Flexible RF Coil Assembly for MRI Conformal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF coils for MRI systems are rigid and inflexible, which limits their ability to conform to the patient's anatomy, degrading image quality and patient comfort, especially when imaging difficult-to-reach areas like the prostate.
Innovation Solution
A flexible RF coil assembly with a posterior end, anterior end, and central section, featuring distributed capacitance wire conductors and coupling electronics, allowing the coils to bend and overlap without degrading signal quality, and be positioned closer to the body for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid RF coils are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to conform to patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible RF coils with distributed capacitance wire conductors that can bend and conform to patient anatomy while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible coil assembly includes a flexible support structure that allows the coils to adapt to varying anatomical shapes without compromising their compositional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The RF coil assembly is designed to be dynamically adaptable, allowing the coils to bend and reposition themselves based on patient anatomy. The flexible construction enables the coils to transition between different configurations while maintaining electrical connectivity and signal quality
2Ease of manufacture
If rigid RF coils are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible RF coils are constructed using flexible support structures and distributed capacitance wire conductors that can be manufactured to conform to anatomical shapes, thereby improving image quality while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through standardized flexible components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining flexible support structures with distributed capacitance wire conductors and dielectric materials, creating a composite RF coil assembly that achieves both improved image quality and manufacturability through integrated material properties
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible RF coils with distributed capacitance wire conductors are used, then ability to conform to anatomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible RF coil assembly is segmented into multiple flexible coils with distributed capacitance wire conductors, allowing each segment to independently conform to anatomical features while reducing individual coil complexity and enabling modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible RF coil assembly with distributed capacitance wire conductors serves multiple functions: it conforms to varying anatomical shapes, maintains electrical connectivity, provides structural support, and enables signal detection, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device
4Measurement precision
If RF coils are positioned closer to the body, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but patient comfort may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible RF coils can be positioned closer to the patient's body while conforming to anatomical contours, improving signal-to-noise ratio without causing discomfort. The flexible construction allows the coils to adapt to body shapes rather than imposing rigid structures on the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible RF coil assembly provides localized conformality to specific anatomical regions, allowing close positioning for improved signal quality in areas requiring detailed imaging while maintaining patient comfort through anatomical adaptation rather than uniform contact
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 flexible RF coil assembly enhances signal-to-noise ratio, improves imaging quality, and increases patient comfort by conforming to varying anatomical shapes, particularly in challenging areas like the prostate, while reducing the need for multiple coil assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
Each flexible RF coil of the first set and second set of flexible RF coils includes a loop portion comprising a coupling electronics portion and at least two parallel, distributed capacitance wire conductors
Implementation Method 2
at least two parallel, distributed capacitance wire conductors encapsulated and separated by a dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for radio frequency (RF) coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In one embodiment, an RF coil assembly for an MRI system includes a posterior end including a first set of flexible RF coils; an anterior end including a second set of flexible RF coils; a central section extending between the posterior end and anterior end, wherein the posterior end and the anterior end are bendable to the central section. Each flexible RF coil of the first set and second set of flexible RF coils includes a loop portion comprising a coupling electronics portion and at least two parallel, distributed capacitance wire conductors encapsulated and separated by a dielectric material.