Resonant Circuit Cables for Multi-Nuclear MR Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MR systems are not safe for multinuclear magnetic resonance applications due to the induction of RF currents in electrically conductive components and cables, which can impair image quality and pose safety risks.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of resonant circuits with high impedance poles at specific magnetic resonance frequencies to block RF current induction in electrical cables and components, allowing safe operation in multi-nuclear MR systems by tuning inductance and capacitance values to match the frequencies of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electric cables and conductive components are used in MR systems, then electrical connectivity is provided, but RF currents are induced during multi-nuclear MR procedures which impairs image quality and poses safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and reliability of componentsVSAvoidRF current induction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A resonant circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the RF transmission system and the electric cable. This resonant circuit is tuned to the specific nuclear frequency (e.g., 31P frequency) and presents a high impedance at that frequency, thereby blocking RF currents from inducing in the cable while allowing safe operation in multi-nuclear MR systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance characteristics of the cable system are changed by introducing a resonant circuit with specific inductance and capacitance values. The resonant circuit is tuned to have a high impedance pole at the target nuclear frequency, transforming the cable from being RF-conductive at all frequencies to being RF-blocking at specific frequencies while maintaining electrical connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If resonant circuits are added to block RF currents, then safety and image quality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during multi-nuclear MRVSAvoidcable system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonant circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks RF currents at the specific nuclear frequency, maintains electrical connectivity for signal transmission, and can be integrated into existing cable structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures the safety and reliability of components and cables during multi-nuclear MR procedures by preventing substantial electric current induction, thereby maintaining image quality and ensuring component safety.

Implementation Method 1

Existing MR systems are not safe for multinuclear magnetic resonance applications due to the induction of RF currents in electrically conductive components and cables

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Incorporation of resonant circuits with high impedance poles at specific magnetic resonance frequencies to block RF current induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2414859B1Devices and cabling for use in a multi-resonant magnetic resonance system
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 PHILIPS INTPROP & STANDARDS GMBH
  • EP2414859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2414859B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2414859B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance system, the apparatus comprising: an operative component (22, 26) configured to perform a useful operation in a magnetic resonance system; an electrical cable (24, 28) connected with the operative component to provide electrical communication with the operative component; and a resonant circuit (30, 32) including at least a portion of the electrical cable, the resonant circuit having a first impedance pole at a first magnetic resonance frequency and a second impedance pole at a second magnetic resonance frequency different from the first magnetic resonance frequency.