Radiation device
By designing a radiation device with rotatable components and a beam module, multi-angle ultra-high dose rate radiation was achieved, solving the problem of difficulty in achieving multi-angle radiation in existing technologies and improving the efficiency and safety of radiation therapy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510073142.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-01-16
AI Technical Summary
How to design a radiation device to achieve ultra-high dose rate radiation from multiple angles, meet the needs of flash therapy technology, reduce toxic side effects on normal tissues, and shorten the recovery period.
A radiation device is designed, including a rotatable component, a beam assembly, a power divider, and a pulse transformer. The rotatable component rotates around a rotation axis to achieve synchronous rotation of multiple beam modules and convergence of radiation beams. Combined with a power source and a power combiner, it provides efficient microwave energy support.
It enables multi-angle ultra-high dose rate radiation to a designated location within a short period of time, reducing the toxic side effects on normal tissues, shortening the recovery period, and improving the efficiency and safety of radiation therapy.
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Figure CN119633274B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of radiation inspection and radiotherapy, in particular to the field of flash therapy, and more particularly to a radiation device. BACKGROUND
[0002] Ultra-high dose rate includes a dose rate used in a short time of 40 Gy / s or more, for example, an average dose rate of 300 Gy / s or more, which can be applied to medical radiotherapy, container security inspection, industrial imaging and other fields. Taking flash therapy as an example, it is also called ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy (abbreviated as: FLASH-RT), which is a treatment scheme for tumor radiotherapy. By using flash therapy technology, not only the normal tissue has lower toxic and side effects when killing tumor cells, but also the risk of damage to the patient's body due to taking a large amount of rejection drugs after the operation is reduced, and the recovery period after the operation is shortened and the postoperative life quality is improved.
[0003] In the process of implementing the concept of the present disclosure, the inventors have found that for a radiation device implementing ultra-high dose rate, it is necessary to implement multi-angle ultra-high dose rate radiation on a specified position in a short time, and how to design the structure of such a radiation device is a problem that researchers in this technical field are currently eager to solve. SUMMARY
[0004] To solve at least one aspect of the above problem, the present disclosure provides a radiation device.
[0005] In one aspect, a radiation device is provided, comprising: a rotatable assembly capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a beam assembly arranged on the rotatable assembly, wherein the beam assembly comprises a plurality of beam modules, each of the beam modules being configured to emit a radiation beam, and the plurality of beam modules are arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotatable assembly; and a power distributor arranged on the rotatable assembly, wherein the power distributor is provided with a plurality of power distribution ports, each of the power distribution ports being connected to one of the beam modules, and the beam assembly and the power distributor are capable of rotating with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis.
[0006] According to some exemplary embodiments, an output end of each of the beam modules faces the rotation axis of the rotatable assembly, and the radiation beams output by each of the beam modules converge on the rotation axis.
[0007] According to some exemplary embodiments, the radiation device further comprises a pulse transformer arranged on the rotatable assembly, the pulse transformer being configured to convert a direct current power of a first voltage into a pulse power of a second voltage, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage, and the pulse transformer is capable of rotating with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis.
[0008] According to some example embodiments, the radiation device further comprises a power source disposed on the rotatable assembly, the power source being connected with the pulse transformer, the power source being configured to generate microwave energy, the power source being rotatable with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis.
[0009] According to some example embodiments, the radiation device further comprises a power combiner disposed on the rotatable assembly, the power combiner being connected with the power source, the power combiner being configured to combine microwave energy provided by the power source, the power combiner being rotatable with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis.
[0010] According to some example embodiments, the radiation device further comprises a plurality of waveguides, the plurality of power distribution ports being connected with the plurality of beam modules through the plurality of waveguides, at least two waveguides of the plurality of waveguides having different waveguide lengths.
[0011] According to some example embodiments, the rotatable assembly comprises a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along an extension direction of the rotation axis; the radiation device further comprises a mounting plate disposed on an outer wall of the second end of the rotatable assembly and extending outwardly along a radial direction of the rotatable assembly; and the beam assembly is disposed on the mounting plate.
[0012] According to some example embodiments, the mounting plate comprises a first mounting plate disposed on a first side of the second end and a second mounting plate disposed on a second side of the second end opposite to the first side, and a portion of the plurality of beam modules is disposed on the first mounting plate and another portion of the plurality of beam modules is disposed on the second mounting plate.
[0013] According to some example embodiments, the first mounting plate and a side surface of the second mounting plate are disposed coplanarly to form a second mounting surface, and the plurality of beam modules are disposed on the second mounting surface.
[0014] According to some example embodiments, the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are respectively provided with a plurality of mounting holes, the plurality of mounting holes being configured to mount the plurality of beam modules respectively and position the plurality of beam modules on the mounting plate along a circumferential direction.
[0015] According to some example embodiments, the radiation device further comprises a driving assembly configured to drive the rotatable assembly to rotate around the rotation axis.
[0016] According to some example embodiments, the rotatable assembly comprises a drum; the driving assembly comprises: an annular gear coaxially arranged on an outer wall of a first end of the drum; and a driving portion, the driving portion and the annular gear are in transmission connection, and the driving portion is adapted to output torque to the annular gear.
[0017] According to some example embodiments, at least one of the beam modules comprises an electron linear accelerator.
[0018] According to some example embodiments, the radiation device further comprises an adjusting assembly, the adjusting assembly being configured to adjust a position of the pulse transformer relative to the power distributor and to maintain the pulse transformer at a preset position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a radiation device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the radiation device shown in FIG. 1 from a front view;
[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a simplified structural schematic view of the radiation device shown in FIG. 1 from a front view;
[0022] Figure 4 is a hardware block diagram of a radiation device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a carrier frame and an adjusting assembly part according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a schematic view of the adjusting assembly of the example embodiments shown in FIG. 3 from a top view;
[0025] Figure 7 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gantry of the example embodiments shown in FIG. 4, showing a support assembly and a rotatable assembly;
[0026] Figure 8 is a structural view of a calibration target assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein, Figure 8 (a) is a front view of the calibration target assembly, Figure 8 (b) is a side view of the calibration target assembly;
[0027] Figure 9 is a structural cross-sectional view of a rotatable assembly and a calibration target assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 10 A structural top view of a rotatable assembly and a calibration target assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown;
[0029] Figure 11 An installation zero position state diagram according to embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown; and
[0030] Figure 12 A flow chart of a calibration method according to embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] In order to make the objects, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and drawings.
[0032] The terms used herein are merely used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The terms "include", "comprise", and the like used herein indicate the presence of the described features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.
[0033] All terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the context of the present description, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner.
[0034] In the case of using expressions similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.", it should generally be interpreted to include at least one of each item, unless otherwise defined. For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but not be limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having both A and B, a system having both A and C, a system having both B and C, and / or a system having A, B, and C, etc. In the case of using expressions similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc.", it should generally be interpreted to include at least one of each item, unless otherwise defined. For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but not be limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having both A and B, a system having both A and C, a system having both B and C, and / or a system having A, B, and C, etc.
[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a radiation device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the radiation device shown from a front view. Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a simplified structural schematic view of the radiation device shown from a front view. Figure 4is a hardware block diagram of a radiation device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] With reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the radiation device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a gantry 1, a pulse transformer 2, a beam assembly 3, a power source 5, a power combiner 6, a power divider 7 and a waveguide 8.
