Wireless Detuning Circuit for MRI Reception Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing detuning systems for magnetic resonance reception antennas in local coils require a complex and error-prone cable bundle for control signal transmission, which can lead to mechanical defects and is cumbersome due to the need for wired connections.

Innovation Solution

A wireless detuning arrangement for magnetic resonance reception antennas, utilizing a switchable detuning circuit that receives a radio-frequency control signal outside the examination bandwidth, allowing for active detuning without wired control signals, thus eliminating the need for cable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wired detuning system is used to control the reception antenna, then the detuning function is reliable, but the cable bundle becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetuning function reliabilityVSAvoidcable bundle complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based control system with a wireless electromagnetic signal system. The detuning control signals are transmitted wirelessly from the control unit to the detuning circuit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable detuning functionality. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical complexity of cable bundles while preserving the reliability of the detuning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the control signal transmission function from the physical cable bundle and implements it through wireless electromagnetic communication. By separating the control signal transmission from the physical connection medium, the system eliminates the cable bundle complexity while maintaining the essential detuning control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a cable bundle is used for control signal transmission, then the detuning circuit can be controlled, but mechanical defects occur due to cable movement and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetuning control capabilityVSAvoidcable connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic signal transmission system. The control unit communicates with the detuning circuit through wireless signals, eliminating physical cables and their associated mechanical vulnerabilities. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation (detuning control) while eliminating mechanical defects caused by cable movement and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If wired connections are used for control signals, then the detuning function is precise, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetuning precisionVSAvoidcable management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable management system with wireless electromagnetic signal transmission. The control unit sends detuning commands wirelessly to the reception antenna, maintaining precise detuning control while eliminating the cumbersome cable management requirements. This resolves the contradiction by preserving detuning precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces the risk of mechanical errors and simplifies the cable management by enabling wireless transmission of magnetic resonance signals, making the detuning process less prone to errors and more manageable.

Implementation Method 1

A reception device to receive a control signal is coupled with the oscillating circuit, and the reception device switches the oscillating circuit into a high-resistance state when a control signal is received

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8085048B2Arrangement to detune a reception antenna in a local coil

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

An arrangement to detune a reception antenna in a local coil of a magnetic resonance system, with at least one reception antenna that is fashioned as a loop antenna and that has at least one first capacitance. Radio-frequency signals of a magnetic resonance examination are received via the reception antenna. A switchable detuning circuit contains the first capacitance connected to an oscillating circuit and a first inductance. A reception device to receive a control signal is coupled with the oscillating circuit. The reception device switches the oscillating circuit into a high-resistance state given a received control signal so that a receipt of a radio-frequency signal via the reception antenna is prevented. The reception device is fashioned to receive a wirelessly transmitted radio-frequency control signal. The radio-frequency control signal has a frequency that lies outside of the bandwidth of the radio-frequency signal used for magnetic resonance examination.