Self-Shielded MRI Receiver Coil Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in compactly packaging receiver coils and associated electronics while effectively shielding them from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) to maintain signal fidelity and reduce EMI-induced artifacts.
Innovation Solution
Integration of circuit devices within a Faraday enclosure, utilizing a flexible multilayer substrate with metal layers, which acts as a self-shielded packaging that prevents EMI entry and escape, combined with innovative construction techniques like planar and clamshell methods for compact and efficient EMI shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If receiver coils and associated electronics are packaged compactly, then packaging density is improved, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the packaging structure by integrating metal layers directly into the multilayer substrate. The receiver coil element enclosure serves dual purposes: it packages the electronics compactly while simultaneously providing EMI shielding through its metal layer construction, eliminating the need for separate shielding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining dielectric substrate layers with metal conductive layers. This composite multilayer substrate provides both mechanical support for compact packaging and electromagnetic shielding functionality, achieving both high packaging density and effective EMI protection.
2Measurement precision
If EMI shielding is enhanced, then signal fidelity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal layers in the multilayer substrate serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide EMI shielding, structural support, and electrical interconnection. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate shielding components while maintaining signal fidelity through effective EMI protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure itself provides the shielding function without requiring external shielding components. The multilayer substrate with integrated metal layers is self-sufficient, providing both mechanical enclosure and electromagnetic protection in a single integrated structure.
3Measurement precision
If receiver coil elements are increased in number, then imaging resolution is improved, but packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the receiver coil elements and associated electronics within the shielding enclosure structure. The metal layers and substrate layers are arranged in a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization, allowing multiple coil elements to be packaged in a compact volume while maintaining imaging resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulky packaging to a planar multilayer structure. By distributing components across multiple thin layers, the design achieves high packaging density in a compact volume, accommodating increased numbers of receiver coil elements without proportionally increasing packaging space.
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 approach enhances signal fidelity, reduces EMI noise, and allows for improved miniaturization, increased packaging density, and effective heat dissipation, creating a compact, cost-effective, and reliable EMI-shielded environment for MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of circuit devices within a Faraday enclosure, utilizing a flexible multilayer substrate with metal layers, which acts as a self-shielded packaging that prevents EMI entry and escape
Data Source
AI summary
An improved magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system (10) is provided. A plurality of receiver coils (12) may be configured to supply respective coil output signals based on a plurality of magnetic resonance response signals sensed by the receiver coils. Each receiver coil defines an enclosure constituting a Faraday cage. At least one circuit device (22) is disposed in the enclosure (24) to condition the coil output signal. This enclosure enables the circuit device (22) to be shielded from electromagnetic interference.