Variable Local Coil Matrix for MRI Anatomy Fit and Decoupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance tomographs face challenges in achieving optimal signal-to-noise ratios for diverse patient anatomies due to the rigidity of traditional local coils, which limits flexibility and affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
A local coil matrix with detachable, flexible coil segments and electrical connecting elements that allow for adjustable geometry, including a tuning device to maintain resonance frequency consistency across different positions, ensuring uniform image quality for varying patient dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid local coil is used, then the coil structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate different patient anatomies and achieves optimal signal only for a few patients
Solution Approach 1:
The local coil is divided into multiple detachable coil segments that can be separated and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the coil to be adapted to different patient anatomies by adjusting the number and arrangement of segments, while each individual segment maintains a simple and stable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The local coil transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The coil segments can be detached, repositioned, and reconnected to create different geometries, enabling the coil to adapt dynamically to various patient body shapes and examination requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple local coils with different dimensions are prepared, then different patient anatomies can be accommodated, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of coil segments can serve multiple functions and be configured for different examination types and patient anatomies. The same segments can be rearranged to create coils of different sizes and shapes, eliminating the need to maintain multiple separate coil sets in the inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing multiple complete coils, the system provides a segmented set that can be combined in various ways. This reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining the capability to accommodate different patient anatomies through flexible reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible local coil matrix is used, then it can be configured to body shape, but additional openings for limbs cannot be provided flexibly and overlapping ends alter high frequency properties
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coil matrix is divided into detachable segments that can be separated to create openings for limbs or other body parts. This segmentation allows flexible configuration while maintaining proper electrical connections through the electrical connecting elements, preventing alterations to high frequency properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connecting elements act as intermediaries between coil segments, ensuring consistent electrical and high frequency properties regardless of the segment arrangement. These connecting elements maintain signal integrity while allowing flexible reconfiguration of the coil geometry.
4Adaptability or versatility
If coil segments are detached to create openings, then flexibility is improved, but electrical connection consistency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical connecting elements serve as reliable intermediaries that maintain consistent electrical connections between coil segments in different configurations. These specialized connectors ensure signal integrity and electrical continuity regardless of how the segments are arranged or separated.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is designed to be dynamic yet consistent, allowing segments to be detached and repositioned while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the connecting elements. The connection mechanism adapts to different configurations while preserving electrical property consistency.
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 flexible local coil matrix provides improved image results by accommodating different patient anatomies while maintaining consistent electrical properties, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The two coil segments have electrical connecting elements configured to create an electrical connection between the coil segments in different relative positions of the two coil segments to each other
Implementation Method 2
a tuning device to maintain resonance frequency consistency across different positions
Data Source
AI summary
A local coil matrix for a magnetic resonance tomograph and a magnetic resonance tomograph with a local coil matrix are provided. The local coil matrix has a first coil with two detachable coil segments. The two coil segments have electrical connecting elements. The electrical connecting elements are configured to produce an electrical connection between the coil segments in different relative positions of the two coil segments to each other.