RF Coil T-Shaped Connector for Eddy Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF coils in magnetic resonance examination systems suffer from high eddy current generation and local RF heating due to gradient switching, which can lead to overheating and image degradation, and require costly and complex capacitor arrangements for capacitive coupling.
Innovation Solution
The RF coil design incorporates a T-shaped connector with overlapping axial and circumferential electrical conducting segments, forming a distributed capacitive coupling that reduces eddy currents and local heating by distributing current across multiple paths, eliminating the need for discrete capacitors and improving electromagnetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If distributed capacitive coupling is used in the T-shaped connector, then eddy current generation and local RF heating are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for precise overlapping conductive segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of electrical connection and capacitive coupling into a single integrated T-shaped connector structure. The overlapping conductive segments perform both mechanical connection and capacitive coupling functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate capacitive elements and reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated conductor geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/layering) by creating overlapping conductive segments that extend in multiple spatial dimensions. This allows capacitive coupling to be achieved through vertical and lateral overlapping rather than requiring separate planar capacitor components, thereby reducing component count while achieving the desired electromagnetic effect.
2Ease of manufacture
If overlapping conductive segments are used for capacitive coupling, then discrete capacitors are eliminated simplifying manufacture, but the conductor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitor function directly into the conductor structure itself. The overlapping segments of the T-shaped connector serve dual purposes: providing electrical continuity and creating capacitive coupling. This integration eliminates the need for separate capacitor components and their associated mounting, soldering, and alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor structure serves itself by using its own geometric configuration (overlapping segments) to provide the capacitive coupling function. The conductive material simultaneously performs its primary function of current conduction and its secondary function of capacitive energy storage, making the structure self-sufficient and eliminating external capacitor components.
3Reliability
If larger overlapping conductive area is used, then capacitive coupling is improved, but susceptibility to eddy currents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conductive path into multiple segmented overlapping sections rather than using a single large continuous conductor. This segmentation maintains adequate capacitive coupling through the distributed overlapping areas while breaking up large continuous conductive loops that would support strong eddy currents, thereby reducing eddy current susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the conductor structure. The overlapping segments are designed with specific local geometries that optimize capacitive coupling in those regions, while the overall conductor path is configured to minimize eddy current loops. This local optimization allows high capacitive coupling where needed while maintaining low eddy current susceptibility in other regions.
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 design effectively suppresses eddy currents and reduces local RF heating, enhancing gradient field decoupling and RF performance while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
distributed capacitive coupling is formed by the overlapping regions of the sets of electrical conducting segments
Implementation Method 2
suppresses eddy current generation due to gradient switching in the magnetic resonance examination system
Implementation Method 3
The RF fields and the gradient magnetic fields manipulate nuclear spins so as the generated magnetic resonance signals
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) coil comprises a lay-out of electrical conductors including several axial rung 11s and several circumferential rings (12), in which at least one of the rung 11s is coupled with at least one of the rings by a T-shaped connector. The T-shaped connector includes a distributed capacitive coupling between the ring (12) and the rung (11).