Universal RF Coil Stand Assembly with Sliding Groove and Spring Pin

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current MRI systems require dedicated stands for each type of RF coil, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs when switching between different RF coil types.

Innovation Solution

A universal stand assembly for RF coils featuring a base, slide carriage, and connection assembly with sliding grooves and spring pins, allowing for quick and convenient attachment and detachment of various RF coil types, reducing the need for multiple stands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated stand is used for each type of RF coil, then the RF coil can be securely mounted and positioned, but the system complexity increases and costs increase when multiple RF coil types are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand assembly is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate multiple types of RF coils through a standardized mounting mechanism. The connection assembly includes a connecting member with a slide groove and slider that can interface with different RF coil types, allowing a single stand to perform multiple functions rather than requiring dedicated stands for each coil type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The stand assembly is divided into separable components including a base, slide carriage, and connection assembly. The connection assembly itself is segmented into a first connecting member and second connecting member that can be easily attached and detached. This segmentation allows the same base and slide carriage to support different RF coils while maintaining secure mounting through the modular connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a dedicated stand is used for each type of RF coil, then the RF coil can be securely mounted, but the time and cost increase when switching between different RF coil types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism with grooves and sliders that enables dynamic adjustment and quick repositioning of RF coils. The slide carriage can move along the base, and the connection members can be quickly attached and detached, allowing rapid switching between different RF coil types while maintaining secure mounting during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stand assembly is pre-configured with standardized connection interfaces and positioning features. The slide groove and slider are pre-positioned to accommodate various RF coil types, so when switching coils, the operator only needs to attach the new coil to the pre-prepared connection interface rather than reconfiguring the entire mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple dedicated stands are used for different RF coil types, then each RF coil type can be optimized for its specific stand, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimized mountingVSAvoidnumber of stands
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single stand assembly with universal connection interfaces can mount multiple types of RF coils, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain multiple dedicated stands. The standardized connection assembly and slide carriage design allow one stand to replace several specialized stands while maintaining reliable mounting for each coil type.

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

4Device complexity

If a universal stand design is used for multiple RF coil types, then the system complexity and costs decrease, but the positioning precision and adjustment capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly uses a sliding mechanism with grooves and spring pins instead of complex mechanical fastening systems. The spring pin automatically engages with the slide groove to provide precise positioning, while the sliding action allows for fine adjustment. This mechanical substitution maintains positioning precision while simplifying the overall system compared to multiple dedicated stands with specialized mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the use of a single stand assembly for multiple RF coil types, enhancing convenience and reducing costs by facilitating easy installation and removal of RF coils, while maintaining precise positioning and adjustment capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A first spring pin is disposed at the first slider. When the first slider slides in the first slide groove, the first spring pin presses against the bottom face of the first slide groove, and when the first slider slides to the preset position, the first spring pin extends into the first depression and fixes a relative position of the first slider in the first slide groove.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

multiple second depressions are formed on an inner surface of the cavity, the second depressions being arranged in the first direction. The slide carriage further has a second spring pin. When the slide carriage slides in the cavity, the second spring pin presses against an inner surface of the cavity and can slide into the second depressions so as to fix a relative position of the slide carriage in the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10890635B2Stand assembly for RF coil, RF coil assembly and magnetic resonance imaging system
Publication Date: 2021.01.12 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US10890635B2 patent drawing
  • US10890635B2 patent drawing
  • US10890635B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stand assembly for an RF coil has a base, a slide carriage and a connection assembly. The slide carriage is slidably disposed on the base. The connection assembly comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member. A first slide groove is formed in the first connecting member. The second connecting member comprises a first slider, the first slider being slidable along the first slide groove in a sliding direction and fixable at a preset position. One of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is in fixed connection with the slide carriage, and the other is in fixed connection with the RF coil. The stand is capable of being used universally for multiple types of RF coils.