Modular RF Coil for MRI with Pluggable Capacitor Carriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency coils in magnetic resonance imaging systems are inflexible, requiring replacement for adjustments in imaging parameters, leading to increased development time, resource wastage, and high costs due to the need for multiple backup devices and limited customization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular radio frequency coil apparatus comprising an inductor circular carrier, first and second capacitor circular carriers with pluggable inductor bars and capacitor elements, allowing for quick reconfiguration and replacement of components to adapt to different parameter requirements, reducing the need for redesign and resource wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new radio frequency coil is designed to adjust imaging parameters, then the parameter requirements can be satisfied, but the research and development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio frequency coil is divided into modular components: an inductor circular carrier with detachably connected first and second capacitor circular carriers. Each capacitor carrier can be independently attached or detached to adjust imaging parameters without redesigning the entire coil, thus satisfying adaptability requirements while reducing R&D time.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor circular carrier is designed as a universal base that can work with different capacitor circular carriers. This multi-functional design allows a single inductor carrier to support multiple imaging parameter configurations by simply changing the capacitor carriers, eliminating the need to design new coils for each parameter set.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple backup radio frequency devices are saved for different parameter requirements, then the parameter adjustment capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the radio frequency coil into a shared inductor circular carrier and interchangeable capacitor circular carriers, the system reduces the total number of components needed. Instead of maintaining complete backup coils for different parameters, only different capacitor carrier modules need to be stocked, significantly reducing element inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal inductor circular carrier can be paired with different capacitor circular carriers to create multiple radio frequency coil configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single inductor carrier to replace multiple complete coil designs, reducing the quantity of elements that need to be stored as backups.
3Manufacturing precision
If the radio frequency coil is designed with fixed configuration, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to customization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio frequency coil is segmented into standardized modular components with precise manufacturing specifications. The inductor circular carrier and capacitor circular carriers are designed with standardized interfaces that maintain manufacturing precision while allowing flexible reconfiguration for customization needs.
4Reliability
If the whole radio frequency coil is replaced when a part is damaged, then the reliability is maintained, but the resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio frequency coil is segmented into replaceable modular components. When a capacitor circular carrier or inductor bar is damaged, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire coil, maintaining system reliability while reducing resource wastage of functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective replacement of damaged components while recovering and reusing undamaged parts. The inductor circular carrier and functional capacitor carriers can be recovered and paired with new replacement modules, minimizing resource wastage while maintaining coil reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency coil apparatus for a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising an inductor circular carrier, a first capacitor circular carrier, and a second capacitor circular carrier. A plurality of inductor bars are provided at intervals on the inductor circular carrier. A plurality of first capacitor elements are provided on the first capacitor circular carrier, the first capacitor circular carrier being configured to be detachably connected to one end of the inductor circular carrier, the plurality of first capacitor elements being configured to be connected to one end of the plurality of inductor bars. A plurality of second capacitor elements are provided on the second capacitor circular carrier, the second capacitor circular carrier being configured to be detachably connected to the other end of the inductor circular carrier, the plurality of second capacitor elements being configured to be connected to the other end of the plurality of inductor bars.