Wireless MR Receive Coil via Inductive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MR imaging volume coils face limitations such as limited channel numbers, large and cumbersome cable bundles, complex assembly requirements, patient positioning issues, and safety concerns due to inflexible designs and potential skin-to-cable contact, which hinder image quality and workflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cable-less volume coil design that uses inductive coupling with the built-in body coil, featuring passive decoupling and addressable switches to prevent interference during the transmit stage, allowing for efficient signal transfer without wired cables and reducing coil size and weight, thereby improving image quality and patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional volume coils with multiple channels are used to improve image quality, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but cable bundle size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable bundle and associated mechanical components from the coil assembly, separating the signal transmission function from the coil structure. This allows the coil to be lightweight while still supporting multiple channels through wireless or alternative connection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the coil assembly multi-functional by integrating multiple channels into a single lightweight structure without requiring separate heavy cable bundles for each channel. The coil can perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conventional volume coils with cable bundles are used to transfer signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but patient safety is compromised due to skin-to-cable contact hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable bundle from the patient interface, extracting the hazard source while maintaining signal transmission capability through alternative means such as wireless communication or integrated connections that do not require external cables contacting the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the coil and patient, eliminating direct cable-to-skin contact. This intermediary could be a wireless transmission system or an integrated connection method that preserves signal integrity without creating burn hazards.
3Measurement precision
If conventional volume coils with mechanical components are used to surround the region of interest, then signal reception is improved, but workflow flexibility is reduced due to positioning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible coil structures that can conform to various patient anatomies and positioning requirements. The flexible design allows the coil to adapt to different surgical approaches and patient positions without compromising signal reception quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic coil system that can be easily adjusted and repositioned during procedures. The flexible, lightweight design without rigid cable constraints allows rapid adaptation to changing surgical requirements and patient positioning needs.
4Measurement precision
If conventional volume coils with electrical components are used to receive signals, then imaging capability is enhanced, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple components requiring skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical components and channels into an integrated coil assembly that requires minimal assembly steps. By combining functions into unified structures, the system reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled by skilled technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coil into modular channels that can be independently configured but are designed to work together as an integrated system. This modular approach simplifies assembly while maintaining multi-channel imaging capability.
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 high-quality images with improved signal-to-noise ratio, increased flexibility, and enhanced patient safety by eliminating cable-related hazards and simplifying coil assembly and workflow, while allowing for flexible coil arrangements and efficient signal processing for parallel imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
said volume coil being arranged to communicate the MR signal therein to the signal processing system through said at least one receive coil by inducing the MR signal onto said at least one receive coil through inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
all coil loops of said volume coil and said at least one receive coil which act only in the receive stage and do not transmit the applied RF pulse in the transmit stage having therein an arrangement, such as a passive decoupling block circuit, to halt current flow therein at the resonant frequency during the transmit stage
Data Source
AI summary
The receive coil arrangement includes an inner local volume coil adjacent the part to be imaged so as to maximize the received MR signal and an outer coil, which may be the built in body coil of the magnet, connected by cable to the signal processing system. Both the coils are individually tuned to the common resonant frequency and the local volume coil include an arrangement to halt current flow therein during the transmit stage. The local volume coil has no cable and is arranged to communicate the MR signal therein to the signal processing system through the outer coil by inductive coupling to the outer coil. Despite inherent losses by interfering with the tuning of the loops and in the inductive coupling this magnifies the MR signal and makes the local volume coil wireless.