Field-Coupled MRI Coil Connection via Inductive Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in connection technology, particularly in the reliability and cost-effectiveness of plug systems, which require high durability, low contamination risk, and robustness while maintaining RF properties and biocompatibility, especially under stringent handling and disinfection conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a non-galvanic, field-coupled transmission method using inductive or capacitive coupling for RF signal transmission between magnetic resonance imaging system plugs, allowing for robust and reliable connections without direct electrical contact, utilizing flat surface structures and spacers to manage mechanical tolerances and vibrations, and incorporating a spring mechanism for secure alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If galvanic plug connections are used for RF signal transmission, then electrical contact is established, but susceptibility to vibrations and mechanical tolerances increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidvibration susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic contact system with a field-coupled transmission system using inductive or capacitive coupling. This substitution eliminates direct electrical contact between plug components, thereby removing the harmful effect of vibration-induced contact instability while maintaining RF signal transmission capability through electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the transmitting and receiving sides of the connection. Instead of direct electrical contact, RF signals are transmitted through this intermediate field medium, which is not affected by mechanical vibrations or contact tolerances in the same way direct electrical contacts are.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-galvanic field-coupled transmission is used, then vibration susceptibility is reduced, but direct electrical contact is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration susceptibilityVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic contact system with a field-coupled transmission system using inductive or capacitive coupling. This substitution eliminates direct electrical contact between plug components, thereby removing the harmful effect of vibration-induced contact instability while maintaining RF signal transmission capability through electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex plug systems with multiple components are used, then connection functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidplug system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate plug components (contact elements, connectors, alignment features) into a simplified integrated structure. The field-coupled transmission requires only transmitting and receiving elements with flat surfaces, eliminating the need for complex multi-component galvanic contact systems while maintaining necessary connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal plug connection design where the same basic structure (flat surfaces with transmitting/receiving elements) can handle both mechanical alignment and RF signal transmission functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for different purposes, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of MRI system connections by reducing susceptibility to vibrations and maintaining RF properties, while ensuring biocompatibility and ease of cleaning, thus improving the overall performance and durability of MRI system components.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic resonance imaging system plug St1-St6 for non-galvanic, field-coupled transmission, in particular by inductive or capacitive coupling, of some or all radio frequency (RF) portions of signals to be transmitted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one magnetic resonance imaging system plug St1-St6 for non-galvanic, field-coupled transmission, in particular by inductive or capacitive coupling, of some or all radio frequency (RF) portions of signals to be transmitted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10247792B2Field-coupled connection technique for linking coils and/or patient tables in magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system connection for a magnetic resonance imaging system, such as for an MRI local coil and/or patient couch, is provided. The MRI system connection is embodied with devices for a field-coupled transmission of signals.