Modular MRI Coil Array with Automatic Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-channel coil arrays for magnetic resonance tomography require tedious and expensive manual matching of individual coils for decoupling, which is impractical for large arrays and limits commercialization, and are not suitable for flexible structures or easy adaptation to new geometries.
Innovation Solution
A modular coil array design featuring loop-shaped individual coils that automatically decouple non-neighboring coils through overlapping structures, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment without additional unnecessary coil elements, and enabling flexible 2D and 3D structures with identical coil shapes and modular construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-channel coil arrays use manual matching of individual coils for decoupling, then decoupling can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and expensive, especially for large arrays with more than 128 coils
Solution Approach 1:
The coil array is divided into modular units with standardized coil elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each coil element is designed with specific geometric features (such as protrusions and recesses) that enable automatic positioning and decoupling when assembled, eliminating the need for manual matching of each individual coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil elements are pre-designed with integrated decoupling structures (protrusions, recesses, and geometric configurations) that automatically establish proper spacing and decoupling relationships during assembly. This preliminary design of decoupling mechanisms eliminates the need for post-assembly manual adjustment or matching.
2Reliability
If conventional coil arrays use different carrier elements for each coil, then decoupling can be achieved, but the number of carrier elements increases and the design becomes less flexible for adaptation to new geometries
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized carrier element design is used for all coil elements in the array. This universal carrier element incorporates integrated decoupling structures and geometric features that work for all coil positions, enabling the same component to serve multiple functions across different array configurations and geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
While the carrier element itself is standardized, the coil elements are designed with local geometric variations (such as different orientations of protrusions and recesses) that provide the necessary decoupling for specific positions in the array. This allows a single carrier design to support multiple coil configurations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional coil arrays use overlapping coil elements for decoupling, then electromagnetic coupling between neighbors is reduced, but the design cannot be easily adapted to 3D structures or flexible carrier elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coil array design incorporates flexible carrier elements that can be bent or deformed to adapt to different body shapes and 3D geometries. The modular coil elements are designed to maintain proper spacing and decoupling relationships even when the carrier is deformed, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to various configurations while maintaining electromagnetic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil elements are designed with nested geometric features where protrusions fit into recesses, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting approach allows the coil elements to maintain their spatial relationships and decoupling characteristics while being mounted on flexible carriers, enabling 3D configurations.
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 approach simplifies the assembly and reduces costs by eliminating the need for manual matching, allows for flexible and adaptable coil arrays that can be easily adjusted by untrained staff, and minimizes interference between coils, improving decoupling efficiency and enabling efficient realization of various geometries.
Implementation Method 1
devices for electromagnetically decoupling the RF coils are provided
Implementation Method 2
This is normally realized by specific overlapping of neighboring coil elements
Data Source
AI summary
A mufti-channel coil array for use as a transceiver in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a plurality of radio frequency (RF) coils disposed next to one another, devices for electromagnetically decoupling the RF coils and coil elements which are applied onto a planar carrier element (5). The carrier elements (5) have a regular, equilateral polygonal outer contour and the shape of the individual coils (2) corresponds to the outer contour of the carrier element (5). An individual coil (2) has a loop-shaped structure (1), which leads to a decoupling of individual coils (2) not immediately adjacent to each other when a plurality of individual elements are arranged. The space requirement for adding new coils is reduced, and the modular design makes it possible to easily implement any three-dimensional or two-dimensional shape.