[0037] For example, the radiation device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise an ultra-high dose rate radiation device, which is used to generate a radiation beam capable of being applied to the fields of flash radiography, container security inspection and industrial imaging, etc., and is capable of realizing ultra-high dose rate (e.g., 40 Gy / s or more) radiation delivery, so as to complete the desired radiation in a very short time.
[0038] It should be noted that, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the expression “ultra-high dose rate” includes a dose rate of 40 Gy / s or more used in a short time, for example, an average dose rate of 300 Gy / s or more. The ultra-high dose rate can be applied to the fields of medical radiotherapy, container security inspection and industrial imaging, etc.
[0039] Taking flash therapy as an example, which is also called ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy (abbreviation: FLASH-RT), is a treatment scheme for tumor radiotherapy. By using the flash therapy technology, not only the normal tissues have lower toxic and side effects when killing tumor cells, but also the risk of damage to the patient's body caused by taking a large amount of rejection drugs after the operation is reduced, and the recovery period after the operation is shortened and the postoperative life quality is improved. That is, FLASH-RT uses ultrafast irradiation, and the dose rate is several orders of magnitude higher than that used in conventional radiotherapy (e.g., 20-100 Gy / s vs. 1-4 Gy / min). The ultra-high dose rate can reduce the toxicity of radiation directly induced to normal tissues, while maintaining the same effective response to lesion tissues, which is called “flash effect”.
[0040] For example, the gantry 1 can comprise a support assembly 13, a rotatable assembly 11 and a carrier 14. For example, the rotatable assembly 11 can comprise a drum, which can be configured as a horizontal structure. As shown in Figure 1 , the rotatable assembly 11 has a rotation axis AX1 extending in the axial direction thereof, for example, in the orientation shown in Figure 1 , the axial direction of the rotatable assembly 11 is along the x direction, and the rotation axis AX1 can be a straight line penetrating the geometric center of the end face of the rotatable assembly 11 along the x direction. In the axial direction of the rotatable assembly 11, the rotatable assembly 11 has a first end 111 and a second end 112. The rotatable assembly 11 is capable of rotating around its rotation axis AX1.
[0041] The pulse transformer 2, the beam assembly 3, the power source 5, the power combiner 6, the power divider 7 and the waveguide 8 can be arranged on the rotatable assembly 11. In the case that the rotatable assembly 11 rotates around the rotation axis AX1, the pulse transformer 2, the beam assembly 3, the power source 5, the power combiner 6, the power divider 7 and the waveguide 8 can rotate with the rotation of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0042] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the pulse transformer 2 is used to convert a low-voltage direct-current power supply into a high-voltage pulse power supply and provide the power source 5. The power source 5 is used to generate microwave energy to provide an energy source for the operation of the radiation device. The power combiner 6 is used to combine the microwave energy provided by the power source 5 to improve the microwave power. The power divider 7 is used to distribute the microwave energy to the beam assembly 3.
[0043] For example, the pulse transformer 2 can include a primary winding, a secondary winding and a magnetic core. Based on the law of electromagnetic induction, when a low-voltage direct-current power supply is applied to the primary winding, the current in the primary winding is rapidly changed by the control circuit, thereby generating a changing magnetic field in the magnetic core. This changing magnetic field will induce a high-voltage pulse signal in the secondary winding, realizing the conversion from a low-voltage direct current to a high-voltage pulse. The pulse transformer 2 provides the required high-voltage pulse power supply for the power source 5. By converting the low-voltage direct-current power supply into a high-voltage pulse power supply, the specific voltage requirement of the power source to generate microwave energy can be met. This conversion method has the characteristics of high efficiency and stability, and can accurately control the amplitude, width and frequency of the output pulse, etc., to provide stable and required power support for the subsequent generation of microwave energy.
[0044] For example, the power source 5 can include a magnetron power source or a klystron power source, etc. The magnetron power source utilizes the movement of electrons in a magnetic field and an electric field to generate microwave oscillation in a resonant cavity, thereby outputting microwave energy. The klystron power source realizes the velocity modulation and bunching of the electron beam through the interaction of the electron beam in the input cavity, the drift tube and the output cavity, etc., thereby generating high-power microwave output. The main function of the power source 5 is to generate microwave energy to provide energy support for the acceleration process of the electron beam or the ray beam in the beam assembly 3, and it is the core generation unit of microwave energy in the whole system. The performance parameters of the power source 5 can include output power, frequency, efficiency, stability, etc. The output power determines the amount of energy that can be provided for beam acceleration, and the frequency affects the effect and characteristics of the interaction between the microwave and the beam. High efficiency means that energy loss can be reduced in the process of converting electrical energy into microwave energy, and stability ensures that the output microwave energy can be maintained within a certain accuracy range during long-time operation, thereby providing protection for the stable operation of the system.
[0045] For example, the power combiner 6 can include a power combiner based on power combining techniques in microwave circuits, such as transmission line transformer combining, waveguide combining, etc. Taking transmission line transformer combining as an example, it utilizes the characteristics of transmission lines to combine the microwave signals provided by multiple power sources 5 in a pre-designed circuit structure. By reasonably designing the length, characteristic impedance, and other parameters of the transmission line, the microwave signals of each input are superimposed in phase at the combining point, thereby realizing power combination. In waveguide combining, the mode characteristics and coupling structure of the waveguide are utilized to combine the microwave energy in different waveguides, so that they form a microwave signal with higher power at the output end. The power combiner 6 is used to combine the microwave energy provided by multiple power sources 5 to increase the microwave power and meet the demand of the beam assembly 3 for high-power microwaves. Through the power combiner 6, multiple relatively low-power microwave sources can be combined to form a high-power microwave source, which not only improves the overall power output of the system but also has certain flexibility and reliability. For example, when a certain power source fails, other power sources can still provide part of the power for the system through the power combiner, ensuring the basic operation of the system and improving the fault tolerance of the system.
[0046] For example, the power divider 7 can adopt a tree structure or a branch structure of microwave circuit design. In the power divider 7, based on the transmission and distribution characteristics of microwave signals, by setting multiple branch ports on the main transmission line and designing the position, length, and impedance matching of the branches, etc., the input microwave energy can be distributed to each branch port according to a certain proportion, i.e., distributed to different beam modules in the beam assembly 3. For example, in a T-shaped power divider, the microwave signal in the main transmission line will be divided into two branches at the T-shaped node, and by adjusting the length and characteristic impedance of the branch line, the microwave energy can be evenly distributed or distributed according to a certain proportion in the two branches. The power divider 7 is used to evenly or according to specific needs distribute the microwave energy combined by the power combiner 6 to each beam module in the beam assembly 3, ensuring that each beam module can obtain appropriate microwave energy to drive the acceleration process of the electron beam or the ray beam.
[0047] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the beam assembly 3 can include multiple beam modules 30. For example, the beam assembly 3 can include N beam modules 30, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, for example, N can be equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, N is equal to 5, i.e., the beam assembly 3 includes 5 beam modules 30. For convenience of description, the 5 beam modules 30 can be described as a first beam module 301, a second beam module 302, a third beam module 303, a fourth beam module 304, and a fifth beam module 305, respectively.
[0048] Referring to Figure 4The power distributor 7 can include N power distribution ports. In the illustrated embodiment, the power distributor 7 can include 5 power distribution ports. For the convenience of description, the 5 power distribution ports can be described as a first power distribution port 71, a second power distribution port 72, a third power distribution port 73, a fourth power distribution port 74, and a fifth power distribution port 75, respectively.
