MRI Local Coil Wireless Transmission and Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic resonance local coils face challenges with cable-based data transmission, which is disruptive and prone to interference in the strong magnetic fields of MRI systems, leading to signal noise issues and mechanical instability.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic resonance local coil with a wireless data transmission unit, incorporating a digital-analog converter and modulator to prepare signals for transmission outside the MRI's frequency range, and a screening design using a combination of metal and dielectric coatings to minimize eddy currents and electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable-based data transmission is used for the local coil, then mechanical connection and power supply are ensured, but the cables are disruptive, prone to interference, and cause signal noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-noise ratioVSAvoidhandling simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based data transmission system with a wireless transmission system using an antenna element. The transmission unit wirelessly transmits digitized magnetic resonance signal data from the local coil to the control device, eliminating physical cables and their associated interference and handling issues while maintaining reliable data communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If digital circuits are used for signal processing, then data processing capability is improved, but the circuits are susceptible to interfering radiation and cause electromagnetic emissions that disrupt the MRI process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the digital processing functions from the local coil and relocates them to the control device. The local coil only performs analog-to-digital conversion and wireless transmission of raw signal data, while all complex digital processing is performed remotely in the control device, eliminating electromagnetic interference sources from the MRI measurement field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless transmission as an intermediary between the local coil and the control device. This allows data to be transmitted without physical cable connections that could conduct electromagnetic interference, using radio frequency communication instead, thereby isolating the digital processing equipment from the sensitive MRI measurement environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If screening is added to protect circuits from interference, then electromagnetic protection is improved, but eddy currents are induced causing heating and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic protectionVSAvoidheating from eddy currents

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for extensive electromagnetic screening by extracting digital processing functions from the local coil. Since the circuits that would require screening are eliminated from the MRI measurement field, the problematic eddy current heating issue is avoided while maintaining system protection through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enables improved handling and reduced interference in MRI systems, enhancing signal-noise ratio and mechanical stability, while preventing electromagnetic emissions that could disrupt the MRI process.

Implementation Method 1

the low-frequency gradient fields that may occur with frequencies of up to 100 kHz may induce unwanted eddy currents in the screening. These eddy currents cause secondary magnetic fields, severe heating due to ohmic losses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

magnetic resonance local coil with one or more receive antennas for receiving magnetic resonance signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance:

Implementation Method 3

a transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting magnetic resonance signal data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS9134390B2Magnetic resonance local coil

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

The present embodiments relate to a magnetic resonance local coil with a receive antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals. The magnetic resonance local coil also includes a transmission unit for transmitting magnetic resonance signal data generated on the basis of the magnetic resonance signals via a data transmit antenna of the magnetic resonance local coil to a signal data receiving unit of a magnetic resonance tomography systems. The transmission unit is provided, at least in sections, with screening with a first metal coating and a first dielectric coating.