MRI Head Coil With Elastic Support For Variable Head Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head coils for MRI devices have fixed sizes, leading to reduced signal acquisition efficiency and increased operation time due to the need for complex and time-consuming adjustments to accommodate varying subject sizes, which compromises image quality and operability, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A coil device with a T-shaped flexible holder supported by a base portion and an elastic support body, allowing the coil to be securely attached to a subject at three points, facilitating easy attachment and detachment while maintaining close contact, thus improving MRI inspection efficiency and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size coil housing is used to accommodate large subjects, then population coverage is improved, but the distance between the coil and small subjects increases, reducing signal acquisition efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coil housing is designed with a size-changing mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust between a first size (for large subjects) and a second size (for small subjects). This dynamic adjustment enables the coil to maintain close contact with subjects of varying head sizes, ensuring high signal acquisition efficiency across different populations while preserving adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple sponges are used to fill the space between the coil and subject for fixing, then image quality is maintained, but the fixing operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cushion member is pre-installed within the coil housing at a position that automatically contacts and cushions the subject's head when the coil is attached. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for technicians to manually select and install multiple sponges during the fixing operation, significantly reducing operation time while maintaining the necessary cushioning for image quality.
3Ease of operation
If the coil is supported at one contact portion with the support portion, then operability is improved, but durability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with multiple support portions arranged in a triangular configuration, providing three-point support for the coil. This dimensional distribution of support points enhances durability by spreading mechanical loads across multiple contact points while maintaining ease of operation through the stable, balanced support configuration.
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 coil device stabilizes the coil unit, simplifies the attachment process, and enhances signal sensitivity, resulting in improved MRI image quality without compromising operability or durability, even for subjects of varying head sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a holder which connects the support body to the at least one coil unit, wherein the holder has at least three contact points which are formed directly or indirectly with respect to the base portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a coil device capable of improving operability or durability thereof, being attached to a subject in a close contact state regardless of the size of a head of the subject, and obtaining a high-quality MRI image. The coil device includes at least one coil unit which has a coil element and a coil support portion which has a mechanism for attaching the coil unit to a head of a subject. The coil support portion includes a base portion, a support body which is connected to the base portion and has an elastic member, and a holder which connects the support body to the at least one coil unit and the holder has at least three contact points which are formed directly or indirectly with respect to the base portion.