Movable MR Coil Table Eliminates Switch Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance (MR) systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately selecting signal receiving channels, particularly for longer scanned objects, due to the complexity and cost of switch matrix circuits, which also introduce signal attenuation, reducing the signal-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a supporting table and a signal receiver board that move relative to each other, with a first signal conversion unit including multiple channels to convert MR analog signals into optical signals, transmitted via optical fibers, allowing for alignment of signal transmission and receiving ports to form efficient signal transmission channels without a switch matrix circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a switch matrix circuit is used to select signal receiving channels, then channel selection can be realized, but the circuit development becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the switch matrix circuit from the signal receiving system. Instead of using a switch matrix to select channels, the system directly connects the receiving coil to the receiver through a movable supporting table that positions the coil over the desired imaging region, eliminating the need for complex switching circuitry while maintaining channel selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable supporting table as an intermediary mechanism between the receiving coil and the imaging region. This mechanical mediator enables channel selection by physically positioning the coil over different regions, replacing the electrical switching function with a mechanical positioning function.
2Ease of operation
If a switch matrix circuit is used to select signal receiving channels, then channel selection can be realized, but signal attenuation occurs and signal-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the switch matrix circuit from the signal path, eliminating the source of signal attenuation. By directly connecting the receiving coil to the receiver without passing through switching components, the system preserves signal strength and maintains a high signal-noise ratio while still enabling channel selection through mechanical positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple scanning operations are performed on long scanned parts, then the limited imaging region can be covered, but scanning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning of the receiving coil through a movable supporting table. Instead of performing multiple static scanning operations, the system dynamically positions the coil over different regions of long scanned parts in a single continuous operation, reducing scanning time while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the imaging region.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable supporting table provides multi-functionality by enabling the receiving coil to serve multiple imaging regions sequentially. A single receiving coil can be positioned to cover different areas along the long scanned part, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated scanning operations and reducing overall scanning time.
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 reduces operation complexity, hardware costs, and improves the quality of optical signals transmitted, optimizing the imaging workflow and accuracy by eliminating the need for a switch matrix circuit and enhancing the signal-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal conversion unit configured to receive one or more first signals associated with the object and convert the one or more first signals into one or more second signals
Implementation Method 2
transmitted via optical fibers, allowing for alignment of signal transmission and receiving ports to form efficient signal transmission channels
Data Source
AI summary
A system for scanning an object is provided. The system may include: a supporting table configured to support the object; a first signal conversion unit configured to receive one or more first signals associated with the object and convert the first signals into one or more second signals; and a signal receiver board configured to receive the one or more second signals. The first signal conversion unit may include a plurality of first signal receiving channels. Each first signal receiving channel may be configured to receive a first signal associated with a portion of the object. The supporting table and the signal receiver board may be configured to move relative to each other to cause the signal receiver board to receive at least one second signal corresponding to at least one first signal received by at least one target channel of the first signal receiving channels.