RF Coil Status Acquisition via Magnetic Sensors in MRI Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual attachment of local RF coils in magnetic resonance devices is prone to errors, leading to potential damage and increased costs due to incorrect positioning or incomplete attachment, which can result in measurement failures and downtime.

Innovation Solution

A status acquisition device is integrated with RF coils, featuring a status acquisition unit that includes magnetic field sensors and a connection status acquisition unit, generating output signals to alert operators of critical situations, such as incorrect positioning or disconnection, using a combination of sensors like reed contacts, Hall sensors, and induction coils, and an energy storage device for power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual attachment of local RF coils is used, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but reliability and error rate deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic detection systems that provide real-time feedback on coil attachment status, connection integrity, and positioning accuracy. Sensors monitor whether coils are properly attached and connected, alerting operators to errors before they cause damage or measurement failures, thus resolving the reliability issue while preserving manual flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification of coil attachment and connection status without requiring manual checking. The automatic detection mechanisms independently monitor the coil state, reducing reliance on human operators and eliminating errors associated with manual attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual attachment of local RF coils is used, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic checks of coil attachment and connection status before measurements begin. This preliminary verification prevents later detection of errors that would require time-consuming reattachment or troubleshooting, thus reducing overall downtime while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time feedback on attachment status enables immediate correction of errors during the setup phase, preventing prolonged downtime. The system continuously monitors and alerts operators to issues before they impact the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If RFID tags or radio-frequency transponders are implemented for coil detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs magnetic field sensors as intermediaries to detect coil presence and status without requiring complex RFID or transponder systems. These sensors act as a simpler intermediary that provides sufficient detection capability while avoiding the added complexity and cost of more sophisticated technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex electronic identification systems (RFID, transponders) with simpler magnetic field sensing mechanisms. This substitution achieves the necessary reliability for coil detection while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.

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

The device ensures accurate and reliable RF coil status monitoring, reducing errors and downtime by providing timely alerts and energy-efficient operation, enhancing the safety and efficiency of magnetic resonance device operations.

Implementation Method 1

The status acquisition unit includes at least one magnetic field sensor which is configured to acquire at least one magnetic field characteristic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

using a combination of sensors like reed contacts, Hall sensors, and induction coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 3

using a combination of sensors like reed contacts, Hall sensors, and induction coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10241164B2Status acquisition of a RF coil on or in a magnetic resonance device

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A device and a method are provided for status acquisition of a RF coil on or in a magnetic resonance device. The device may be arranged on the RF coil and comprises a status acquisition unit. The status unit is configured to acquire a status of the RF coil and to generate a status-dependent output signal.