MRI Body Coil Support Structure Design for Gravity Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF coils in MRI systems deform under gravity, leading to non-circular polarization and increased handling and installation costs due to their weight, which affects image quality and requires costly compensation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A body coil support structure with an elongate support member that is designed to deform into a target shape under operational loads, using a fill pattern between inner and outer skins to reduce weight and maintain shape consistency, and employing 3D printing to create complex geometries that are not practical with traditional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional wound fiber RF coils are used, then the coil can be manufactured with traditional methods, but the coil deforms under gravity leading to non-circular polarization and degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-formed with a curved configuration that anticipates and compensates for gravitational deformation. The curved shape is designed to counteract the downward pull of gravity on the RF coil, ensuring the coil maintains its circular polarization geometry during operation rather than deforming under its own weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure changes the geometric parameters of the coil system by introducing a predetermined curvature. This parameter change transforms the coil from a flat, gravity-prone configuration to a pre-arced shape that maintains circularity when subjected to gravitational forces, thereby preserving B1 field uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional RF coils are used, then the coil can be manufactured traditionally, but the coil weighs around 100 pounds increasing handling and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs composite construction combining carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials with metal reinforcement elements. This composite approach provides the necessary mechanical strength to support the RF coil while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional solid metal support structures, making the 100-pound coil more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure applies material reinforcement locally rather than uniformly throughout. Metal reinforcement elements are positioned specifically at stress-concentration points and attachment areas, while other portions use lighter composite materials, optimizing the weight-strength ratio for handling and installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the elongate support member is designed to deform under operational load, then the operational shape is closer to the target shape, but the design shape differs from the target shape
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is pre-formed with a curved configuration that anticipates and compensates for gravitational deformation. The curved shape is designed to counteract the downward pull of gravity on the RF coil, ensuring the coil maintains its circular polarization geometry during operation rather than deforming under its own weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be dynamically adaptive, allowing the RF coil to deform slightly under operational loads while maintaining overall circularity. The flexible yet supportive structure enables controlled deformation that preserves the essential circular geometry needed for uniform B1 field generation.
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 solution improves RF uniformity and polarization, reduces the need for B-field shading compensation, enhances image quality, and minimizes weight and handling costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The elongate support member is subjected to the operational load in the installed state. The operational shape is closer to the target shape than is the design shape.
Implementation Method 2
The elongate member includes an outer skin, an inner skin, and interior members. The interior members define at least one fill pattern interposed between the inner skin and outer skin.
Data Source
AI summary
A body coil support structure includes an elongate support member. The elongate support member defines an opening and an examination axis passing through the opening along a length of the elongate support member. The opening is configured to accept an object to be imaged. The elongate support member has a target shape for use during operation of the MRI system, with the elongate support member configured to be subjected to an operational load during operation. In a design state, the elongate support member defines a design shape, with the elongate support member not subjected to the operational load in the design state. In an installed state after installation in the MRI system, the elongate support member defines an operational shape. The elongate support member is subjected to the operational load in the installed state. The operational shape is closer to the target shape than is the design shape.