Removable Conductor MRI Antenna for Parallel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detaching or removing coil elements from RF antennas in MRI systems can negatively impact their resonant properties, leading to reduced sensitivity and image quality, and existing antennas struggle to balance large opening access with parallel imaging capabilities without compromising resonant properties.
Innovation Solution
An RF transmit and/or receive antenna design featuring one or more removable conductor structures that maintain resonant properties when adjusted, allowing for easy access and parallel imaging capabilities by dividing the antenna into multiple resonant meshes, with a second conductor structure electromagnetically coupled to the first, ensuring all meshes operate at the same frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coil elements are removed from RF antenna, then access through antenna is improved, but resonant properties and sensitivity are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple separate coil elements that can be independently positioned or removed. Each coil element maintains the overall resonant frequency through individual tuning components, allowing selective removal for access while preserving resonant properties of remaining elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Tuning components (capacitors, inductors) are adjusted to maintain the resonant frequency of the antenna system when coil elements are added or removed. The electrical parameters of remaining elements are modified to compensate for changes in the overall antenna configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coil elements are added for parallel imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent coil elements that can be selectively activated for parallel imaging. Each element can be independently tuned and controlled, enabling flexible imaging configurations without requiring a permanently complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna configuration is made dynamic by allowing coil elements to be selectively added, removed, or activated based on imaging requirements. This enables the system to adapt between simple and complex configurations rather than maintaining fixed complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coil elements are made removable for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Connection components or coupling mechanisms are introduced as intermediaries between removable coil elements and the antenna support structure. These intermediaries simplify the connection process and reduce the precision requirements for direct connections while maintaining electrical integrity.
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 easy access through the antenna while maintaining parallel imaging capabilities without significantly altering the resonant properties, allowing for flexible use in various MRI examinations without compromising image quality or resonant frequency.
Implementation Method 1
a second conductor structure (6) which can be electromagnetically coupled or connected with the two first conductors (4, 5)
Implementation Method 2
By transmitting an RF excitation pulse (B 1 field) which is orthogonal to the B 0 field, generated by means of an RF transmit antenna
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic moments of the nuclei within the examination object tend to rotate around the axis of the applied B 0 field (Larmor precession) with a certain net magnetization
Implementation Method 4
NMR relaxation signals which are emitted by the transversal relaxation process, are detected by means of an RF receive antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An RF transmit and/or receive antenna is disclosed, especially in the form of a coil structure or coil or loop arrangement, having one or more removable conductors, especially for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system or a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner, for transmitting RF excitation signals (Bi field) for exciting nuclear magnetic resonances (NMR), and/or for receiving NMR relaxation signals. The RF antenna is provided such that it can be adapted in an easy way according to an application which either requires a large opening through the RF antenna or a parallel imaging capability.