PET-MR Apparatus with Segmented Detectors and RF Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PET-MR imaging apparatuses face difficulties in maintenance due to the integrated assembly of PET detectors and RF coils, which leads to high maintenance costs and risks of damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
The PET-MR apparatus separates the PET detector and RF coil into distinct supporting components, allowing for independent assembly and disassembly, with the PET detector mounted on an outer surface and the RF coil on a second supporting component, and optionally includes a signal shielding component to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the PET detector and RF coil are integrated on the same supporting component, then the device structure is compact, but the maintenance difficulty increases and the risk of damage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the supporting structure into a first supporting component for the PET detector and a second supporting component for the RF coil. This segmentation allows each component to be independently maintained, repaired, or replaced without affecting the other, thereby reducing maintenance difficulty while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the RF coil from the PET detector's supporting structure by providing a separate second supporting component. This extraction enables independent handling of the RF coil during maintenance operations, eliminating the need to disassemble or handle the PET detector when servicing the RF coil, thus improving ease of repair.
2Device complexity
If the PET detector and RF coil are integrated on the same supporting component, then the device structure is compact, but the maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the supporting structure into separate components for the PET detector and RF coil, the patent enables targeted maintenance where only the affected component needs to be serviced. This reduces maintenance costs by avoiding unnecessary handling, disassembly, and potential damage to other components, while maintaining structural compactness through coordinated arrangement.
3Volume of moving object
If the PET detector is positioned in the accommodating region formed by the magnet coil, then the device space utilization is efficient, but the risk of damage to the PET detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting base as an intermediary component between the PET detector and the first supporting component. This mounting base provides a buffer zone and protective interface, reducing the risk of direct collision between the PET detector and the magnet coil during assembly operations, while still allowing the PET detector to be positioned within the accommodating region for efficient space utilization.
4Ease of repair
If the PET detector and RF coil are separated into distinct supporting components, then the ease of maintenance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supporting structure into two distinct components: a first supporting component for the PET detector and a second supporting component for the RF coil. This segmentation improves ease of maintenance by allowing independent access and servicing of each component, while the overall structural complexity is managed through their coordinated spatial arrangement and functional integration within the MRI system.
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 design simplifies maintenance, reduces the risk of damage during assembly, and lowers maintenance costs by enabling separate handling of the PET detector and RF coil, while also improving the safety and accuracy of the PET detector's operation.
Implementation Method 1
an RF coil configured to generate or receive an RF signal
Implementation Method 2
a signal shielding component placed between the PET detector and the RF coil. The signal shielding component may be configured to shield the PET detector from at least part of the RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
A PET-MR apparatus is provided. The PET-MR apparatus may include a first supporting component, a PET detector, a second supporting component, and a radio frequency (RF) coil. The first supporting component may have an inner surface and an outer surface. The PET detector may be supported on the outer surface of the first supporting component. The second supporting component may be at least partially surrounded by the first supporting component. The RF coil configured to generate or receive an RF signal may be supported on the second supporting component.