Shared Coaxial Cable for MRT Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) systems face challenges in efficiently managing the large number of cables required for signal transmission, particularly for high-field systems where multiple channels for HF, shim, and gradient signals complicate cable routing and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of shared coaxial cables for simultaneous transmission of HF and shim signals reduces the number of cables needed, leveraging the different frequency ranges to optimize signal forwarding without compromising signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cables are used for HF, shim, and gradient signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but cable complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions (HF signals, shim signals, and gradient signals) into a single coaxial cable system. The cable structure integrates multiple conductors (including inner conductors for HF/shim signals and outer conductors for gradient signals) within a shared shielded cable, reducing the total number of separate cables while maintaining signal integrity through proper electromagnetic shielding and impedance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits high-frequency RF signals for excitation and reception, carries low-frequency shim currents for magnetic field homogenization, and conducts gradient currents for spatial encoding. This multi-functional cable design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each signal type, reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate cables are used for different signal channels, then signal integrity is improved, but installation and routing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal channels are merged into a single bundled coaxial cable structure, making cable routing and installation significantly easier. The integrated cable eliminates the need to route and manage multiple separate cables through the MRI system, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining proper signal isolation through internal shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial cable structure acts as an intermediary that provides electromagnetic shielding and signal isolation between different signal types (HF, shim, gradient) transmitted simultaneously. The shielded construction and conductor arrangement prevent cross-talk and interference, maintaining signal integrity while simplifying the routing infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If shared cables are used for HF and shim signals, then cable cost and complexity are reduced, but signal transmission challenges may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure implements local quality differentiation by providing specialized conductor arrangements and shielding for different signal types within the same cable. HF signals use inner conductors with specific impedance characteristics, while gradient signals use outer conductors with different electrical properties. This localized optimization ensures each signal type transmits reliably without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the cable design, including varying conductor diameters, materials, and shielding configurations to optimize transmission characteristics for different signal frequencies. The cable structure is engineered with specific electrical parameters (impedance, inductance, capacitance) tailored for simultaneous HF and shim signal transmission, ensuring reliable performance despite the shared medium.
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 significantly reduces cable complexity and costs while maintaining high signal quality by effectively routing multiple signal types through fewer cables, improving the overall efficiency of MRT systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cable, in particular a coaxial cable, for transmitting an HF signal and/or a shim signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system are provided. The MRT system includes at least one cable. The MRT system is configured to transmit high frequency (HF) signals for at least one HF transmitting coil, and shim signals for at least one shim coil and/or gradient signals for at least one gradient coil in the at least one cable.