Separable Spine Coil for Extended Feet-First MRI Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spine coils used in magnetic resonance imaging are cumbersome and difficult to handle when positioned on a patient table, especially in feet-first orientation, due to their typical length of approximately 120 cm, which limits coverage to the lower spine region and complicates handling.
Innovation Solution
A spine coil is designed with multiple separable parts that can be positioned separately on a patient table, allowing for easy handling and extended coverage along the patient's spine, with each part having a plug-in connection for mechanical stability and signal transmission, and a switching matrix for efficient signal routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the spine coil length is increased to cover the entire spine in feet-first orientation, then the coverage area is improved, but the handling difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spine coil is divided into multiple separable parts (e.g., two or three parts) that can be handled independently. Each part has a manageable length that facilitates easy positioning on the patient table, while collectively they provide extended coverage along the patient's spine when assembled together.
2Area of stationary object
If the spine coil is made as a single long unit, then the coverage is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is segmented into multiple independent parts with standardized interfaces. Each part contains necessary coil elements and connection components, allowing modular assembly that extends coverage without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple parts are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can be assembled in different configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same parts to serve both as individual coils and as a combined extended coil system.
3Ease of operation
If the spine coil is divided into multiple parts, then the handling ease is improved, but the connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spine coil is divided into multiple parts with standardized interfaces designed for simple connection. Each interface includes mechanical coupling elements and electrical contacts that automatically align and connect when parts are brought together, minimizing connection complexity despite having multiple parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A spine coil, a system having a patient table and the spine coil, and a magnetic resonance apparatus are provided. The spine coil includes multiple parts that may be arranged separately from one another on the patient table of the magnetic resonance apparatus.