PCB-Based MRI RF Coil Assembly for Lightweight Imaging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI coil assemblies are bulky, heavy, and costly, making them inefficient for imaging due to their large volume and weight, which also causes discomfort to the subject and complicates the scanning process.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) coil assembly is designed with one or more coils and control circuits. Each coil has a first and second end, and the control circuit electrically connects these ends, adjusting the coil's operation based on an input control signal. The coil assembly includes a frequency modulation circuit, a detuning circuit, and a preamplifier integrated on a printed circuit board (PCB), allowing for efficient control and reduced volume and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional coil assemblies use thick mechanical housing and mounted electronic components, then the coil assembly has sufficient structural strength and protection, but the volume and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical housing and electronic components into an integrated PCB structure. The coil assembly is mounted directly on the PCB substrate, eliminating the need for separate mechanical housing. This merging reduces the overall volume and weight while maintaining structural integrity through the PCB's inherent rigidity and component mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting structures with electrical connections on a PCB. Instead of using mechanical housings to protect and mount electronic components, the design uses a PCB substrate that provides both structural support and electrical interconnections, substituting mechanical systems with an integrated electrical platform.
2Reliability
If conventional coil assemblies use thick mechanical housing, then the electronic components are protected, but the preparation cost and preparation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective housing function with the PCB substrate itself. The PCB provides both mechanical support and component mounting in a single structure, eliminating the need for separate housing assembly steps. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components and assembly operations required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coil assembly has large volume and weight, then the structural stability is maintained, but the subject comfort decreases and scan operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural support, component mounting, electrical connection) into a single PCB-based platform. This integration dramatically reduces the overall size and weight of the coil assembly while maintaining the necessary structural stability through the PCB's rigid substrate and optimized component layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin PCB substrate instead of thick mechanical housing. The PCB provides sufficient structural stability while being much thinner and lighter than conventional mechanical assemblies, enabling easier positioning and application on the subject during scanning procedures.
4Reliability
If conventional coil assemblies use separate mechanical housing and mounted components, then the components are protected, but the volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective housing function with the PCB substrate. The PCB itself serves as both the mounting platform and protective structure for the electronic components, eliminating redundant mechanical housing. This integration reduces volume and weight while maintaining component protection through the PCB's substrate structure and component placement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) coil assembly. The MRI RF coil assembly may include one or more coils and one or more control circuits. Each of the one or more coils may include a first end and a second end. Each of the one or more control circuits may electrically connect the first end and the second end of one of the one or more coil. Each of the one or more control circuits may be configured to adjust an operation of the coil that is electrically connected with the control circuit based on an input control signal. The one or more control circuits may be located at different regions.