Liquid Metal RF Coil for MRI Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Radio Frequency (RF) coils in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in maintaining optimal decoupling and Signal-Noise Ratio (SNR) during expansion and contraction, leading to degradation of magnetic resonance signal reception.
Innovation Solution
The RF coil design incorporates an expandable and contractible configuration with overlapping loops made of liquid metal, where the area ratio of the overlap region adjusts with expansion, effectively inhibiting coupling between elements and maintaining optimal decoupling by varying the coil center distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the RF coil is expanded to increase the examination area, then the coverage area is improved, but the decoupling performance degrades due to changing area ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the overlap region area ratio change dynamically with coil expansion. As the coil expands or contracts, the overlap region area ratio automatically adjusts to maintain optimal decoupling performance across different examination areas, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and decoupling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the overlap region area ratio as a key parameter that adapts to different coil expansion states. By changing this geometric parameter in response to expansion, the system maintains consistent decoupling performance while providing different coverage areas, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coil elements are made expandable and contractible to improve adaptability, then the versatility is improved, but the coupling between elements increases leading to SNR degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an expandable and contractible coil structure where the overlap region area ratio changes dynamically with expansion state. This dynamic adjustment automatically compensates for coupling effects that occur during expansion, allowing the coil to adapt to different examination scenarios while maintaining optimal SNR performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary anti-action by designing the overlap region configuration in advance to counteract the harmful coupling effects that will occur during expansion. The predetermined overlap region area ratio relationship ensures that decoupling performance is maintained proactively throughout the expansion range, preventing SNR degradation before it occurs.
3Device complexity
If the overlap region area ratio is kept constant to simplify design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the decoupling performance varies during expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by accepting and utilizing the dynamic change in overlap region area ratio during expansion rather than attempting to keep it constant. This dynamic approach actually simplifies the design by eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms, while simultaneously maintaining consistent decoupling performance through the natural geometric relationship established during coil fabrication.
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 maintains a consistent optimal area ratio for decoupling, reducing induced current flow and preserving SNR even during expansion and contraction, enhancing the MRI signal reception quality.
Implementation Method 1
The radio frequency coil includes an expandable and contractible first element and an expandable and contractible second element... The first element and the second element include liquid metal in at least a part thereof
Implementation Method 2
The radio frequency coil has an overlap region where a first loop formed by the first element overlaps with a second loop formed by the second element... effectively inhibiting coupling between elements
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency coil according to an embodiment is configured to receive a magnetic resonance signal from an examined subject. The radio frequency coil includes an expandable and contractible first element and an expandable and contractible second element. The radio frequency coil has an overlap region where a first loop formed by the first element overlaps with a second loop formed by the second element. The ratio of the area of the overlap region to the area of the region enclosed by the first loop changes in accordance with expansion/contraction of the first element forming the first loop. The first element and the second element include liquid metal in at least a part thereof.