Modular MRI Coil Array with Optical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coil devices for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are expensive, inflexible, and often fail to provide optimal sensitivity and comfort for patients of varying sizes and shapes, due to their rigid design and fixed configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular coil device system that allows individual coil devices to be mechanically connected into customizable arrays using optical connectors and fixation elements, eliminating the need for conductive cables and enabling precise configuration based on patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coil arrays use hard covering materials to ensure patient safety, then reliability is improved, but weight and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard plastic covering with flexible materials such as fabric, foam, or elastomer that conform to patient anatomy. These flexible coverings maintain patient safety through proper insulation while dramatically reducing weight and improving comfort. The flexible nature allows the coil array to adapt to different body shapes and sizes without rigid structural constraints.
2Manufacturing precision
If coil arrays use fixed configuration with predefined number of coil elements, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil array is divided into multiple independent coil elements that can be selectively connected or disconnected. Each coil element can be independently positioned and configured, allowing the array to adapt to different anatomical regions and patient sizes while maintaining precise manufacturing standards for each individual element. The modular design enables reconfiguration without remanufacturing the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil array incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically repositioned or reconfigured based on patient anatomy. The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable structure that can be modified during setup to optimize performance for different anatomical variations.
3Power
If coil arrays use multiple conductive cables for connection, then power supply and signal reception are improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conductive cable connections with inductive coupling or wireless power transfer mechanisms. Instead of direct electrical contact through cables that generate electromagnetic interference, the system uses magnetic field coupling to transfer power and signals, eliminating the harmful electromagnetic emissions from conductive cables while maintaining effective coil energization and signal reception.
4Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems require multiple dedicated coil arrays for different anatomical regions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal coil array that can function for multiple anatomical regions through reconfiguration. By incorporating adjustable elements, selective connectivity, and adaptable positioning, a single coil array design can serve head, neck, spine, and other regions by reconfiguring which coil elements are active and how they are arranged, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated arrays while maintaining region-specific measurement precision.
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 compatibility with diverse patient sizes and shapes, improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reduces electromagnetic interference, and simplifies the connection technology, leading to improved MRI performance and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical power connector connectable to a corresponding optical power connector of a second coil device
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical signal connector connectable to a corresponding optical signal connector of said second coil device
Implementation Method 3
In MRI radio frequency (RF) fields are used for exciting the magnetization in the object to be inspected and for acquiring the MR signal. These RF fields are generated and detected by RF coils
Implementation Method 4
at least one fixation element for physically connecting said coil device to said second coil device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coil device for magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The present invention further relates to a coil array of such coil devices. Moreover, the present invention relates to a power supply device for a coil device for magnetic resonance imaging and/or spectroscopy as well as to a signal receiving device for a coil device for magnetic resonance imaging and/or spectroscopy. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as to a method for performing magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy.