MRI RF Coil Layout for Uniform Sensitivity During Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency coil devices in MRI systems face challenges in maintaining a regular arrangement of coil elements to suppress electromagnetic interference, leading to sensitivity fluctuations due to varying subject sizes and mounting methods, particularly in movable coil units.

Innovation Solution

The high-frequency coil device employs a movable coil unit that moves along a predetermined trajectory relative to a fixed coil, maintaining a consistent distance and overlapping area between coils to minimize electromagnetic interference and ensure uniform sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coil units are made movable to adapt to varying subject sizes, then adaptability is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases due to changing positional relationships

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying subject sizesVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coil units are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions to adapt to varying subject sizes and shapes. This dynamic capability enables the coil device to maintain optimal positioning for different examination scenarios while managing electromagnetic interference through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameters of the coil units by making them movable. By adjusting the distance and orientation between coil units as parameters, the system can adapt to different subject sizes while attempting to maintain regular arrangement patterns that suppress electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If elements are regularly arranged to suppress electromagnetic interference, then sensitivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining regular arrangement on varied subjects

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidease of mounting on varied subjects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coil device is divided into multiple independent coil units that can be moved and positioned separately. This segmentation allows each coil unit to be adjusted independently to maintain regular arrangement patterns, making it easier to adapt to varied subject shapes and sizes while preserving sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By making the coil units movable rather than fixed, the system gains operational flexibility to maintain regular element arrangement on varied subjects. The dynamic positioning capability enables operators to adjust coil positions to achieve optimal regular arrangement for different examination scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If coil units are moved to closely attach to the subject, then sensitivity is improved, but positional relationship consistency deteriorates leading to electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidpositional relationship consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coil units are designed with movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment while maintaining relative positional relationships. This dynamic design enables close attachment to the subject for high sensitivity while preserving the regular arrangement patterns needed to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connections between coil units incorporate flexible elements that allow the coil units to adapt their positions for close subject attachment while maintaining consistent relative geometry. This flexibility enables the system to achieve both close contact for sensitivity and positional consistency for interference suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 configuration allows for consistent coil positioning and sensitivity distribution, enhancing operability and sensitivity across varying subject sizes, thereby improving image quality.

Implementation Method 1

the electromagnetic interference between the coils is suppressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4361660B1High-frequency coil device and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4361660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361660B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4361660B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

Provided is a high-frequency coil device that can maintain a distance between coils at any mounting position in an RF coil including a movable coil unit and that can achieve a uniform sensitivity distribution and high sensitivity. A first coil unit configured to move along a substantially circular trajectory and a second coil unit fixed within the substantially circular trajectory are provided, the first coil unit and the second coil unit are disposed at substantially point-symmetric positions, and magnetic coupling between conductor loops provided in both the coil units is maintained substantially constant in a movable range of the first coil unit.