Phased Array Shoulder Coil for MRI Signal Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies face limitations in patient positioning and antenna configuration due to the requirement for a horizontal magnetic field and optimal signal-to-noise ratio, particularly in ferromagnetic frame magnets with vertical pole axes, which restricts the use of loop antennas and affects imaging versatility and quality.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna coil assembly with overlapping, adjustable oval-shaped coils housed in a concave shell to fit over a patient's shoulder, allowing for improved positioning and independent magnetic operation, enhancing signal reception and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ferromagnetic frame magnets with vertical pole axes are used, then a more open environment for patients is provided, but loop antennas cannot be optimally positioned and imaging versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent phased array elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of traditional loop antennas by enabling flexible positioning and independent magnetic operation of each element, thus providing both open environment access and imaging versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar loop antenna configurations to a three-dimensional phased array arrangement. By stacking multiple coil elements in the vertical dimension and controlling them independently, the system achieves optimal signal reception while maintaining patient positioning flexibility in the open ferromagnetic frame environment.
2Reliability
If loop antennas are used in vertical-field magnets, then signal reception is achieved, but the antenna cannot be positioned close to the region of interest and signal-to-noise ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array system implements local quality by positioning individual coil elements and their associated preamplifiers in close proximity to the region of interest (shoulder area). Each element can be independently optimized for its local position, enabling maximum signal reception and noise reduction specifically at the imaging location rather than relying on distant loop antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces preamplifiers as intermediary components positioned between the coil elements and the signal processing system. These preamplifiers are placed close to the coils to amplify signals before they traverse long cables, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio by minimizing noise introduction from cable transmission and enabling close positioning of the antenna elements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple coils are placed close together to improve signal reception, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but mutual coupling between coils increases and operation becomes dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through decoupling circuits that continuously monitor and adjust the magnetic coupling between adjacent coils. By using feedback to detect mutual coupling effects and applying corrective signals, the system maintains independent operation of each coil element while preserving the benefits of close spacing for improved signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the resonant frequency and impedance of each coil element independently. By tuning the electrical parameters of each element, the system can compensate for mutual coupling effects and maintain optimal operation even when coils are positioned close together, thus improving signal-to-noise ratio without sacrificing independence.
4Measurement precision
If the antenna assembly is positioned close to the patient's shoulder, then imaging quality and resolution improve, but the device must be precisely positioned and adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable elements that can be moved and repositioned during the imaging process. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve optimal positioning close to the patient's shoulder for high image quality, while providing ease of operation through movable and reconfigurable components rather than fixed rigid structures.
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
Enables more versatile patient positioning and improved signal-to-noise ratios, particularly for shoulder imaging, by positioning the phased array antenna coils close to the region of interest, thus enhancing image quality and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array antenna coil assembly for receiving magnetic resonance signals mounted to the device and adapted to fit over a shoulder of a patient
Implementation Method 2
A phased array antenna coil assembly with overlapping, adjustable oval-shaped coils housed in a concave shell to fit over a patient's shoulder
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly for magnet resonance imaging comprising a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and defining an inner annular space, the inner surface being adapted to receive a shoulder of a patient. The antenna assembly further includes a pair of coils housed within the inner annular space of the housing and arranged to form a phased array antenna for receiving resonance signals.