Diode-Based Transmit Antenna Selector for MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmit antenna selectors in MRI systems rely on mechanical switches, which are costly and have limited service life due to the need for two switches to manage two output paths.
Innovation Solution
A transmit antenna selector using a control circuit with diodes to electrically connect RF signal inputs to either a body coil, a local coil, or a dummy load, replacing mechanical switches and enhancing stability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to switch RF signals to two output paths, then the transmit antenna selector can be implemented, but the cost increases and service life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with electronic switching components (transistors or diodes) to eliminate mechanical wear and improve reliability. The electronic switch circuit uses controlled electronic components instead of mechanical moving parts, thereby extending service life and maintaining switching functionality without mechanical degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single electronic switch circuit that can route RF signals to multiple output paths (body coil and local coils) through controlled switching. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches for each path, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to select between different output paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two mechanical switches are used to manage two output paths, then signal routing is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switching functions into a single electronic switch circuit that can handle routing to multiple output paths simultaneously. By merging the functionality of what would require two separate mechanical switches into one integrated electronic circuit, the manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining full signal routing capability to both body coil and local coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic switch circuit is designed to perform multiple routing functions through a single component structure. It can selectively connect the RF signal source to either the body coil output or local coil outputs based on control signals, providing versatile signal routing capability without requiring proportional increases in component count or manufacturing complexity.
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 diode-based solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and long-term viable alternative to mechanical switches, suitable for MRI systems by ensuring reliable RF signal transmission and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit includes a plurality of diodes. The control circuit electrically connects the RF signal input interface with the body coil signal output interface, with the local coil signal output interface, or with the dummy load, in accordance with a control signal and via the diodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmit antenna selector includes a control circuit, a body coil signal output interface, a local coil signal output interface, a radio-frequency signal input interface, and a dummy load. The control circuit includes a plurality of diodes. The control circuit electrically connects, according to a control signal and via the plurality of diodes, the radio-frequency signal input interface with the body coil signal output interface, with the local coil signal output interface, or with the dummy load.