[0049] The waveguide 8 can include N sub-waveguides. In the illustrated embodiment, the waveguide 8 can include 5 sub-waveguides. For the convenience of description, the 5 sub-waveguides can be described as a first sub-waveguide 81, a second sub-waveguide 82, a third sub-waveguide 83, a fourth sub-waveguide 84, and a fifth sub-waveguide 85, respectively.
[0050] For example, the first power distribution port 71 can be connected to the first beam module 301 through the first sub-waveguide 81, the second power distribution port 72 can be connected to the second beam module 302 through the second sub-waveguide 82, the third power distribution port 73 can be connected to the third beam module 303 through the third sub-waveguide 83, the fourth power distribution port 74 can be connected to the fourth beam module 304 through the fourth sub-waveguide 84, and the fifth power distribution port 75 can be connected to the fifth beam module 305 through the fifth sub-waveguide 85.
[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the first sub-waveguide 81, the second sub-waveguide 82, the third sub-waveguide 83, the fourth sub-waveguide 84, and the fifth sub-waveguide 85 can have predetermined waveguide lengths, respectively. For example, the waveguide lengths of at least two of the first sub-waveguide 81, the second sub-waveguide 82, the third sub-waveguide 83, the fourth sub-waveguide 84, and the fifth sub-waveguide 85 are not equal. The waveguide length of each of the first sub-waveguide 81, the second sub-waveguide 82, the third sub-waveguide 83, the fourth sub-waveguide 84, and the fifth sub-waveguide 85 matches the microwave energy distributed by the respective power distribution port.
[0052] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like used herein are only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the structure of the respective beam modules. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the structures of the respective beam modules can be the same or different, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not make special limitations on this.
[0053] For example, in some embodiments, the beam module 30 can include an electron linear accelerator, for example, the beam module 30 can include an electron gun, an acceleration tube, a focusing system, a beam monitoring device, a beam transmission line, a cooling device, and the like.
[0054] For example, the electron gun can include a cathode, an anode, and a focusing electrode, etc. The cathode can adopt a hot electron emission material, such as a tungsten filament or a barium tungsten cathode, which can emit a large number of electrons when heated to a certain temperature. The anode has a small hole for allowing electrons to pass through, and a high voltage is applied between the anode and the cathode to form a strong electric field, so that the electrons emitted by the cathode are accelerated to move towards the anode under the action of the electric field. The focusing electrode is used to focus the electron beam into a relatively concentrated electron stream. The electron gun is used to generate an initial electron beam to provide an electron source for the entire beam module.
[0055] For example, the acceleration tube can include a series of acceleration cavities connected to each other through coupling structures. The acceleration cavities can be made of metal materials and form a specific electromagnetic field distribution inside. High-frequency power input devices can be provided outside the acceleration tube to transmit microwave power into the acceleration cavities. In the acceleration tube, the electron beam is accelerated by the microwave electric field. When microwave power is input into the acceleration cavity, an alternating electric field is formed inside the acceleration cavity, and the electric field does work on the electrons as the electron beam passes through the acceleration cavity, so that the electrons gain energy and are accelerated. Through continuous acceleration by multiple acceleration cavities, the electron beam can obtain a higher energy.
[0056] For example, the focusing system can include electromagnetic lenses composed of coils and cores. A certain current is passed through the coil to generate a magnetic field, which exerts a force on the moving electron beam to achieve focusing of the electron beam. In the linear electron accelerator, multiple electromagnetic lenses can be arranged at different positions to form a focusing system. Since the electron beam has a natural divergence tendency during acceleration and transmission, the focusing system generates appropriate magnetic fields to exert inward focusing force on the electron beam, thereby maintaining the beam intensity and focusing state of the electron beam, reducing the divergence of the beam, and ensuring that the electron beam can be accurately transmitted to the target position.
[0057] For example, the beam monitoring device can include a beam position monitor, a beam intensity monitor, and a beam energy spectrum monitor, etc. The beam position monitor can adopt a capacitive or inductive sensor to determine the position of the electron beam by detecting the interaction between the electron beam and the sensor. The beam intensity monitor can be a Faraday cup or other types of current sensor for measuring the current of the electron beam to obtain the beam intensity. The beam energy spectrum monitor can deflect the electron beam by using a magnetic field or an electric field, and then measure the distribution of electrons of different energies by a detector. Through the beam monitoring device, various parameters of the electron beam can be monitored in real time, such as beam position, intensity, and energy distribution, etc.
[0058] For example, the beam transport line can include a metal pipe and a vacuum system. The metal pipe is used to guide the transmission of the electron beam, and its inner wall has good smoothness and electrical conductivity to reduce the interaction and energy loss of the electron beam with the pipe wall. The vacuum system includes vacuum pumps, vacuum valves, vacuum measuring devices, etc. The vacuum pump is used to pump the pipe to a high vacuum state to reduce the collision and scattering of the electron beam with gas molecules. The beam transport line transmits the electron beam generated by the electron linear accelerator to the designated position, such as the radiation device for subsequent application. At the same time, the high vacuum environment in the pipe is maintained to ensure that the electron beam can be smoothly transmitted under the condition of low scattering and low energy loss.
[0059] For example, the cooling system can include a cooling circulating pump, a cooling pipe, a heat exchanger, and a temperature sensor, etc. The cooling pipe is distributed around the key components of the electron linear accelerator, such as the electron gun, the accelerating tube, and the focusing system, etc. These components will generate a large amount of heat during operation. The cooling circulating pump is used to drive the cooling medium to circulate in the pipe. The heat exchanger is used to dissipate the heat absorbed by the cooling medium to the external environment, and the temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the cooling medium and the temperature of each component in real time. The cooling system can cool each component in the electron linear accelerator to prevent it from being damaged or performance degraded due to overheating. When the electron linear accelerator is working, the electron gun emits electrons, the microwave power in the accelerating tube dissipates, and the magnetic field of the focusing system is generated, etc. The cooling system removes these heat through circulating cooling medium to keep the temperature of the components within a reasonable range, ensuring the stable operation of the electron linear accelerator and extending the service life of the equipment.
[0060] Referring to Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the rotatable assembly 11, the drum can be configured as a horizontal structure. The first end 111 and the second end 112 of the rotatable assembly 11 are rotatably arranged on the support assembly 13. The carrier 14 is arranged on the outer wall of the first end 111 and is adapted to carry the external pulse transformer 2, so that the pulse transformer 2 rotates synchronously with the rotatable assembly 11.
[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the rotatable assembly 11 is configured as a substantially cylindrical barrel structure. To meet the assembly and use requirements of the rotatable assembly 11 and other components, suitable through holes and / or groove structures can be formed on the barrel structure of the main body. Specifically, the through holes can be adapted to accommodate the passage of the radiation beam. Further, to meet the assembly and bearing requirements of the rotatable assembly 11 and other components of the radiation device, a suitable number of reinforcing ribs can be arranged on the inner wall and / or outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11. The reinforcing ribs can be arranged circumferentially along the rotatable assembly 11 or axially along the rotatable assembly 11.
[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the rotatable assembly 11 is configured as a horizontal structure, i.e. the axis of the rotatable assembly 11 is along the horizontal direction as shown inFigure 1 The x direction extends as shown, and the x direction is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. In this way, when the examination object is subjected to a radiation scan, the examination object can be allowed to be fed into the interior space of the rotatable assembly 11 in the horizontal direction.
[0063] In some example embodiments, the carrier 14 is mounted to the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11, and in particular, can be mounted to the outer wall surface of the rotatable assembly 11 and extend radially outwardly from the rotatable assembly 11. Further, the pulse transformer 2 configured for the radiation device is disposed on the carrier 14, so as to be connected to the rotatable assembly 11 through the carrier 14 and rotate synchronously with the rotatable assembly 11 during rotation of the rotatable assembly 11. The carrier 14 can be mounted to the outside of the rotatable assembly 11 in any manner, such as by riveting, welding, bolting, integral forming, or any other manner.
[0064] In this embodiment, the rotatable assembly 11 is rotatably disposed on the support assembly 13, and is adapted to provide a reliable mounting platform for the radiation device, so that the rays output by the plurality of beam modules configured for the radiation device can be accurately converged within the rotatable assembly 11. The carrier is used to assemble components such as the pulse transformer on the rotatable assembly 11 and follow the rotatable assembly 11, so as to be positioned and connected with other components of the radiation device, so that during operation of the radiation device, the pulse transformer is used to convert the low-voltage direct-current power into high-voltage pulse power, thereby cooperating with the power source to provide the required energy for the accelerating tube in the beam module, so as to generate high-energy rays.
[0065] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rotatable assembly 11 is also adapted to mount components such as the beam assembly 3, the power source 5, the power combiner 6, the power distributor 7, and the like, so that the beam assembly 3, the power source 5, the power combiner 6, the power distributor 7, and the like rotate synchronously with the rotatable assembly 11. For example, the beam assembly 3 is disposed outside the second end 112 of the rotatable assembly 11, and the power distributor 7 is disposed on the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11 between the first end and the second end.
[0066] In some example embodiments, the carrier 14 is disposed on the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11 near the first end 111, the beam assembly 3 is disposed at the second end 112 of the rotatable assembly 11, and the power distributor 7 is disposed on the rotatable assembly 11 between the first end 111 and the second end 112. In this way, by mounting different components or assemblies of the radiation device on different portions of the rotatable assembly 11, the stress on each portion of the rotatable assembly 11 can be more uniform, so as to prevent stress concentration and more effectively prevent the rotatable assembly 11 from being subjected to eccentric loading during rotation.
[0067] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a carrier and an adjusting assembly part according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0068] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 5 , the carrier 14 comprises a mounting part 141 and a carrying part 142. The mounting part 141 is arranged on the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11 and extends radially outwardly of the rotatable assembly 11. The carrying part 142 is arranged at the end of the mounting part 141 away from the rotatable assembly 11 and forms a first mounting surface parallel to the axis of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0069] In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 5 , two carriers 14 are arranged on the rotatable assembly 11, symmetrically on the two sides of the rotatable assembly 11 in the radial direction. Specifically, one pulse transformer 2 is carried on the first mounting surface formed by each carrier 14. Among them, the pulse transformers 2 on the two sides of the axis of the rotatable assembly 11 are connected to the power distributors respectively.
[0070] For example, two power distributors 7 can be arranged, one of which is arranged on the upper part of the rotatable assembly 11 through the distributor support 12, and the other is arranged on the lower part of the rotatable assembly 11 through another distributor support, and the two power distributors are connected to the pulse transformers 2 through waveguides respectively.
[0071] In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 5 , each carrier 14 comprises two mounting parts 141 arranged on the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11 in opposite directions along the x direction. Specifically, the carrying part 142 is arranged between the lower ends of the two mounting parts 141.
[0072] In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 5 , the mounting part 141 is configured as a substantially "T"-shaped plate structure, the upper end of which with smaller width can be directly or indirectly mounted on the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11 through other connecting members, and the lower end with larger width is used to mount the carrying part 142. Specifically, the carrying part 142 comprises but is not limited to a substantially rectangular plate structure, and the two opposite sides thereof are mounted on the mounting parts 141 on the same side, as shown in Figure 5 , the upper surface of the carrying part 142 forms the first mounting surface described above to carry the pulse transformer 2. Among them, the carrying part 142 and the mounting part 141 are connected by riveting, welding, bolting, integral connection or any other way.
[0073] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a top view of the adjusting assembly of the exemplary embodiment shown in
[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, the pulse transformer 2 is connected to the power distributor through a waveguide, so that the output end of the pulse transformer 2 can output microwave signals to the power distributor. The waveguide is adapted to guide the transmission of the microwave signals to the power distributor.
[0075] In some exemplary embodiments, the waveguide includes, but is not limited to, a hollow metal tube configured to have a circular, square or elliptical cross section. Since the waveguide is rigid, there are precise requirements for the relative positions of the pulse transformer 2 and the power distributor when connecting the pulse transformer 2 to the power distributor through the waveguide. However, when assembling the carrier frame 14 and the rotatable assembly 11, there are inevitable assembly errors, making it difficult to form precise positioning between the pulse transformer 2 and the power distributor, thereby causing the pulse transformer 2 and the power distributor to be unable to be effectively connected through the waveguide.
[0076] In view of this, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rack 1 further comprises an adjusting assembly 16. The adjusting assembly 16 is arranged between the carrier frame 14 and the pulse transformer 2, and is adapted to adjust the position of the pulse transformer 2 relative to the power distributor and to hold the pulse transformer 2 in the assembled position. In this way, through the adjusting assembly 16, the position of the pulse transformer 2 arranged on the carrier frame 14 can be adjusted, for example, adjusted in the x direction and / or the y direction as shown in Figure 5 so that the distance between the pulse transformer 2 and the power distributor can be connected through the waveguide.
[0077] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The adjusting assembly 16 is arranged on the carrier portion 142 and is adapted to translate the pulse transformer 2 in a direction parallel to the first mounting surface and / or approach or move away from the rotatable assembly 11 in a direction orthogonal to the first mounting surface.
[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The adjusting assembly 16 comprises a moving plate 161 and a jacking member 163. The moving plate 161 is slidably arranged on the first mounting surface and is adapted to translate in the first direction or the second direction. The jacking member 163 is arranged on the moving plate 161 and abuts against the first mounting surface, and is adapted to adjust the distance between the moving plate 161 and the first mounting surface in the third direction. The pulse transformer 2 is assembled on the moving plate 161 to move synchronously with the moving plate 161.
[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the adjusting assembly 16 further comprises a limiting member adapted to limit the displacement of the moving plate 161 in the first direction and the second direction, so as to keep the pulse transformer 2 in the assembled position.
[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the adjusting assembly 16 comprises a moving plate 161 connected to the first mounting surface of the bearing part 142 of the bearing frame 14 by the second screw 167. Specifically, both ends of the moving plate 161 in the x direction as shown in Figure 5 are integrally provided with an assembling beam 162, respectively, and the distance between the two assembling beams 162 and the first mounting surface is greater than that between the moving plate 161 and the first mounting surface, so as to provide a jacking member 163.
[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 5 , the adjusting assembly 16 comprises a plurality of pairs of jacking members 163, and the two jacking members 163 in each pair are symmetrically arranged at the corners of the moving plate 161, i.e., one jacking member 163 is arranged at each corner of the moving plate. Among them, the jacking member 163 comprises an integrally formed screw rod and a ball head.
[0082] For example, the number of jacking members 163 can be 2, 3, 5, 6 or any other number.
[0083] For another example, the jacking members 163 can be arranged at the middle or other positions of the moving plate 161.
[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 5 , the ball head of the jacking member 163 rolls a ball provided therein, and the ball is press-bonded to the first mounting surface. Further, the screw rod of the jacking member 163 extends in the y direction as shown in Figure 6 and is threadedly connected with the assembling beam 162. In this way, the moving plate 161 can be slidingly supported on the first mounting surface of the bearing part 142 by the jacking member 163, so that the moving plate 161 can be translated relative to the first mounting surface and the distance between the moving plate 161 and the first mounting surface can be adjusted.
