Wireless Magnetic Resonance Coil Eliminates Cable Encumbrance

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance coils with multiple channels require numerous cables for RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines, leading to reduced ease of use, flexibility, and ergonomics, as well as signal losses due to long cables.

Innovation Solution

A wirelessly coupled magnetic resonance coil that uses wireless communication protocols to eliminate the need for physical cables, allowing for RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines to be transmitted wirelessly, enabling flexible placement and potential implantation without wires or optical fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple cables are used to connect RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines, then the coil can be electrically connected to driver and receiver circuits, but the ease of use, flexibility, and ergonomics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The coil includes wireless communication circuitry that enables RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines to be transmitted wirelessly to the driver and receiver circuits, eliminating the need for physical cables and their associated encumbrances while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the coil and the external systems. The wireless communication circuitry acts as a mediator that transfers signals, power, and control data without requiring direct physical connections, thereby solving the contradiction between maintaining electrical connection and improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple cables are used to connect RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines, then the coil can be electrically connected to driver and receiver circuits, but the flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The coil includes wireless communication circuitry that enables RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines to be transmitted wirelessly to the driver and receiver circuits, eliminating the need for physical cables and their associated encumbrances while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If long cables are used to connect the coil, then the coil can be electrically connected to driver and receiver circuits, but signal losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidsignal losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The coil includes wireless communication circuitry that enables RF signal, power, control, and monitoring lines to be transmitted wirelessly to the driver and receiver circuits, eliminating the need for physical cables and their associated encumbrances while maintaining electrical connectivity.

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

The wireless coil enhances ease of use, flexibility, and ergonomics by reducing cable encumbrance, improving signal quality, and enabling prolonged use or implantation for biomedical and other MR applications.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic resonance coil configured for wireless communication with a remote transceiver element coupled to a magnetic resonance system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9568572B2Bandage or garment combined with a wirelessly coupled magnetic resonance coil

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

AI summary

This document discusses, among other things, a radio frequency magnetic coil is coupled to a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit allows control or monitoring of individual channels or other functions of a coil.