Monopole Array Dual-End Feeding and Segmented Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monopole antennas suffer from signal drop-off and increased coupling between elements due to shared ground planes, limiting their effectiveness in medical imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel monopole coil array is driven from opposing ends, featuring a strip of conducting material as a ground plane replacement, with monopole elements oriented in alternating directions and connected using fittings to reduce coupling and prevent B1+ drop-off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If monopole elements share the same ground plane, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but coupling between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monopole array into multiple independently grounded elements. Each monopole element has its own separate grounding element rather than sharing a common ground plane. This segmentation reduces electromagnetic coupling between adjacent monopole elements while maintaining the structural simplicity of individual monopole-ground pairs.
2Device complexity
If monopole elements are driven from a single side, then the feeding structure is simplified, but signal strength drops quickly along the monopole element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional single-sided feeding approach by driving monopole elements from both ends. Each monopole element is fed at both its top and bottom ends, which distributes the signal strength more uniformly along the element length and prevents the rapid signal drop-off that occurs with single-sided feeding.
3Device complexity
If monopole elements are driven from one end only, then the feeding mechanism is simpler, but B1+ field uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual-ended feeding where each monopole element is driven from both ends rather than one end. This inverted feeding approach creates more uniform current distribution along the monopole elements, which directly improves B1+ field uniformity across the imaging volume while maintaining reasonable feeding mechanism complexity.
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 enhances signal distribution and reduces B1+ drop-off, allowing for improved magnetic resonance imaging by maintaining signal strength across the array and reducing coupling between elements, leading to better image quality and SNR.
Implementation Method 1
The array arrangement can be used for magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 2
Each monopole element can include a monopole antenna element and a ground element
Data Source
AI summary
An array arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be provided. For example, the array arrangement can include a monopole array having a first end and a second end. The monopole array can be configured to be driven from the first end and from the second end. Further, a monopole array can be provided according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the monopole array can include a first monopole element can include a first antenna element, and a first grounding element in communication with the first antenna element. The monopole array can also include a second monopole element including a second antenna element, and a second grounding element in communication with the second antenna element. The first antenna element can be oriented in a first direction, and the second antenna element can be oriented in a second direction.