[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 3As shown, the bottom plate at the bottom of the pulse transformer 2 is fixed to the moving plate 161 by the first screw 166 to be connected integrally with the moving plate 161, so as to be translated or lifted with the moving plate 161. With the participation of the lifting member 163, the pulse transformer 2 can realize the adjustment of the relative position with the first mounting surface, so as to facilitate the accurate connection with the waveguide. In addition to the design requirement that the position adjustment can be realized, a corresponding limiting member can also be configured to keep the pulse transformer 2 and the power distributor in the assembled position after the connection of the two, so as to prevent the dislocation of the two during the rotation of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 1 , the limiting member includes a top block 165, a top screw 164 arranged on the top block 165, and a second screw 167. Specifically, the top blocks 165 are arranged in pairs along the x direction and the y direction of the moving plate 161 as shown in Figure 1 . Further, each top block 165 is threadedly connected with a top screw 164, and the end of each top screw 164 is pressed against the edge of the moving plate 161, so that the position of the moving plate 161 relative to the bearing portion 142 is adjusted and locked by the part of the top screw 164 extending relative to the top block 165. Further, the lifting member 163 is connected with the assembly beam 162 by threading, and under the action of friction, has a certain limiting effect in the z direction as shown in Figure 2 . Under the centrifugal force of the rotation of the rotatable assembly 11, there is still a risk of relative movement. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the moving plate 161 and the bearing portion 142 are further fixed by the second screw 167, so as to keep the relative distance.
[0087] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rack of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2 , showing the support assembly and the rotatable assembly.
[0088] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the rack further includes a mounting plate 15 arranged on the outer wall of the second end of the rotatable assembly 11 and extending outwardly in the radial direction of the rotatable assembly 11. The beam assembly 3 is arranged on the mounting plate 15.
[0089] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 7As shown, the gantry includes a first mounting plate 151 and a second mounting plate 152. The first mounting plate 151 is disposed at a first side of the second end. The second mounting plate 152 is disposed at a second side of the second end opposite to the first side. The beam assembly 3 includes a plurality of beam modules 30, a portion of the beam modules 30 are disposed on the first mounting plate 151 and another portion of the beam modules 30 are disposed on the second mounting plate 152. Each of the beam modules 30 has an output end facing the axis of the rotatable assembly 11, so that the particle beams outputted by each of the beam modules 30 converge at a point on the axis of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0090] In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 7 each of the beam modules 30 in the beam assembly 3 includes but is not limited to the same structure. Such modular design not only shortens the processing period of the beam modules 30, but also facilitates matching with external structures, thereby improving the adaptability and interchangeability of the beam modules 30.
[0091] In some example embodiments, each of the beam modules 30 includes a beam module base, a collimation mounting seat and a flange disposed opposite to the collimation mounting seat. Further, each of the beam modules 30 at least includes a high-energy acceleration tube and a V-shaped collimation unit. The high-energy acceleration tube is mounted on the beam module base, and its output end is located in a cavity formed by the beam module base. The output end of the high-energy acceleration tube is provided with a flange to accurately position the high-energy acceleration tube and the beam module base, so as to be disposed opposite to the collimation mounting seat. The V-shaped collimation unit is disposed at the other end of the collimation mounting seat opposite to the beam module base. In this way, the charged ions accelerated by the high-energy acceleration tube can be accurately emitted after collimation.
[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 7 the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152 are coplanarly disposed on one side surface of the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152 to form a second mounting surface, and the beam assembly 3 is disposed on the second mounting surface. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7 the second mounting surface can be located at the right side of the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152.
[0093] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 7 the first mounting plate 151 and / or the second mounting plate 152 are configured in a substantially sector shape.
[0094] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 7 the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152 are provided with different numbers of beam modules 30.
[0095] In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 1As shown, the first mounting plate 151 is disposed at the upper end of the rotatable assembly 11, and the second mounting plate 152 is disposed at the lower end of the rotatable assembly 11. The two mounting plates are coplanarly disposed in a plane formed by the y-direction and the z-direction, as shown. Figure 7 Specifically, the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152 include, but are not limited to, a plate-shaped structure configured as a substantially sector shape. Further, a plurality of mounting holes 153 are disposed on the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152, respectively, and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the arc. Each mounting hole 153 corresponds to one beam module 30 and is adapted to accurately position the beam module 30 on the mounting plate in the circumferential direction.
[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, Figure 7 the arc of the arc-shaped structure formed by the first mounting plate 151 is configured to be larger than the arc of the arc-shaped structure formed by the second mounting plate 152. Specifically, the number of mounting holes disposed on the first mounting plate 151 is also configured to be larger than the number of mounting holes disposed on the second mounting plate 152. For example, three mounting holes can be disposed on the first mounting plate 151, and two mounting holes can be disposed on the second mounting plate 152, so that more beam modules 30 can be mounted on the first mounting plate 151 than on the second mounting plate 152 in the circumferential direction of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, Figure 7 the first mounting plate 151 includes, but is not limited to, three beam modules 30 disposed thereon. Further, the second mounting plate 152 includes, but is not limited to, two beam modules 30 disposed thereon. The beam emitted by each beam module 30 converges on the axis of the rotatable assembly 11. It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.
[0098] For example, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the same number of beam modules 30 are disposed on the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152.
[0099] For another example, only the first mounting plate 151 or the second mounting plate 152 can be provided with beam modules 30, and the other mounting plate can be provided with counterweights.
[0100] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown, Figure 8 and Figure 8 The support assembly 13 includes a base 132 and two legs 131. The base 132 is configured as a crowbar structure. The two legs 131 are disposed at opposite ends of the base 132, and the rotatable assembly 11 is rotatably disposed between the two legs 131.
[0101] In some exemplary embodiments, the base 132 comprises crossbeams and stringers which are connected in sequence to form a pry-type structure. Further, the two legs 131 are oppositely mounted on the two crossbeams or stringers. Still further, the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the rotatable assembly 11 are rotatably assembled on the legs 131. In order to make the rotation of the rotatable assembly 11 relative to the legs 131 smooth, bearings can be arranged between the rotatable assembly 11 and the legs 131. In addition, in order to facilitate the transportation of the gantry and the radiation device, lifting rings 133 can also be provided on the base 132.
[0102] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the gantry 1 can also be provided with a driving assembly 17. The driving assembly 17 is adapted to drive the rotatable assembly 11 to rotate about the axis.
[0103] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 8 the driving assembly 17 comprises a ring gear 171 and a driving part 172. The ring gear 171 is coaxially arranged on the outer wall of the first end of the rotatable assembly 11. The driving part 172 and the ring gear 171 are in transmission connection, and are adapted to output torque to the ring gear 171.
[0104] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the gantry 1 can also be provided with a braking assembly, which is adapted to limit the further rotation of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, the driving part 172 can comprise a motor, a shaft coupling, and a speed reducer, and the braking assembly comprises an electromagnetic brake. The output shaft of the motor is coupled through the shaft coupling, the electromagnetic brake, and the speed reducer. The output end of the speed reducer is coupled through a synchronous belt and a pinion gear arranged on the leg 131. The pinion gear is in meshing engagement with the ring gear 171 arranged on the rotatable assembly 11, so as to drive the rotatable assembly 11 to rotate about the axis AX1. The synchronous belt is also provided with a tensioning device to maintain the stability of the driving process. In addition, the use of the synchronous belt driving mode is also conducive to reducing noise and improving transmission efficiency, so as to meet the design requirements of the radiation device.
