Exchangeable RF Coil Assembly for MRI Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting RF signals for objects of varying sizes, leading to reduced image quality and increased costs due to the need for multiple MRI systems with different bore sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible RF coil assembly comprising exchangeable parts that can be combined with a permanent part to adapt to different object sizes, optimizing the B1+ field and spatial sensitivity, and allowing for adjustable field-of-view and reduced weight for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bore size of MRI system is increased to accommodate larger objects, then the system can scan bigger patients and objects, but component cost increases and RF transmit efficiency decreases for normal and small-sized objects
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil assembly is divided into a permanent part and exchangeable parts of different sizes. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary coil size for each patient, optimizing RF transmit efficiency for both small and large objects without requiring a large bore system for all cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of coil size by exchanging different sized coil parts. This allows optimization of the B1+ field amplitude and homogeneity for different object sizes, maintaining high RF transmit efficiency regardless of patient size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF body coils are made thinner to scan bigger objects and reduce claustrophobia, then larger objects can be scanned with reduced claustrophobia, but transmission and reception efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is segmented into a permanent part and exchangeable parts, allowing the use of larger coil parts for small patients (maintaining efficiency) and thinner configurations for large patients (enabling scanning without claustrophobia).
Solution Approach 2:
The coil configuration is made dynamic through exchangeability. The system can adapt the coil thickness and size according to patient size, optimizing both patient comfort and RF efficiency for each specific case.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single MRI system with fixed bore size is used, then system cost is reduced, but the system cannot be optimized for both small and large patients
Solution Approach 1:
A single MRI system with a fixed bore size is made multi-functional through the exchangeable coil parts. The same system can be optimized for both small and large patients by simply exchanging the coil parts, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective coil size parameter by exchanging parts, allowing one fixed-bore system to perform the functions of multiple systems with different bore sizes, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If exchangeable coil parts are added to the MRI system, then adaptability to different object sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is segmented into modular permanent and exchangeable parts. This segmentation, while adding exchangeability, uses standardized interfaces and simple mechanical connections that minimize the complexity increase compared to a fully integrated system.
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 RF signal transmission and reception for objects of all sizes, reducing costs and improving image quality by optimizing the RF coil configuration for both small and large patients within a single MRI system, while maintaining patient comfort and simplifying coil handling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second exchangeable part (2, 3) configured for transmitting... RF signals... in order to generate an RF (or B1+) field that covers a volume of interest
Implementation Method 2
configured for transmitting and, optionally, receiving RF signals... to receive magnetic resonance signals from the volume of interest
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention provides a transmit and/or receive coil assembly comprising a first and second exchangeable part configured for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. The exchangeable parts are exchangeable with each other and configured to cooperate with a permanent part of the transmit and/or receive coil assembly during magnetic resonance imaging in order to generate an RF (or B1+) field that covers a volume of interest of the object to be scanned and/or to receive magnetic resonance signals from the volume of interest of the object.