Transparent RF Shield for Open MRI Second Modality Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing whole-body coil arrangements in open magnetic resonance scanners hinder the integration of a second diagnostic or therapeutic modality due to their radio-frequency shielding, which restricts patient access and interferes with the performance of both modalities.
Innovation Solution
The whole-body coil arrangement is designed to be partially or completely transparent to the second modality, allowing electromagnetic or particle radiation to penetrate while maintaining radio-frequency shielding by using thin metal layers or fine-meshed grids, ensuring homogenous attenuation and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radio-frequency shield is used in the whole-body coil arrangement, then shielding properties are improved, but access to the patient by a second modality is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a fine-meshed grid structure as the radio-frequency shield in the whole-body coil arrangement. This grid allows electromagnetic radiation from a second modality (such as X-rays or particle beams) to penetrate through the shield to reach the patient, while still maintaining effective radio-frequency shielding for the MRI system. The mesh geometry creates pores that are small enough to block RF wavelengths but large enough to allow transmission of higher-energy radiation used in other diagnostic or therapeutic modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the fine-meshed grid with the coil conductor system. The grid is integrated into the birdcage coil structure, creating a composite arrangement where the grid serves dual purposes: maintaining RF shielding while allowing penetration of second-modality radiation. This composite approach enables the coil arrangement to simultaneously support both MRI and second modality operations without requiring separate shielding systems.
2Ease of operation
If the whole-body coil arrangement is made transparent to the second modality, then access to the patient is improved, but radio-frequency shielding properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fine-meshed grid creates a porous structure that is effectively transparent to the wavelengths of radiation used by the second modality (such as X-rays or particle beams), allowing these radiation types to pass through to treat or diagnose the patient. Simultaneously, the mesh dimensions are designed to maintain electrical continuity for RF frequencies, preserving the shielding properties needed for MRI operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fine-meshed grid is used for the radio-frequency shield, then transparency to the second modality is improved, but mechanical stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fine-meshed grid is implemented as a flexible, thin-film structure that can be integrated into the birdcage coil framework. The grid pattern provides sufficient mechanical reinforcement while maintaining transparency to second-modality radiation. The flexible nature of the thin-film grid allows it to conform to the cylindrical coil structure while providing the necessary mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the fine-meshed grid with the rigid birdcage coil structure creates a composite system where the grid provides RF shielding and radiation transparency while the underlying coil structure provides mechanical support. This composite approach allows the use of a delicate mesh pattern without compromising overall structural integrity.
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
This design enables the simultaneous use of a second modality without disrupting the magnetic resonance scanner's performance, maintaining field homogeneity and robustness, and allowing for flexible coil configurations suitable for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-frequency shield (6) which essentially prevents, or at least severely restricts, the integration of a second modality
Implementation Method 2
allowing electromagnetic or particle radiation to penetrate while maintaining radio-frequency shielding
Implementation Method 3
open magnetic resonance scanner... maintaining field homogeneity and robustness
Data Source
AI summary
A whole-body coil arrangement for an open magnetic resonance scanner for use with a second diagnostic and/or therapeutic modality is proposed. The whole-body coil arrangement includes at least one coil conductor and a radio-frequency shield. The whole-body coil arrangement is embodied at least in part as essentially transparent to the second modality.