[0106] Further, the gantry 10 can also be provided with a proximity switch which is in communication connection with the electromagnetic brake, so as to actively brake the rotatable assembly 11 when the rotatable assembly 11 rotates beyond a preset angle, which includes but is not limited to ±180°.
[0107] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 the gantry 1 is also provided with a detection assembly 18. The detection assembly 18 is adapted to detect the rotational speed and / or the circumferential position of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, the detecting assembly 18 comprises, but is not limited to, an encoder. In detail, the encoder is arranged on the leg 131. Further, a code disc adapted to be detected by the leg 131 is arranged on the outer wall of the rotatable assembly 11 to detect the rotation angle of the rotatable assembly 11 in real time.
[0109] In the process of implementing the present disclosure, the inventors have found that how to perform multi-angle ultra-high dose rate radiation on a specified position in a short time (e.g., within a few hundred milliseconds) is a problem to be solved at present.
[0110] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a calibration device for an ultra-high dose rate radiation device is provided, the ultra-high dose rate radiation device comprising a plurality of beam modules for emitting a plurality of radiation beam streams, the calibration device comprising: a calibration target assembly comprising a target portion, wherein the target portion is located at a predetermined radiation region of the ultra-high dose rate radiation device in a calibration process; and wherein the target portion is used as a reference to calibrate a convergence deviation of the plurality of radiation beam streams converging at the predetermined radiation region.
[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, by providing the calibration target assembly, the target portion thereof is used as a reference to calibrate the convergence deviation of the plurality of radiation beam streams converging at the predetermined radiation region, so that the plurality of radiation beam streams can converge at the predetermined radiation region, and the convergence deviation meets the expected requirements. The calibrated plurality of beam modules can perform ultra-high dose rate radiation on the same specified position at multiple angles.
[0112] Figure 3 A structural diagram of the calibration target assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Wherein, Figure 8 (a) is a front view of the calibration target assembly, Figure 9 (b) is a side view of the calibration target assembly.
[0113] Figure 10 A schematic position of the calibration device is shown, referring to Figure 11 , the calibration device can be located in the rotatable assembly 11. In some embodiments, the calibration device can comprise a calibration target assembly 20. The calibration target assembly 20 comprises a target portion, wherein the target portion is located at a predetermined radiation region of the radiation device 100 in a calibration process; and wherein the target portion is used as a reference to calibrate a convergence deviation of the plurality of radiation beam streams converging at the predetermined radiation region.
[0114] For example, the beam module can include an electron linear accelerator. The radiation beam can include an X-ray beam. The predetermined radiation region can be a region in the radiation device 100 that can allow radiotherapy, such as a space in the rotatable assembly 11 that can accommodate an object to be irradiated. The predetermined radiation region can be a fixed region in the accommodating space, such as a lesion of a patient to be irradiated.
[0115] In some embodiments, the radiation device 100 can include one or more predetermined radiation regions, in the case of the radiation device 100 including multiple predetermined radiation regions, multiple calibration devices can be provided to provide calibration functions simultaneously or asynchronously, or a single calibration device can be provided to provide calibration functions by changing positions between the multiple predetermined radiation regions.
[0116] In some embodiments, the distances from the beam emission positions of the multiple beam modules to the target portion are substantially equal. This is advantageous for making the radiation effects of the individual beam modules on the radiotherapy region substantially uniform, and for the accuracy of calibration.
[0117] For example, the rotatable assembly 11 can rotate about its rotation axis AX1, thereby rotating the first beam module 301, the second beam module 302, the third beam module 303, the fourth beam module 304, and the fifth beam module 305. For example, in the calibration process, the center of the target portion is located on the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable assembly 11. Thus, during rotation, the rotatable assembly 11 can rotate around the predetermined radiation region, and during rotation, by switching different beam modules to emit beams, radiation can be performed on the same predetermined radiation region (e.g., a lesion) at different angles, where each beam module emits a radiation beam that can achieve the effect of ultra-high dose rate radiation. The multiple beam modules can emit beams in a sequence and relative to the predetermined radiation region, or can emit beams out of sequence. Even if necessary, beams can be emitted simultaneously for treatment.
[0118] By providing multiple beam modules at different angles on a rotatable rotatable assembly 11, and switching the beam modules to emit beams, the purpose of rapidly performing multiple angle irradiation treatment in a very short time required in flash radiotherapy is achieved. That is, after calibration is completed, through the cooperation of the rotatable assembly 11 and the multiple beam modules, ultra-high dose rate irradiation can be achieved on the predetermined radiation region at multiple angles.
[0119] For example, the target portion as a reference means that the predetermined radiation region can be hit by simulated radiation beams by simulating the emission of beams by multiple beam modules, or the predetermined radiation region can be hit by actual beams by actually emitting beams by multiple beam modules.
[0120] The target portion can be hit by the simulated beam or the actual beam, and the intersection of the multiple beams in the predetermined radiation region can be characterized by visual or non-visual methods. The non-visual method can include signal detection or dose detection. The intersection deviation of the multiple beams in the predetermined radiation region can be calibrated by the visual or non-visual characterization. The intersection deviation includes the distance between the hit position of any beam in the predetermined radiation region and a specific position, or the distance between the hit positions of any two beams in the predetermined radiation region.
[0121] In some embodiments, the target portion is used as a reference to calibrate the intersection deviation of the multiple beam modules in the predetermined radiation region, including at least one of the following: simulating the multiple beams of the multiple beam modules by multiple visible light beams, simulating the intersection of the multiple beams of the radiation in the target portion, manually testing or image recognizing the hit positions of the multiple visible light beams and the intersection deviation according to the visual method; detecting the dose of the radiation beams in the predetermined radiation region by dose detection, and calibrating the intersection deviation by the difference between the doses of the radiation beams; detecting the radiation signal of the radiation beams in the predetermined radiation region by radiation signal detection, and calibrating the intersection deviation by the representation of the radiation energy, the number of radiation beams, or the radiation scanning image.
[0122] It can be understood that the above-mentioned simulation of the multiple beam modules, the dose detection method and the radiation signal detection method can be used alternatively or sequentially.
[0123] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a calibration target assembly 20 is provided, which uses the target portion as a reference to calibrate the intersection deviation of the multiple beams of radiation in the predetermined radiation region, so that the multiple beams of radiation can intersect in the predetermined radiation region, and the intersection deviation meets the expected requirements. The calibrated multiple beam modules can perform ultra-high dose rate radiation on the same specified position at multiple angles.
[0124] The following further describes each embodiment of the target portion used as a reference to calibrate the intersection deviation of the multiple beam modules in the predetermined radiation region.
[0125] In some embodiments, the calibration device further comprises a plurality of laser assemblies. The plurality of laser assemblies are installed one-to-one at the beam emission positions of the multiple beam modules, respectively; wherein the plurality of laser assemblies are used to emit multiple laser beams to the target portion to simulate the intersection positions of the multiple beams of radiation in the predetermined radiation region.
[0126] Each laser assembly is installed at the beam emission position of the corresponding beam module, and the installation axis coincides with the beam axis of the corresponding beam module for adjustment and positioning during installation. After calibration is completed, the laser assembly can be removed.
