Wireless Parametric Resonator for Cable-Free Multi-Modal Brain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI imaging systems face limitations in detection sensitivity and are prone to unwanted heating and electromagnetic interference, particularly when using coaxial cables for signal transmission, which also require additional power sources and complicate the design.
Innovation Solution
A wireless detection unit utilizing a parametric resonator circuit with multiple resonance modes, powered by a radio frequency (RF) pump signal, allowing for wireless transmission of MRI and EEG signals without the need for cables or external power sources, and enabling switching between detection modes by varying the pump signal power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial cables are used for signal transmission from detection coils, then signal transmission is achieved, but unwanted heating occurs due to coupling of RF field to the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the coaxial cable from the system by implementing a wireless signal transmission mechanism. The detection coil directly transmits the NMR signal wirelessly to the receiver, eliminating the cable that caused heating problems while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection (coaxial cable) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. The detection coil acts as a transmitter that couples the NMR signal through electromagnetic fields to a receiving coil, substituting the physical cable connection with a field-based transmission mechanism.
2Reliability
If coaxial cables are used for signal transmission, then signal transmission is achieved, but the design becomes more complex due to additional power sources and cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex cable management system and external power source requirements by implementing a self-powered wireless detection coil. The coil is powered by the RF field from the MRI system itself, eliminating the need for separate power cables and simplifying the overall system design while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection coil is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the NMR detector and a wireless transmitter, and is simultaneously powered by the RF field through electromagnetic coupling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power delivery and signal transmission pathways, reducing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If detection coil is placed in close proximity to the object of interest, then local sensitivity is improved, but unwanted heating and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired connection that caused electromagnetic interference with a wireless transmission mechanism. The detection coil transmits signals wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling to a receiving coil, eliminating the cable that acted as an antenna and reduced electromagnetic interference while maintaining close proximity for high sensitivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless transmission of MRI and EEG signals is implemented, then cable-related heating is reduced, but the system requires broadband capability to handle multiple frequency bandwidths
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless detection system is designed with broadband capability to handle multiple frequency bandwidths, making it universal for both MRI and EEG applications. The system can detect and transmit signals across different frequency ranges through wireless electromagnetic coupling, providing adaptability for multi-modal imaging while maintaining the heating reduction benefits of wireless transmission.
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 enhances detection sensitivity, reduces heating, and simplifies the design by providing a cost-effective, broadband wireless system for multi-modal imaging, capable of concurrently transmitting MRI and electrophysiological signals, improving signal-to-noise ratio and compatibility with various frequency bandwidths.
Implementation Method 1
the parametric resonator circuit is operated below its oscillation threshold and generates a first output signal by amplifying a first input signal, which is provided due to a magnetic resonance (MR) measurement
Implementation Method 2
A wireless detection unit utilizing a parametric resonator circuit with multiple resonance modes, powered by a radio frequency (RF) pump signal
Implementation Method 3
After the removal of the RF-pulse, the nuclear spins relax to their equilibrium direction. Due to the relaxation, the nuclei need to lose energy in the form of emitting an RF-signal. This signal is detected by a receiving coil
Data Source
AI summary
The multi-modal imaging system, in particular for brain imaging, comprising a pump signal generator which emits at least one pump signal in the radio frequency (RF)-range with a first power P1 and a second power P2, a wireless detection unit, which comprises at least one parametric resonator circuit with multiple resonance modes, wherein the at least one parametric resonator circuit comprises at least two varactors, at least one capacitor and at least one inductance, wherein, in a first detection mode, the pump signal, having a first power P1, induces a first pump current in the at least one parametric resonator circuit, wherein the at least one parametric resonator circuit is operated below its oscillation threshold and generates a first output signal by amplifying a first input signal, which is provided due to a magnetic-resonance (MR) measurement, wherein an external receiving device receives the first output signal, wherein, in a second detection mode, the pump signal, having a second power P2, induces a second pump current in the at least one parametric resonator circuit, wherein the at least one parametric resonator circuit is operated above its oscillation threshold and generates a second output signal, wherein the second output signal is modulated with a second input signal, wherein the second input signal is provided by at least one neuronal probe device, connected to the at least one parametric resonator circuit, wherein the external receiving device receives the second output signal.