient sizes, but the coil cannot fit snugly around smaller objects resulting in poor image performance
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil is divided into a base portion and a movable portion that can be independently positioned. The movable portion can be adjusted to different heights and positions relative to the base, allowing the coil to be customized for different patient sizes and anatomical regions while maintaining optimal imaging performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical locking features are added to adjust coil positioning, then the coil can accommodate different patient sizes, but the mechanical complexity increases and the system becomes prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking system is replaced with a foam-based positioning system. The movable portion is inserted into a foam material that provides friction-based retention, eliminating complex mechanical locks, screws, and adjustment mechanisms while maintaining stable positioning for different patient sizes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coil is positioned closer to the object of interest for better imaging, then image quality improves, but the risk of pinching patient anatomy and mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly uses a flexible foam positioning system that can conform to patient anatomy without rigid mechanical structures. The foam material allows the coil to be positioned close to the patient for optimal imaging while eliminating pinching risks associated with rigid mechanical locking systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate RF receive coils are used for imaging specific body parts, then the coil can be positioned closer to the object of interest, but the ease of use decreases due to fixed sizing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The movable portion can be repositioned vertically and horizontally relative to the base, and the foam positioning system allows for easy adjustment without tools or complex procedures, making the coil simple to set up for different patients while maintaining close positioning for high-quality imaging.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A radio-frequency (RF) coil apparatus for magnetic resonance (MR) systems (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900, 1000), the RF coil including a base (102, 502, 702, 902, 1002) having opposed sides (121), a surface (124) to support an object of interest (OOI) for scanning, and fasteners (127) situated at the opposed sides; a positioner (104, 304A, 304B, 504, 604, 704, 1004) configured to be releasably attached to the base and having a body (130) extending between opposed ends and fasteners (134, ) situated at the opposed ends of the body, the body configured to form an arch between the opposed ends; and an upper section (106, 606, 706, 906, 1006) having at least one RF coil array (142) for acquiring induced MR signals, the upper section configured to be positioned over the positioner.