Multi-Loop Spiral RF Coil Structure for MRI Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI technologies face challenges in achieving high RF energy transmission efficiency, receiving sensitivity, and are susceptible to electrical noise, which affect image quality and prolong scan times.
Innovation Solution
A multi-loop spiral coil design with concentrically positioned loops and high dielectric constant material disks is used to confine conservative electric fields, enhancing RF energy transmission and reception while reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional single-loop RF coils are used in MRI, then the device structure is simple, but RF energy transmission efficiency and receiving sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is divided into multiple concentric loops (first loop, second loop, and optionally third loop) with different radii, where each loop segment contributes to RF energy transmission. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher transmission efficiency through multi-loop interference patterns while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through the regular concentric arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure employs nested concentric loops where the first loop has a larger radius and contains the second loop, which in turn contains the third loop. This nesting arrangement optimizes the magnetic field distribution and RF energy transmission efficiency by creating constructive interference patterns within the imaging region while keeping the overall structure compact and organized.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional RF coils are used, then electrical noise in the sample is high, but using multi-loop spiral coil reduces conservative electric field to lower noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful conservative electric field into a beneficial configuration by using multiple concentric loops to create a predominantly non-conservative electric field in the imaging region. The conservative electric field components are confined to the gaps between loops where they cannot interfere with the sample, while the non-conservative components provide the desired RF transmission with minimal noise induction in the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure creates different electric field characteristics in different spatial regions: in the gaps between loops, the electric field is predominantly conservative and confined, while in the imaging region within the loops, the electric field is predominantly non-conservative and beneficial for RF transmission. This local differentiation of field properties optimizes both noise reduction and transmission efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If RF coil receiving sensitivity is increased, then image quality improves, but scan time increases due to electrical noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring multiple concentric loops, the system converts what would normally be noise-inducing conservative electric fields into a controlled configuration where conservative fields are confined to gaps between loops and do not penetrate the sample. This allows the system to achieve high receiving sensitivity and improved image quality without the penalty of increased scan times, as the electrical noise in the sample is minimized.
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 increases RF energy transmission efficiency and receiving sensitivity, improves image quality, and reduces scan times in MRI applications.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one spiral coil is configured to reduce its conservative electric field induced in a sample
Implementation Method 2
one or more RF coils are used to transmit RF energy, in the form of a pulsed oscillating magnetic field, to the atomic nuclei such that the precession alignment of the nuclei is altered
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, and systems configured to increase at least one of radiofrequency transmission efficiency and/or radiofrequency receiving sensitivity. In particular, embodiments relate to a magnetic imaging apparatus having at least one spiral coil that provides increased radiofrequency transmission efficiency and/or radiofrequency receiving sensitivity.