Adjustable MR Surface Coil Stiffening via Magnetorheological Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanically flexible MR surface coils used in magnetic resonance tomography (MR) are difficult to position accurately and can slip during measurements due to the complexity of using mounting bands for stability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an adjustable stiffening device within the MR surface coil, allowing for targeted stiffening or reduction in flexibility, enabling secure positioning without external mounting bands and reducing the likelihood of slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If mounting bands are used to provide stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity and workflow complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidworkflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening function is extracted from external mounting bands and integrated directly into the MR surface coil structure. The stiffening device is embedded within the coil assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting bands and simplifying the overall device configuration while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffening device is merged with the MR surface coil structure, combining the functions of stabilization and positioning into a single integrated unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting bands and reduces workflow complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If mounting bands are used to prevent slipping, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidattachment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the MR surface coil is made flexible for easy placement, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening device is designed to be adjustable, allowing the MR surface coil to transition between flexible and stiff states. During placement, the coil remains flexible for easy positioning, and during measurement, the stiffening device is activated to provide stability, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the stiffening device is changed from flexible to stiff through activation by an external magnetic field during the measurement process. This parameter change allows the coil to be flexible during placement and stable during measurement, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the stiffening device is activated during measurement, then stability is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening device is activated periodically - remaining inactive during placement to conserve energy and activating only during the measurement process when stability is required. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining stability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The adjustable stiffening device allows for precise placement and increased stability of the MR surface coil, simplifying the workflow and reducing the probability of slipping during MR measurements, while also reducing the time required for attachment.

Implementation Method 1

The stiffening device has at least one stiffening volume made from magnetorheological material that extends at least in one surface direction of the MR surface coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentUS10928468B2MR surface coil

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

At least one adjustable stiffening device is integrated into a mechanically flexible MR surface coil. The stiffening device can have, in particular, at least one stiffening volume including magnetorheological, electrorheological or thermorheological material. The stiffening device extends at least in one surface direction of the MR surface coil. The MR surface coils positioned on limbs, such as wrapping around, and are stiffened.