RF Coil for MR Imaging with Uniform X-Ray Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI RF coils interfere with X-Ray images when used in dual imaging systems, requiring them to be removed or placed outside the radiation path, which degrades MRI performance or introduces artifacts, and existing solutions like using aluminum for transmissive coil sections compromise MR imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
An RF coil design with a support board and conductive traces that maintain constant attenuation of penetrating electromagnetic radiation throughout the field of view, using materials like copper and non-conductive materials with varying thicknesses to ensure uniform attenuation and minimize artifacts, with components like capacitors and fuses integrated to match the attenuation of conductive traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional copper RF coils are used in dual imaging systems, then MRI imaging quality is maintained, but the coils become visible in X-Ray images and introduce artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the RF coil from conventional copper to aluminum, which has different X-ray attenuation properties. This material substitution makes the coil substantially transparent to X-ray radiation, eliminating visibility and artifacts in X-Ray images while maintaining MRI functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining aluminum conductive traces with a non-conductive support board material. This composite design achieves the desired X-ray transparency while providing structural support and electrical conductivity for MRI operations
2Object-generated harmful factors
If aluminum RF coils are used to make the coil transparent to X-Ray, then artifacts in X-Ray images are reduced, but MR imaging performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using aluminum specifically for the conductive traces that need to be transparent to X-rays, while the support board material provides structural support. This localized application of aluminum maintains MRI performance by preserving the necessary electrical properties for RF coil operation while achieving X-ray transparency
3Object-generated harmful factors
If RF coils are placed outside the radiation path to avoid visibility, then X-Ray image quality is maintained, but MRI performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by using aluminum material as a mediator between the RF coil functionality and X-ray transparency requirements. The aluminum traces act as an intermediary that allows the coil to remain in the radiation path while being transparent to X-rays, eliminating the need to move the coil outside the field of view
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 RF coil to remain in the field of view during X-Ray imaging without introducing visible artifacts, maintaining consistent image quality and allowing for simultaneous MRI and X-Ray imaging without compromising either modality.
Implementation Method 1
the support board is formed from a non-conductive material in the field of view which has a thickness T1 at locations on the board spaced from the traces selected such that an attenuation of the penetrating electromagnetic radiation at those locations is substantially equal to the attenuation at the conductive traces
Implementation Method 2
an attenuation of the penetrating electromagnetic radiation of substantially the whole of the RF coil located within the field of view is substantially constant throughout the field of view
Data Source
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AI summary
An RF coil used for MR imaging is designed so that it remains in place in the field of view of an X-Ray imaging system and comprises a support board on which copper conductive traces and copper printed capacitors are carried. The attenuation of the X-Rays caused by the copper traces is visible in the radiation image but this is compensated by arranging the non-conductive material of the support board such that the attenuation of substantially the whole of the RF coil located within the field of view is substantially constant throughout the field of view.