Segmented MRI RF Coil Assembly for Simpler Birdcage-Free Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Birdcage coils used in MRI systems have complex structures, leading to increased costs and potentially complicating design and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency coil with a simplified structure comprising arc-shaped conductors arranged in specific configurations and excited states, with or without rung conductors, and utilizing baluns or excitation sources for current application, to facilitate mounting and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If birdcage coils are used in MRI systems, then effective RF field generation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil is divided into multiple independent arc-shaped conductor segments arranged around the imaging bore. Each arc-shaped conductor can be independently positioned and connected to excitation sources, allowing the complex RF field generation task to be segmented into simpler individual conductor functions while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
2Reliability
If birdcage coils are used in MRI systems, then effective RF field generation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simpler arc-shaped conductor designs that can be manufactured more economically than traditional birdcage coils. These conductors are positioned independently and can be replaced or adjusted more easily, reducing both initial manufacturing costs and long-term maintenance expenses while maintaining RF field generation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If birdcage coils are used in MRI systems, then effective RF field generation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped conductors are designed to be independently positionable and adjustable within the imaging bore. This dynamic positioning capability allows operators to optimize the coil configuration for different imaging scenarios and makes mounting and adjustment more convenient compared to fixed birdcage coil structures.
4Reliability
If birdcage coils are used in MRI systems, then effective RF field generation is achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented arc-shaped conductor design allows individual conductors to be accessed, removed, or replaced independently without affecting the entire coil assembly. This modular approach significantly simplifies maintenance and repair operations compared to traditional birdcage coils where a fault in one component can affect the entire structure.
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 simplified RF coil design reduces complexity and costs while maintaining effective RF field generation, comparable to traditional birdcage coils, with improved ease of assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly is then used to generate pulses having RF energy at or near resonance frequencies of the hydrogen nuclei. The pulses having RF energy are absorbed by the hydrogen nuclei, adding energy to a nuclear spin system
Implementation Method 2
generate pulses having RF energy at or near resonance frequencies of the hydrogen nuclei. The pulses having RF energy are absorbed by the hydrogen nuclei, adding energy to a nuclear spin system and conditioning the hydrogen nuclei from a rest state to an excited state
Implementation Method 3
When the hydrogen nuclei relax from the excited state back to the rest state, they release absorbed energy in the form of an RF signal. The signal is detected by the MRI system and transformed into an image
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency coil and a resonance assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system are provided. The radio frequency coil has a first end and a second end in an axial direction, the radio frequency coil including: a first conductor portion at the first end, the first conductor portion including a first arc-shaped conductor and a second arc-shaped conductor opposed in a radial direction; and a second conductor portion at the second end; the second conductor portion including a third arc-shaped conductor and a fourth arc-shaped conductor opposed in the radial direction; wherein the first arc-shaped conductor and the third arc-shaped conductor are opposed in the axial direction, and the second arc-shaped conductor and the fourth arc-shaped conductor are opposed in the axial direction, and there are no rung conductors directly connected between the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion.