MRI Local Coil Power Coupling for Plugless RF Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging systems face challenges in transmitting radio frequency signals without a coil plug on the patient bed, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for a switch between transmitting and receiving modes in self-transmitting and self-receiving local coils, and limiting the use of such coils in systems without a radio frequency signal transmitting channel.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize power coupling between a body coil and a local coil, where capacitors are adjusted to match primary mode frequencies, allowing radio frequency signals to be transmitted from the body coil to the local coil without relying on a coil plug, and decoupling components are used to manage signal transmission and reception, eliminating the need for a switch and reducing system costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-transmitting and self-receiving local coil is used to transmit radio frequency signals, then the specific absorption rate is reduced and image fold-over problems are avoided, but the coil structure becomes complicated and cost increases due to the need for a switch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the radio frequency signal transmission function from the coil plug on the patient bed and relocates it to the local coil itself. The local coil is designed with integrated transmitting and receiving capabilities, eliminating the need for external coil plug infrastructure. This extraction allows the coil to independently perform both transmission and reception functions without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The local coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both transmit radio frequency signals and receive magnetic resonance signals. By integrating both transmitting and receiving capabilities into a single coil structure, the invention eliminates the need for separate transmitting coils and receiving coils, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture without compromising image quality or reducing SAR.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is incorporated in the local coil to switch between transmitting and receiving modes, then radio frequency signal transmission is enabled, but the cost of the local coil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic impedance matching networks that automatically adjust the coil's electrical characteristics based on whether it is in transmitting or receiving mode. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for mechanical or electronic switches, as the impedance matching network inherently handles the transition between modes through automatic frequency and impedance adjustment, thereby reducing cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil design utilizes parameter changes in the impedance matching network to transition between transmitting and receiving modes. By varying electrical parameters such as capacitance and inductance values in response to mode changes, the coil achieves flexible operation without requiring additional switching components. This parameter-based control reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the ability to switch between functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a local coil with only receiving functions is used in systems without a coil plug, then the system compatibility is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases and transmitting power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the transmitting and receiving functions into a single integrated local coil system that is compatible with existing MRI infrastructure. By combining high-power transmission capability with sensitive reception in one coil structure, the invention achieves both system compatibility and high signal-to-noise ratio performance, eliminating the trade-off between compatibility and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance matching network serves as an intermediary that enables efficient power transfer from the radio frequency amplifier to the local coil during transmission, and facilitates optimal signal coupling from the coil to the receiver during reception. This intermediary component ensures maximum power transfer and minimum signal loss, thereby maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while ensuring system compatibility.
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 the transmission of radio frequency signals without a coil plug, simplifying the local coil structure and reducing costs, while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios and uniformity across images, and allowing use in systems without a radio frequency signal transmitting channel.
Implementation Method 1
with the body coil, coupling the radio frequency signals to the local coil
Implementation Method 2
receiving, with the local coil, magnetic resonance signals from the region to be examined
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for processing radio frequency signals of a magnetic resonance imaging system in which the coil portion of the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a body coil and a local coil, radio frequency signals are supplied to the body coil, and these radio frequency signals are coupled to said local coil, and transmitted by said local coil into a region to be examined. A corresponding radio frequency system has a local coil and a body coil, with power coupling between the local coil and the body coil; during the phase for transmitting the radio frequency signals. The body coil serves to couple the radio frequency signals to be transmitted to the local coil, and the local coil serves to transmit the coupled radio frequency signals to a region to be examined. This method and system allow the transmitting function of the local coil to be achieved without having a coil plug on a patient bed to provide a radio frequency signal transmitting channel.