MRI Detuning Circuit Defect Detection Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance tomographs face safety risks due to defective local coils that can pose danger to patients if protective devices fail, as they are exposed to high fields during nuclear spin excitation.
Innovation Solution
A method to check the detuning device of antenna coils by activating and deactivating it using control signals, comparing received signals before and after activation, and issuing a warning if predetermined conditions are not met, ensuring safe operation and patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If local coils are positioned as close as possible to the patient to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio, then the signal quality is improved, but the safety risk increases due to potential defective coils exposing patients to high magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing safety checks of the detuning device before actual MRI scanning operations. The system activates the detuning device in a test state prior to scanning to verify it functions correctly, ensuring safety is established before the harmful high magnetic fields are applied during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the state of the detuning device and providing feedback signals to the control system. The control system receives information about the detuning device's operational status and adjusts or interrupts scanning operations if the device is found to be defective or in an impermissible state, thereby managing the safety risk dynamically.
2Reliability
If detuning circuits are monitored to detect impermissible operating states, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional monitoring circuits and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the monitoring system to serve multiple functions: it monitors the detuning device's operational state, detects potential defects, and can interrupt scanning operations for safety. The control system integrates these functions, allowing a single monitoring infrastructure to handle safety verification, device state management, and operational control rather than requiring separate dedicated systems.
3Reliability
If safety checks are performed by activating and deactivating the detuning device and comparing received signals, then the reliability of the detuning device is improved, but the time required for checking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing safety checks at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system conducts checks before scanning operations begin and can perform them periodically during operation if needed, rather than maintaining constant monitoring that would require continuous interruption of scanning activities. This allows reliability verification without excessive time loss during actual imaging.
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
Enables quick and effective checking of detuning devices, preventing potential hazards by ensuring the detuning device functions correctly, thereby enhancing safety during magnetic resonance imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The precession, or return of the spins from this excited state to a lower-energy state, in turn generates an alternating magnetic field that is received by antennas
Implementation Method 2
The tuning device shifts the resonant frequency of the antenna coil, while still allowing reception of a high-frequency signal by a connected receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for checking a tuning device of an antenna coil of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, and to a MRI scanner according to the invention for carrying out the method. In one step of the method, a tuning device of the antenna coil is activated. In other steps, a first and a second received signal are received. The received signals are compared, and a warning signal is output depending on the result.