[0127] For example, the intersection position includes an area where the multiple laser beams converge at the target portion, and the area includes one or more points hit by each of the laser beams. The intersection deviation between the laser beams can be reflected by the distance between the points hit by each of the laser beams, or the distance between the points hit by each of the laser beams and the target point. When the intersection deviation does not meet the requirements, one or more of the angle, height, position, collimation parameters, etc. of the beam module can be adjusted, and then the multiple laser assemblies are used to emit the multiple laser beams to the target portion again.
[0128] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing a laser assembly to simulate the emission of a multiple-beam radiation beam, the intersection deviation can be efficiently measured in a low-cost and visualized manner, and it can be quickly determined whether the intersection position meets the requirements, and then it can be determined whether to adjust the beam module.
[0129] For example, the target portion can include a plane mirror, a multi-faceted mirror, a flat plate, a cube, or a sphere, etc. which can display the points hit by each of the laser beams in a visualized manner.
[0130] For example, when the target portion includes a single plane mirror or a flat plate, a target point can be marked thereon. The laser assembly corresponding to the first beam module 301 is moved to a specific position and emits laser to the target portion, and the position of the hit point is recorded. Then, the remaining each beam module is moved to the same position in turn by rotating the rotatable assembly 11, and the corresponding laser assembly emits laser and the position of the hit point is recorded. After obtaining the positions of the hit points of all the laser assemblies, the distances between the target point and each of the hit points, and the distances between the hit points can be calculated.
[0131] For example, when the target portion includes a multi-faceted mirror, it can include a prism structure formed by multiple plane mirror facets. The multiple laser assemblies emit laser to the multi-faceted mirror at the same time to simulate the simultaneous emission of the multiple beam modules. The intersection deviation is measured by the hit points of each of the laser beams presented by the multi-faceted mirror.
[0132] For example, when the target portion includes a cube, it can be a square, a cuboid, or other polyhedrons, etc. The multiple laser assemblies emit laser to the cube at the same time to simulate the simultaneous emission of the multiple beam modules. The intersection deviation is measured by the hit points of each of the laser beams presented by the cube.
[0133] For example, when the target portion includes a sphere 201, the following further elaborates.
[0134] In some embodiments, the center of the sphere 201 is located on the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable assembly 11 during the calibration process.
[0135] The rotatable assembly 11 can rotate around its rotation axis AX1, and in the process of rotation, can rotate around the predetermined radiation region. Ideally, the rotatable assembly 11 always rotates around the same treatment center, and in the process, the plurality of beam modules are no longer calibrated. The same treatment center can be the center position of the predetermined radiation region, which is simulated by the center of the sphere. The sphere 201 can occupy part or all of the predetermined radiation region.
[0136] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by making the center of the sphere on the rotation axis AX1, the actual radiotherapy scene can be simulated, the calibration accuracy can be improved, the data deviation can be reduced, and the accuracy and consistency of the calibration process and the actual radiotherapy process are maintained.
[0137] In some embodiments, the sphere 201 is drawn with interwoven meridians and latitudes, wherein the meridians and latitudes are used to characterize the intersection deviation between any two of the plurality of laser beams.
[0138] The meridians and latitudes on the sphere 201 can serve as a reference grid for detecting and adjusting the alignment of the laser beams. For example, if two laser beams should intersect at a point on the sphere 201, but in fact they are shown on the grid to intersect at different points, this deviation can be corrected by adjusting the position or angle of the laser emitters.
[0139] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the meridians and latitudes provide a visual framework for accurately measuring the intersection deviation of each laser beam and visually simulating the intersection position.
[0140] In some embodiments, the plurality of beam modules are distributed in a ring around the rotatable assembly 11, and the sphere 201 is used as a reference to guide the intersection of the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the sphere. Further, the intersection points of the plurality of laser beams on the sphere 201 can be guided to lie on the same circular cross-section.
[0141] The plurality of beam modules are uniformly distributed around the rotatable assembly 11 and can emit radiation beams from different angles simultaneously or asynchronously. By calibration, the intersection points of all laser beams on the sphere 201 can be located on the sphere 201, and in the actual radiotherapy process, the expected intersection position can be obtained by emitting a plurality of radiation beams. Keeping the intersection points on the same circular cross-section is beneficial to achieve close intersection points and thus achieve the effect of flash therapy with ultra-high dose rate.
[0142] In some embodiments, the radius of the sphere 201 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the center of the sphere 201 coincides with the target position in the predetermined radiation region, wherein the predetermined threshold is used to constrain the error between the intersection position of any laser beam and the target radiotherapy position.
[0143] By controlling the radius and the center of the sphere 201, the irradiation range of the laser beams can be controlled, i.e. when any one of the laser beams can irradiate the sphere 201, the distance between the hitting point and the center of the sphere is equal to the predetermined threshold, so that the error value is less than the predetermined threshold. In the case where the predetermined threshold is less than or equal to the predetermined error value, it is quickly confirmed in a visualized manner which laser beams meet the intersection deviation because they irradiate the sphere 201, and which laser beams do not meet the intersection deviation because they do not irradiate the sphere 201, so that the beam module corresponding to the laser beam which does not meet the intersection deviation is adjusted.
[0144] For example, the predetermined threshold or the predetermined error value can be determined according to the size of the lesion to be irradiated.
[0145] Therefore, the sphere 201 can be used to realize the beam intersection center of the multiple beam modules (such as multiple linear accelerators) in the geometric space, and the intersection error of each radiation beam is less than the predetermined error value, such as ±5mm, so that the irradiation of the specified lesion position with a super-high dose is realized.
[0146] For example, the sphere 201 can be made of plastic, iron, lead or stainless steel, and the diameter thereof can be 10mm (only an example), the coaxial error between the center of the sphere and the rotation axis AX1 is ≯0.2mm, and the machining error is ensured by the numerical control machine tool finishing.
[0147] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 11 The calibration target assembly 20 further includes a support frame. The support frame includes a support base 202 mounted to the inner wall of the rotatable assembly 11, the bottom surface of the support base 202 matches the curvature of the mounting area on the inner wall of the rotatable assembly 11, and a connecting piece 203, the first end of which is connected with the support base 202, and the second end of which is connected with the sphere 201.
[0148] The bottom surface of the support base 202 serves as an assembly mounting surface, which is curvedly fitted (i.e. the curvature is matched) with the inner wall of the rotatable assembly 11, so as to be conveniently mounted on the inner circle (inner wall arc surface) of the rotatable assembly 11, and the inner circle mounting position is finely processed, and the machining error is ensured by the numerical control machine tool finishing.
[0149] The following further describes that the actual beam is emitted by the multiple beam modules, the dose of the radiation beam in the predetermined radiation region is detected by using the dose detection method, and the intersection deviation is calibrated by the difference between the doses of the radiation beams.
[0150] In some embodiments, the target part includes at least one dose detection module for detecting a first actual dose of the radiation beam emitted by each beam module; wherein the difference between the first actual dose and a first theoretical dose of the radiation beam emitted by each beam module is used to represent the intersection deviation.
[0151] It can be understood that when the plurality of beam modules can converge in the predetermined radiation region and the convergence deviation is less than a certain value, the dose of the radiation beam emitted by each beam module in the predetermined radiation region can be deduced, which is referred to as a first theoretical dose. Therefore, the difference between the actual dose and the theoretical dose can reflect the convergence deviation. For example, it can be deduced that there is a certain deviation between the radiation beam emitted by each beam module and the target point.
[0152] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accurate comparison between the actual dose and the theoretical dose of the radiation beam emitted by each beam module can be realized, so as to effectively characterize the convergence deviation, which can improve the calibration efficiency and reliability, and improve the dose accuracy and consistency of radiotherapy.
