RF Coil B1 Field Uniformity via Auxiliary Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing RF coil structures for MRI systems face challenges in maintaining uniformity of the B1 magnetic field due to varying distances between the RF coil and the test object, leading to irregularities in the B1 magnetic field strength, which deteriorates the quality of MRI images.
Innovation Solution
The proposed RF coil structure includes a main loop coil and an auxiliary loop coil forming an angle, with the auxiliary coil arranged between and parallel to the main loop coil's electric conductors, allowing for improved uniformity of the B1 magnetic field by adjusting the magnetic field strength based on the distance from the test object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single RF coil is used to generate the B1 magnetic field, then the device complexity is low, but the uniformity of the B1 magnetic field deteriorates when the distance to the test object varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single RF coil into two separate loop coils: a main loop coil and an auxiliary loop coil. Each coil can be independently controlled and positioned at different distances from the test object. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low overall complexity while achieving improved B1 magnetic field uniformity through coordinated operation of the two coils.
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between the RF coil and the test object is increased, then the coverage area is improved, but the strength of the B1 magnetic field decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system (main loop coil and auxiliary loop coil) to have different characteristics and positions. The auxiliary loop coil can be positioned closer to the test object to provide stronger magnetic field in specific regions, while the main loop coil provides broader coverage. This enables the system to achieve both extended coverage area and maintained magnetic field strength through spatial differentiation.
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 configuration effectively reduces irregularities in the B1 magnetic field and simplifies the RF coil configuration by using a single RF source for both the main and auxiliary loop coils, enhancing image quality by maintaining consistent magnetic field strength across varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
a main loop coil having a first electric conductor and a second electric conductor, which are arranged parallel to a B0 magnetic field direction, and a first auxiliary loop coil having a third electric conductor and a fourth electric conductor, which are arranged parallel to the first electric conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An RF coil structure used for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a main loop coil having a first electric conductor and a second electric conductor facing the first electric conductor, and an auxiliary loop coil forming an angle α with the main loop coil and having a third electric conductor and a fourth electric conductor facing the third electric conductor between the first electric conductor and the second electric conductor.