Wireless Local Coil for MRI via Frequency Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing local coils in magnetic resonance devices are hindered by cables that pose safety risks, are costly, and restrictive, requiring significant preparation time and causing discomfort to patients due to high-frequency sheath currents and thermal coupling.
Innovation Solution
A wireless local coil with a double resonance conductor loop arrangement that separates energy transmission and signal reception frequencies, using a converter apparatus to generate operating voltage for electronics, and includes a protective circuit to prevent interference during imaging, allowing for inductive energy transfer and digital signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables with shell-type surge blockers are used for connecting local coils to receive electronics, then electrical safety is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cable connection from the system by implementing a wireless local coil. The coil communicates with the magnetic resonance device via electromagnetic signals, completely removing the physical cable and shell-type surge blocker that caused patient discomfort while maintaining electrical safety through wireless isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. The local coil transmits signals and receives power through electromagnetic coupling, substituting the mechanical cable interface with a field-based interaction that eliminates direct electrical contact with the patient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cables are manually tailored to specific uses and devices, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless local coil design that can be used across different magnetic resonance devices and applications without requiring custom cable tailoring. The wireless communication interface and standardized electronics enable the same coil design to be adapted to various uses, eliminating the need for expensive custom cable manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
3Loss of information
If cables are used for signal transmission, then signal transmission is achieved, but workflow efficiency deteriorates due to preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the system entirely, replacing it with wireless electromagnetic communication. This eliminates the time-consuming cable connection and preparation steps while maintaining signal transmission capability through radio frequency or electromagnetic coupling between the local coil and the magnetic resonance device.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a completely wireless local coil is implemented, then patient comfort and workflow efficiency are improved, but energy transmission interference with magnetic resonance imaging may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic spectrum into distinct frequency bands: one band for wireless power transmission to the local coil and another band for magnetic resonance imaging signal reception. This frequency separation prevents interference between the power transmission system and the imaging system, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without mutual disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency-selective filtering and resonant coupling mechanisms as intermediaries between the power transmission system and the imaging system. These intermediaries selectively transmit or block specific frequencies, ensuring that power transmission energy does not interfere with the sensitive magnetic resonance imaging signals while still delivering adequate power to the wireless coil.
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 solution enables a completely wireless local coil setup that minimizes interference, reduces preparation time, and enhances patient comfort by eliminating cable constraints while maintaining image quality through efficient energy and signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive energy transmission provided by resonantly coupled oscillating circuits is basically known in the prior art
Implementation Method 2
The inductive energy transmission provided by resonantly coupled oscillating circuits
Implementation Method 3
a converter apparatus for converting operating energy received at a first resonance frequency into an operating voltage
Implementation Method 4
the magnetic resonance frequency, at which the magnetic resonance signals are to be received
Data Source
AI summary
A local coil for a magnetic resonance device includes a double resonance conductor loop arrangement having at least one conductor loop, and a converter apparatus configured for converting operating energy received at a first resonance frequency into an operating voltage. The local coil also includes an electronics arrangement operated with the operating voltage for processing magnetic resonance signals received at a second resonance frequency.