RF Coil Storage Device Failure Detection via Index Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Local RF coil devices in MRI systems are prone to failures due to mechanical vibrations and exposure to high electric power, making it difficult to detect faults early, which can lead to wasted time and resources when they are not immediately detected before imaging.
Innovation Solution
An RF coil storage device with processing circuitry that acquires an index signal from the RF coil device to determine its presence or failure, including inspections of identification information, trap circuit operation, frequency characteristics, and rechargeable battery condition, allowing for early detection of faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If local RF coil devices are used for MRI imaging, then imaging quality is improved by placing the coil close to the object, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to mechanical vibration and high electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary failure detection by equipping the RF coil device with a failure detection unit that continuously monitors for failures before they occur during imaging. This allows the system to detect potential failures in advance and prevent unsuccessful imaging procedures, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliability without compromising imaging quality.
2Reliability
If failure detection is performed continuously, then reliability is improved by early detection, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic failure detection by configuring the failure detection unit to detect failures at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring approach maintains reliable failure detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
3Reliability
If failure detection is performed during imaging, then reliability is improved, but time is lost due to interruption of imaging procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs failure detection in advance of the imaging procedure by monitoring the RF coil device before imaging begins. The failure detection unit detects potential failures during non-imaging periods, allowing the system to confirm device readiness without interrupting the imaging procedure, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding time loss.
4Reliability
If comprehensive inspection is performed on RF coil device, then reliability is improved by detecting all failure modes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the failure detection functionality from the main imaging system by implementing a separate, dedicated failure detection unit. This modular approach allows comprehensive inspection of multiple failure modes without increasing the complexity of the core imaging system, as the detection functions are isolated in a dedicated component that can operate independently.
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 early detection of RF coil device failures, preventing unsuccessful MRI procedures and reducing operational burdens by performing inspections during non-operational times, thus minimizing waste and ensuring timely maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an RF magnetic field generator configured to radiate an RF magnetic field to a space
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an RF coil storage device stores an RF coil device which receives a magnetic resonance signal from an object with a coil element in magnetic resonance imaging. This RF coil storage device includes a storage rack on which the RF coil device is placed, and processing circuitry configured to acquire an index signal which is used for determining presence/absence of a failure, from the RF coil device placed on the storage rack.