Rotatable RF Coil Cable Connector for MRI Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing RF coils in MRI systems face challenges due to rigid cables that limit movement and flexibility, making them inconvenient for use, especially as the number of transmission channels increases, leading to a larger outer diameter and reduced space for movement between the cable and the RF coil.
Innovation Solution
A RF coil assembly with a cable connector that includes a rotatable device allowing the cable to pivot or swing between 0° and 90°, enabling multi-directional flexibility and ease of use, while the inner wires are exposed and connected to the coil elements, providing improved strain relief and reduced rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of transmission channels in the cable is increased, then the cable can support more coil elements, but the outer diameter of the cable increases and it becomes more rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector is divided into multiple independent inner wires (first inner wire, second inner wire, third inner wire, fourth inner wire) instead of a single solid cable structure. This segmentation allows each wire to flex independently, maintaining overall flexibility even as the number of transmission channels increases. The segmented structure enables the cable to bend and rotate more easily while still providing multiple transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connector is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to rotate relative to the coil assembly. This dynamic feature enables the cable to adapt its orientation and absorb mechanical stress through rotation, preventing the rigidity that would otherwise result from having multiple transmission channels in a fixed configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable is fixed rigidly to the RF coil, then the connection is stable, but the movement space between the cable and RF coil is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector incorporates a rotational mechanism that allows it to rotate relative to the coil assembly while maintaining electrical connection. This dynamic connection provides both stability (through maintained contact) and movement freedom (through rotational capability), resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and movement space.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cable connector have different properties: the inner wires maintain stable electrical contact with the coil elements, while the outer cable structure allows rotation and movement. This local differentiation of qualities enables simultaneous stability and flexibility in different functional areas of the same component.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly. The RF coil assembly includes one or more coil elements arranged on a shell, a cable connector electrically connected to the coil elements, the cable connector including a number of inner wires enclosed with an outer insulative jacket, and the cable having a first end connect to a connector and a second end rotatably connected with the shell, and the inner wires exposed outwardly of the outer insulative jacket of the second end of the cable and electrically connected to the coil elements.