Stacked MRI Surface Coil Arrangement for Depth SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency devices for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suffer from low depth signal-to-noise ratios and poor parallel imaging capabilities in the anterior-posterior direction, leading to suboptimal image quality due to the small size of surface coil units and limited coverage area.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency device with a surface coil configuration that includes a stacked arrangement of first and second coil assemblies, where the second coil assembly is partially overlapped with the first coil assembly, enhancing signal-to-noise ratios and parallel imaging capabilities by improving the relative positioning and mechanical connection of coil units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coil arrays are used simultaneously to meet varying clinical needs, then parallel imaging capabilities and coverage area are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface coil is divided into multiple independent coil units (first coil units and second coil units) that can be arranged in different configurations. Each coil unit can be independently controlled and imaged, enabling parallel imaging capabilities while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stacked configuration where second coil units are positioned above the first coil units in a vertical dimension. This adds a third dimension (depth) to the traditional planar coil arrangement, improving coverage area and parallel imaging capabilities without significantly increasing lateral device complexity
2Measurement precision
If surface coil units are made smaller to improve resolution, then image quality improves, but coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second coil units are positioned in a stacked configuration above the first coil units, creating a nested-like structure where smaller, high-resolution coil units are placed in the depth dimension. This allows multiple high-resolution units to cover a larger overall area without requiring each individual unit to be large
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement, the patent enables smaller coil units to contribute to a larger effective coverage area. The vertical stacking allows the system to maintain high resolution through smaller units while achieving extended coverage through the added depth dimension
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 solution significantly improves the depth signal-to-noise ratio and parallel imaging capabilities in the anterior-posterior direction, resulting in higher image quality and increased coverage area during MRI scans.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency device may implement radio frequency excitation and receive a magnetic resonance signal during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a radio frequency device and a magnetic resonance device. The radio frequency device may include a surface coil including at least one coil assembly. The at least one coil assembly may include a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly. The first coil assembly may include at least two first coil units arranged in an array. The second coil assembly may include at least one second coil unit. The first coil assembly and the second coil assembly may be arranged in a stacked configuration.