Resonant Contactless Power Coupler for MRI Sheath Wave Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheath wave barriers for magnetic resonance tomographs are optimized for specific frequencies, are heavy, and inflexible, posing hazards due to resonant voltage and current peaks that can endanger patients and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A connecting lead with a resonant, contactless power coupler that couples alternating current across a galvanic isolation at a resonant frequency, blocking sheath waves at other frequencies, allowing safe operation across multiple Larmor frequencies and preventing hazardous voltage and current buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sheath wave barriers are used to suppress sheath waves, then sheath wave suppression is achieved, but the barriers are heavy and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from conventional fixed-frequency sheath wave barriers to a resonant contactless power coupler that operates at the Larmor frequency. This parameter change enables the system to suppress sheath waves while being lightweight and flexible, as the resonant coupling mechanism inherently blocks frequencies away from resonance without requiring heavy physical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sheath wave barrier system with an electromagnetic resonant coupling system. Instead of using physical barriers that mechanically block waves, the system uses resonant inductive coupling between transmitter and receiver coils to achieve frequency-selective suppression, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If conventional sheath wave barriers optimized for specific frequency are used, then sheath wave suppression is achieved at that frequency, but the system cannot operate safely across multiple Larmor frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant contactless power coupler is designed to operate at the Larmor frequency, which varies depending on the nucleus being imaged. By tuning the resonant frequency of the coupler to match the specific Larmor frequency, the system achieves sheath wave suppression across multiple frequencies (e.g., 1H, 31P, 23Na), making it universally applicable to different imaging scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different Larmor frequencies by adjusting the resonant frequency of the contactless power coupler. This dynamic tuning capability allows the same hardware to safely operate across multiple frequencies by changing its resonant characteristics, rather than requiring separate fixed-frequency barriers for each frequency.
3Length of stationary object
If cable lengths are longer than one quarter of the wavelength, then connection is achieved, but resonant voltage and current peaks form that endanger patient and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant contactless power coupler acts as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver, using inductive coupling to transfer energy without requiring long conductive cables. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the antenna effect and resonant peaks by avoiding long cable runs that would otherwise act as unintended antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the conductive cable transmission system with a contactless inductive coupling system. By replacing the mechanical/electrical connection with electromagnetic field coupling, the system eliminates the harmful resonant effects that occur in long cables while maintaining the necessary connection functionality.
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 solution provides efficient energy transmission at the resonant frequency while reliably suppressing sheath waves, ensuring safe and flexible operation of magnetic resonance tomographs across various frequencies, reducing the risk of equipment damage and patient safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant, contactless power coupler that couples alternating current across a galvanic isolation at a resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
a resonant, contactless power coupler that couples alternating current across a galvanic isolation
Implementation Method 3
blocking sheath waves at other frequencies
Implementation Method 4
blocking sheath waves at other frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting lead for a receiving antenna of a magnetic resonance tomograph, to a system made up of a magnetic resonance tomograph and to a receiving antenna is provided. The connecting lead includes a resonant contactless power coupler. The receiving antenna is magnetically resonantly coupled by the connecting lead to the magnetic resonance tomograph. The magnetic resonance tomograph includes an alternating current generator that may be connected to the connecting lead and is configured to supply the active amplifier element of the receiving antenna with energy.