MRI RF Coil Arrays with Integrated Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face challenges in achieving homogeneous magnetic fields due to inhomogeneities, particularly with high-order localized field distortions, and require complex wired connections for data transfer, which increases system complexity and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of RF coil arrays with wireless communication capabilities, allowing RF currents and wireless data frequencies to flow on the same coil elements, enabling simultaneous MRI image acquisition and data transmission without additional antennas or complex modifications, using LC resonant circuits and bandstop filters for impedance matching and isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas or complex modifications are added to enable wireless communication, then wireless data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: MRI signal transmission/reception at Larmor frequency and wireless data transmission at WiFi frequencies. The same coil elements that generate RF magnetic fields for MRI excitation and detection also serve as antennas for wireless communication, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the MRI RF coil array and wireless communication antenna functions into a single integrated system. The coil elements are configured to support both MRI operations and wireless data transmission by utilizing their resonant properties at different frequency bands, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If RF coil elements are used for both MRI and wireless communication, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic frequency tuning capabilities where the resonant frequencies of the coil elements can be adjusted during operation. This allows the same coil elements to be optimized for different frequency bands (Larmor frequency for MRI, WiFi frequencies for wireless communication) as needed, providing operational flexibility while managing the precision requirements through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electrical characteristics of the coil elements, specifically adjusting resonant frequency and impedance, to enable the coil elements to operate effectively at both MRI Larmor frequencies and WiFi frequencies. This involves modifying operational parameters rather than physical structure to achieve multi-frequency functionality.
3Productivity
If wireless module is integrated with RF coil array, then productivity is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or time-multiplexed operation where RF excitation pulses and wireless data transmission are coordinated in time. During MRI excitation periods, wireless transmission is minimized or paused, and during receive periods, wireless communication can occur more actively. This periodic coordination reduces energy loss from continuous simultaneous operation while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous utilization of the coil elements for both MRI and wireless functions without requiring them to be idle. By carefully managing the timing and frequency of operations, the system maintains continuous useful action from the coil elements for both imaging and data transmission, maximizing productivity while minimizing energy waste from idle components.
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 reduces system complexity, enhances flexibility by eliminating the need for additional components, and maintains image quality by allowing concurrent RF excitation, reception, and B0 shimming with wireless data transmission, effectively addressing field inhomogeneities and data transfer challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless transceiver is configured to provide input signals and/or output signals to and/or from at least one of the coil elements such that the at least one coil element resonates at one or more resonant frequencies in the wireless communication frequency band
Implementation Method 2
the coil elements are configured to operate in an RF mode for at least one of transmitting RF excitation signals or receiving MRI image signals on the RF conductors
Data Source
AI summary
RF coil array assemblies include an RF coil array with a plurality of coil elements. The coil elements each have an RF conductor that defines an RF path. The coil elements operate in an RF mode for at least one of transmitting RF excitation signals or receiving MRI image signals on the RF conductors. The RF coil array assemblies also include at least one wireless module connected to the RF coil array, the at least one wireless module including a wireless transceiver operative at a wireless communication frequency band and attached to at least some of the coil elements to provide input and output signals to the at least one wireless module. At least some of the coil elements can concurrently transmit or receive wireless communication data and the RF excitation signals or the received MRI image signals.