Flexible Surface Coil Layout for MRI Fit and B0 Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid discrete RF devices and PCBs in surface coils affect the fit and B0 homogeneity, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio and image quality in magnetic resonance imaging.
Innovation Solution
A surface coil design that incorporates a flexible conductive wire forming coil units, a transmission line for impedance transformation, and a preamplifier, eliminating the need for discrete RF components and PCBs, with features like tuning segments, wave traps, and diodes for state control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid discrete RF devices and PCBs are used in surface coils, then impedance matching and tuning functions are achieved, but the fit with the imaging target body deteriorates and B0 homogeneity is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid PCB structures with flexible printed circuit boards that can conform to the curved surfaces of the imaging target body. The flexible PCB maintains impedance matching and tuning functions while adapting its shape to improve contact and fit with the body surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity needed for RF functionality and flexibility needed for anatomical conformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If rigid discrete RF devices and PCBs are used in surface coils, then circuit functions are implemented, but B0 homogeneity deteriorates due to eddy currents and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes discrete RF components and traditional PCB structures from the surface coil assembly. By integrating RF functions directly into the flexible PCB trace patterns and eliminating separate discrete components, the design reduces the presence of rigid conductive structures that generate eddy currents, thereby maintaining circuit functionality while minimizing B0 field distortions.
3Reliability
If discrete RF components and PCBs are used, then tuning and impedance matching are achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to reduced fit
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PCB structure enables the surface coil to conform closely to the imaging target body, maximizing the degree of fit. This improved contact enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing air gaps and improving coupling, while the flexible PCB maintains all necessary tuning and impedance matching functions through its integrated circuit design.
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
Improves fit with the imaging target body, reduces B0 distortions, and enhances signal-to-noise ratio and imaging quality by minimizing eddy currents and interference.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission line may be configured to perform impedance transformations between the radio frequency coil and the preamplifier and transmit the magnetic resonance signal received by the radio frequency coil to the preamplifier
Implementation Method 2
the at least one coil unit receiving a magnetic resonance signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides surface coils and magnetic resonance devices. The surface coil may include: a radio frequency coil, a transmission line, and a preamplifier. The radio frequency coil may include at least one coil unit, the at least one coil unit receiving a magnetic resonance signal. One end of the transmission line may be connected to the radio frequency coil, another end of the transmission line may extend out of the radio frequency coil and may be connected to the preamplifier, and the transmission line may be configured to perform impedance transformations between the radio frequency coil and the preamplifier and transmit the magnetic resonance signal received by the radio frequency coil to the preamplifier. The preamplifier may receive and amplify the magnetic resonance signal received by the radio frequency coil.