RF Coil Assembly Decoupling via Series-Connected Opposing Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MRI RF coil assemblies, especially those in cylindrical shapes, existing technologies require connecting and disconnecting electric paths at decoupling portions, which is cumbersome and inefficient for enhancing the filling factor and facilitating mounting and dismounting.
Innovation Solution
The RF coil assembly incorporates a phased array configuration with adjacent coil loops and decoupling means that cancel electromagnetic coupling between adjacent loops, allowing for decoupling without the need to connect or disconnect electric paths by using coils connected in series across boundaries, forming pairs that oppose each other to cancel mutual induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the RF coil assembly is decoupled at anterior and posterior directions to enhance filling factor and facilitate mounting and dismounting, then the filling factor is improved and mounting/dismounting is facilitated, but the electric path including decoupling means must be connected and disconnected at decoupling portions which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil assembly is divided into multiple coil loops arranged in a phased array, with decoupling means positioned between adjacent loops. This segmentation allows the coil assembly to be separated into modular sections while maintaining electrical continuity through the series-connected decoupling coils, eliminating the need to connect and disconnect electric paths during mounting and dismounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling means is integrated into the electric path by connecting decoupling coils in series with the coil loops. This merging of the decoupling function into the existing electrical circuit allows the decoupling mechanism to operate without requiring separate connection and disconnection of electric paths, simplifying the mounting and dismounting process while maintaining electrical continuity.
2Reliability
If decoupling means is provided between adjacent RF coils to prevent magnetic coupling, then magnetic coupling is prevented, but the electric path must be connected and disconnected at decoupling portions
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling means is segmented into multiple decoupling coils positioned between adjacent coil loops in the phased array. Each decoupling coil is associated with specific adjacent loops and is connected in series to them, allowing magnetic coupling prevention at each boundary while maintaining continuous electrical paths throughout the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling coils serve as intermediary elements between adjacent coil loops. These intermediary coils are connected in series to both adjacent loops and create opposing magnetic fields that cancel mutual induction, preventing magnetic coupling while maintaining electrical continuity without requiring connection and disconnection of electric paths.
3Reliability
If multiple decoupling means are provided for multiple boundaries in a phased array, then electromagnetic coupling is canceled at each boundary, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array is segmented into multiple coil loops with decoupling means positioned at each boundary where electromagnetic coupling needs to be canceled. Each decoupling means consists of coils connected in series to adjacent coil loops, creating a modular structure where the same decoupling principle is applied consistently across all boundaries, simplifying the overall configuration despite the multiple boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The same decoupling coil structure is used universally at all boundaries between adjacent coil loops in the phased array. Each decoupling means performs the same function of canceling electromagnetic coupling through series connection to adjacent loops, creating a standardized, repeatable configuration that reduces design complexity while maintaining effectiveness across multiple boundaries.
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 eliminates the need for connecting and disconnecting electric paths during decoupling and coupling of RF coil assemblies, simplifying the process and enhancing ease of use while maintaining effective electromagnetic decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of decoupling means that cancel electromagnetic coupling between adjacent coil loops
Implementation Method 2
two coils that are connected in series to the two coil loops and are opposed to each other across the boundary and form a pair of coils for decoupling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide an RF coil assembly capable of eliminating the need for connecting and disconnecting an electric path at decoupling portions and is an RF coil assembly including: a plurality of coil loops that are adjacent to each other in sequence and construct a phased array; and a plurality of decoupling device that cancel electromagnetic coupling between adjacent coil loops, respectively, wherein at least two of the plurality of coil loops are two coil loops that are adjacent to each other across a boundary where they can be decoupled from each other, and wherein at least one of the plurality of decoupling device is two coils that are connected in series to the two coil loops, respectively, and are opposed to each other across the boundary and form a pair of coils for decoupling.