Stretchable RF Coil for MRI Anatomical Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI RF coils are bulky, rigid, and inflexible, which limits their ability to efficiently couple with patient anatomy, leading to suboptimal imaging and discomfort, and requires non-ideal sizing and positioning to avoid coil interactions that degrade image quality.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and stretchable RF coil assembly with distributed capacitance conductors and minimized electronic components, allowing the coils to deform and conform to anatomy, reducing material usage and weight, and incorporating a pre-amplifier with low input impedance for improved signal-to-noise ratio and imaging acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RF coils are used with fixed positioning and rigid structure, then coil stability and electrical connection are maintained, but anatomical coupling efficiency and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coil assembly flexible and stretchable, allowing it to adapt its shape and size to conform to different anatomical regions. The coil can dynamically adjust its configuration to maintain optimal coupling with the patient's body while preserving electrical connections through the stretchable substrate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements flexible shells and thin films by using a stretchable substrate that allows the coil assembly to bend and conform to curved anatomical surfaces. This flexible base enables the coil to adapt to various body contours while maintaining structural integrity and electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If conventional RF coils with lumped capacitive and inductive components are used, then electrical performance is achieved, but coil bulkiness and rigidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing traditional lumped capacitive and inductive components from the coil design. Instead, it uses distributed capacitance and inductance inherent in the conductive traces and substrate structure, eliminating bulky discrete components while maintaining the necessary electrical performance for RF operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by transitioning from lumped element values to distributed parameters throughout the coil structure. The capacitance and inductance are distributed along the conductive paths rather than concentrated in discrete components, enabling a more compact and flexible design that maintains the required electrical characteristics.
3Reliability
If RF coils are sized and positioned to avoid coil-to-coil interactions, then image quality is maintained, but anatomical coverage and imaging acceleration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coil assembly into multiple independent coil elements that can be closely spaced without causing harmful interactions. Each coil element is electrically isolated yet physically proximate, allowing dense packing to maximize anatomical coverage while maintaining image quality through reduced coil-to-coil coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the stretchable substrate as an intermediary that electrically isolates adjacent coil elements while allowing them to be positioned in close proximity. This intermediary structure enables dense coil packing for enhanced anatomical coverage and imaging acceleration without the harmful interactions that would otherwise degrade image quality.
4Strength
If conventional RF coil materials and construction are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but material usage and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements composite materials by combining flexible substrates with conductive traces and encapsulating layers to create a lightweight yet structurally sound coil assembly. This composite construction uses minimal materials while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for withstanding MRI scanning conditions and repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable approach by designing a coil assembly that can be manufactured at low cost using simple materials and processes. The simplified construction without complex electronics or rigid components enables economical production, allowing the coil to be discarded after limited use while maintaining performance during its service life.
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 flexible RF coil assembly provides enhanced anatomical coverage, reduced material and production costs, and improved patient comfort by conforming to varying anatomy sizes and shapes, while maintaining high imaging quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The distributed capacitance conductors comprise two parallel stranded wire conductors encapsulated and separated by a dielectric material
Implementation Method 2
two parallel stranded wire conductors encapsulated and separated by a dielectric material
Data Source
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AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for a flexible, lightweight and low- cost stretchable radio frequency (RF) coil of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. In one example, a RF coil assembly for a MRI system includes a loop portion comprising distributed capacitance conductor wires, a coupling electronics portion including a pre-amplifier; and a stretchable material to which the loop portion and coupling electronics portion are attached and/or enclosed therein.