Integrated RF Transmission Device for MRI Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio frequency power amplifiers (RFPAs) and transmitter status selection units (TSSUs) are often housed in separate rooms due to potential interference, leading to resource and space wastage, and the use of magnetic circulators in RFPAs is unsuitable for magnetic resonance imaging environments, further complicating the issue.

Innovation Solution

A compact radio frequency transmission device is designed, housing the RFPA and transmitter coil status selection module within a device chamber, with an impedance matching module that includes L, PI, or T matching networks, using inductors and capacitors to maintain output impedance at a predetermined level, and optionally featuring a switch control module and interference reduction module to operate effectively in magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If RFPA and TSSU are housed in separate rooms to avoid interference, then interference is reduced, but resource waste and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidspace

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFPA and TSSU into a single integrated device housing, eliminating the need for separate rooms while maintaining signal transmission functionality. This integration directly reduces space consumption and resource waste while the internal design maintains interference isolation through modular architecture and signal routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If magnetic circulators are used to stabilize output impedance, then electrical characteristics are optimized, but the device becomes unsuitable for magnetic resonance environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput impedance stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with magnetic resonance environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the magnetic circulator from the signal path and replaces it with an impedance matching module consisting of passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors). This extraction of the magnetic component eliminates the incompatibility with magnetic resonance environments while maintaining the impedance stabilization function through the alternative matching network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the magnetic-based circulator with an electronic impedance matching module using passive components. This replacement maintains the impedance stabilization function without relying on magnetic fields, thereby enabling operation in magnetic resonance environments where magnetic circulators would be incompatible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If circulator is integrated into RFPA, then device complexity is reduced, but interference and magnetic field incompatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration levelVSAvoidinterference and magnetic field incompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: RFPA module, impedance matching module, and TSSU module, each housed in separate compartments within the same device. This segmentation allows for simplified integration while maintaining interference isolation and eliminating magnetic field incompatibility issues through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for stable and efficient RF signal transmission while avoiding the need for magnetic circulators, reducing resource wastage and enabling operation within magnetic resonance environments, thereby simplifying the transmission chain and reducing signal loss.

Implementation Method 1

an impedance matching module configured to receive the radio frequency signal from the RFPA and transmit the radio frequency signal to the transmitter coil status selection module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

The impedance matching module may include at least one inductor and at least one capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

The impedance matching module may include at least one inductor and at least one capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

a radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) configured to produce a radio frequency signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230061226A1Radio frequency transmission device and magnetic resonance system

Publication Date: 2023.03.02 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

The present disclosure may provide a radio frequency transmission device. The radio frequency transmission device may include: a radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) configured to produce a radio frequency signal; and a transmitter coil status selection module configured to transmit the radio frequency signal to at least one of a plurality of radio frequency coils. The RFPA and the transmitter coil status selection module may be housed in a device chamber.