Mobile RF Coil Automatic Positioning in MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile RF coils in MRI and MRS systems face challenges in optimizing image quality due to difficulty in proper positioning within the bore of a main magnet, leading to diminished image quality.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance system that includes a mobile RF coil with a transmit antenna transmitting a location signal, a receive antenna at a known location, and a controller aligning the transmit antenna with the receive antenna based on signal strength and distance analysis, using actuators to optimize positioning along the z-axis to maximize signal strength and align with the isocenter axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile RF coils are used to improve flexibility and accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates leading to diminished image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the mobile RF coil communicates its position to the controller, and the controller provides feedback signals to adjust the coil's position. The controller receives position information from the mobile coil and sends control signals to positioning actuators to optimize the coil's location within the bore, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electromechanical system. Positioning actuators controlled by a controller system automatically adjust the mobile RF coil's position based on received position data, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that achieves more precise and consistent positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If mobile RF coils are positioned manually to achieve proper alignment, then positioning precision may be improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions automatically before the scanning process begins. The controller receives position information from the mobile RF coil and pre-adjusts the coil's position using positioning actuators, so that when scanning starts, the coil is already optimally positioned. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during patient scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile RF coil system performs self-positioning by automatically communicating its location to the controller, which then autonomously adjusts the coil's position using actuators. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator intervention in positioning tasks, thereby improving scan efficiency while maintaining alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the RF coil position is fixed relative to the system, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the coil cannot be repositioned for different scans
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic repositionable system. The mobile RF coil is mounted on positioning actuators that can dynamically adjust its location within the bore based on scan requirements. The controller receives position information and commands the actuators to move the coil to optimal positions for different scanning scenarios, combining stability during scanning with adaptability between scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile RF coil system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a stable imaging device during scans and as a repositionable unit for different scan types. The positioning system allows the same coil to be used for various anatomical regions and scan configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated fixed coils while maintaining image quality through automated positioning.
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 image quality by ensuring precise alignment of the RF coil within the magnetic field, improving the consistency and quality of MRI and MRS scans.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile radio-frequency (RF) coil (MRF) including at least one transmit antenna for transmitting a location signal within the bore of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
at least one receive antenna situated at a known location, the receive antenna configured to receive the transmitted location signal
Implementation Method 3
a main magnet having a bore and producing a homogenous magnetic field (B0) within a scanning volume
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance (MR) system includes a main magnet having a bore and producing a substantially homogenous magnetic field (B0) within a scanning volume. A mobile radio-frequency (RF) coil (MRF) includes at least one transmit antenna for transmitting a location signal within the bore of the magnet. At least one receive antenna os situated substantially at a known location and configured to receive the transmitted location signal. A controller is configured to align the transmit antenna of the MRF with reference to the known location of the receive antenna based upon an analysis of the received location signal.