MRI Coil Array with Non-Conducting Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple receiver channel MRI systems face challenges in achieving high Q factor and loading factor due to inductive coupling and sensitivity issues, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance, particularly in multi-channel configurations where coil size and arrangement impact imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
A coil array design utilizing low-loss heavy copper elements positioned on non-conducting substrates with embedded baluns and remote preamplifiers, minimizing parasitic circuits and coupling, and employing a fixed positioning system to enhance Q factor and SNR, while avoiding stitching losses and decoupling components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple RF coils are assembled in an array configuration, then simultaneous acquisition of image data is enabled and acquisition time is reduced, but inductive coupling and sensitivity issues occur which negatively impact Q factor and loading factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coil array into multiple independent coil elements, each with its own receiver channel. This segmentation allows simultaneous signal acquisition from different anatomical regions while maintaining electrical isolation between elements through careful positioning and non-conductive mounting, thereby preserving Q factor while enabling parallel imaging to reduce acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-conductive substrates and positioning structures as intermediaries between adjacent coil elements. These intermediaries electrically isolate the coils while maintaining their spatial arrangement, preventing inductive coupling and sensitivity interference between adjacent elements, thus preserving individual coil Q factors in the multi-element array
2Area of moving object
If coil size is reduced to fit within typical field of view, then the coil array can be configured for various imaging applications, but inductive coupling and sensitivity issues worsen which limit SNR performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes each coil element's geometry and positioning to achieve optimal local signal reception characteristics. By carefully designing the shape, size, and orientation of individual small coil elements and their arrangement in the array, the system maintains high sensitivity and SNR performance despite the reduced overall coil size needed to fit within standard MRI field of view
3Area of stationary object
If adjacent coils are positioned close to anatomy for optimal imaging coverage, then field of view coverage is improved, but inductive coupling increases which negatively impacts Q factor and SNR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-conductive substrates, positioning structures, and spacing elements as intermediaries between adjacent coil elements. These intermediaries maintain the close positioning needed for optimal anatomical coverage while providing electrical isolation that prevents inductive coupling between adjacent coils, thereby preserving Q factor and reducing energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs grounding and shielding strategies to create equipotential regions between adjacent coil elements. By controlling the electrical potential distribution around each coil and providing common ground references, the system minimizes potential differences that would drive inductive coupling currents, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining close coil-to-anatomy positioning
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 design results in improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced acquisition time, enabling high-resolution imaging with increased speed and spatial resolution, particularly in breast imaging applications, allowing for detection of small lesions not previously possible.
Implementation Method 1
the coil size and corresponding arrangement within a coil array will present with inherent inductive coupling and sensitivity issues
Implementation Method 2
each RF coil is coupled to a respective receiver channel... receiving imaging signals in a region of interest excited within the pair of coil arrays
Data Source
AI summary
A coil array for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided and comprises a plurality of low loss coil elements and at least one non-conducting substrate adapted to position the plurality of low loss coil elements in a fixed position thereon. Further, a coil array assembly for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is provided. The coil array assembly comprises a pair of coil arrays, wherein each coil array comprises: a plurality of low loss coil elements and at least one non-conducting substrate adapted to position the plurality of low loss coil elements in a fixed position thereon. Further, the pair of coil arrays are coupled to the MRI scanner for receiving imaging signals in a region of interest excited within the pair of coil arrays. Further, the coil array is adapted for use in breast imaging.