[0153] In some embodiments, the at least one dose detection module includes at least one dosimeter for detecting the first actual dose of the radiation beam emitted by each beam module.
[0154] The dosimeter is a device for measuring the dose of radiation (such as X-rays and γ-rays). For example, the radiation intensity can be measured based on a radiation-sensitive detector, that is, when the radiation particles in the environment pass through the detector, they will react with the radiation-sensitive medium, and then be collected by the detector and converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is further processed to calculate the dose of the radiation.
[0155] For example, the at least one dosimeter can include a single dosimeter, and the angle of the radiation detection region of the dosimeter is fixed. By rotating the rotatable assembly 11, each beam module is rotated to the same angle in turn, and the radiation beam is emitted to the radiation detection region of the dosimeter as the target part, so as to realize the dose detection of the multiple radiation beams.
[0156] In some embodiments, the at least one dosimeter includes a plurality of dosimeters, the plurality of beam modules are annularly distributed around the rotatable assembly 11 of the radiation device 100, and the plurality of radiation detection regions of the plurality of dosimeters are annularly distributed to correspond to the plurality of beam emission positions of the plurality of beam modules one by one; wherein the plurality of dosimeters are used to detect the first actual dose of each radiation beam in the multiple radiation beams one by one.
[0157] For example, the radiation detection region is used to measure the radiation dose passing through the region by reflecting the radiation. The plurality of dosimeters are independent dose detection devices.
[0158] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dose of each beam module can be accurately measured, so that the convergence deviation between each beam module and the target point or other beam modules can be accurately evaluated.
[0159] In some embodiments, the at least one dose detection module comprises: at least one ionization chamber for detecting a second actual dose of the radiation beam from each beam module; wherein a difference between the second actual dose and a first theoretical dose of the radiation beam from each beam module is used to characterize the intersection deviation.
[0160] The ionization chamber comprises a chamber filled with inert gas, and two electrodes inside the chamber. When the rays are incident, the ionization of the gas in the tube is caused. Under the action of the electric field, the electrons move to the anode, and the positive ions move to the cathode. The electrons collected by the anode form an electric current in the circuit and are recorded, thereby measuring the radiation dose.
[0161] For example, the at least one ionization chamber can comprise a single ionization chamber, and the angle of the ray detection area of the ionization chamber is fixed. By rotating the rotatable assembly 11, each beam module is rotated to the same angle in turn, and the radiation beam is emitted to the ray detection area of the ionization chamber as the target part, so as to realize the dose detection of the multiple radiation beams.
[0162] In some embodiments, the at least one ionization chamber comprises a plurality of ionization chambers, and the plurality of beam modules are distributed in a ring around the rotatable assembly 11 of the radiation device 100. The plurality of ray incidence angles of the plurality of ionization chambers correspond to the plurality of beam emission positions of the plurality of beam modules one by one, so as to receive the plurality of radiation beams one by one. The plurality of ionization chambers are used to detect the second actual dose of each radiation beam in the plurality of radiation beams one by one.
[0163] Figure 12 The structure cross-sectional view of the rotatable assembly and the calibration target assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 6 The structure top view of the rotatable assembly and the calibration target assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 3 The installation zero position state diagram according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The installation zero position is the initial state of the installation of the beam module.
[0164] Reference The following describes the installation and calibration process of the beam module of the radiation device 100.
[0165] After the installation of the rotatable assembly 11 is completed, the first beam module 301, the second beam module 302, and the third beam module 303 are installed on the first installation plate 151 on the upper part on the working platform, and the fourth beam module 304 and the fifth beam module 305 are installed on the second installation plate 152 on the lower part. The upper beam support is lifted by the lifting tool and is connected with the rotatable assembly 11, and is positioned by the fixing pin and is fastened by the screw. Then, the motor roller is driven to rotate 180°, the lower beam module support is connected with the rotatable assembly 11, and is positioned by the fixing pin and is fastened, and then the roller is rotated back to the working zero position.
[0166] For example, the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152 include mounting holes 153 for mounting the beam module. The mounting surfaces of the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152 are coplanar, and the distance error between this surface and one end face of the rotatable component 11 is controlled to be ≤0.2mm. Multiple positioning screws 154 are reserved near the mounting holes 153 to meet the four-way adjustment functions of front-back, left-right, and right-back, which is beneficial for observing the positioning reference and adjusting the beam module during installation.
[0167] To facilitate installation and maintenance, multiple beam modules are modularly designed, which not only shortens the processing cycle but also facilitates compatibility with external interfaces and enhances interchangeability. The first mounting plate 151 or the second mounting plate 152 is made of aluminum and designed as an integrated structure to minimize weight while ensuring support strength and rigidity. The center hole of the accelerator tube mounting flange of the beam module is precision machined, and the tolerance between the center line of this hole and the bottom surface of the mounting plate 15 is controlled to be ≤0.05mm to ensure the consistency of the beam center line height of each module.
[0168] A calibration target assembly 20 is mounted on the rotation axis of the rotatable assembly 11, and its target portion includes a sphere 201. The sphere 201 is made of stainless steel and has a diameter of 10mm. It is mounted on the rotation axis of the rotatable assembly 11, with the center of the sphere coaxial with the rotation axis AX1 by an error ≤0.2mm. The bottom surface of the support frame is curved and fits snugly against the inner wall of the rotatable assembly. Machining errors are ensured by precision machining using a CNC machine tool. The calibration target assembly 20 is adjustable along the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable assembly 11 in the forward and backward direction, allowing the center of the sphere 201 to coincide with the intersection point of the five radiation beams, thus accommodating the installation and adjustment of the beam module on-site.
[0169] Using the calibration target assembly 20 as the positioning reference, the positions of each beam module are adjusted sequentially by setting the positioning set screws 154 in each mounting hole 153 on the first mounting plate 151 and the second mounting plate 152. After observing that multiple laser beams are approximately located on the same circular cross-section (preferably at the center of the sphere) on the spherical surface illuminated by the laser beam at the front end of each beam module, the beam modules are tightened.
[0170] A sphere 201 is used for calibration, with its center coinciding with the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable component 11. This sphere 201 serves as a reference target for beam converging of each beam module, and can be used for multi-directional adjustment and positioning of the beam modules, allowing for the sequential installation of multiple beam modules. Ultimately, this achieves beam converging of multiple beam modules distributed in an array.
[0171] Based on the calibration equipment used for the radiation device 100 as described above, a calibration method is also provided, which is further described below.
[0172] A flowchart illustrating a calibration method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown schematically. As shown, the calibration method provided by the embodiment can include operations S1210-S1220.
[0173] In operation S1210, in the calibration process, the target of the calibration target assembly 20 is arranged at the predetermined radiation region of the radiation device 100.
[0174] In operation S1220, the target portion is used as a reference to calibrate the intersection deviation of the multiple radiation beamlets intersecting at the predetermined radiation region.
[0175] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the calibration process starts from the beginning of the installation of each beamlet module and ends when the intersection deviation meets the expected requirement. The expected requirement may, for example, include that the multiple laser beams hit the sphere 201, and the radius of the sphere 201 is less than or equal to a certain error, such as 5 mm.
[0176] In some embodiments, in the calibration process, the center of the target portion is located on the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0177] In some embodiments, the multiple laser assemblies are controlled to emit multiple laser beams to the target portion to simulate the intersection position of the multiple radiation beamlets intersecting at the predetermined radiation region.
[0178] In some embodiments, the target portion includes the sphere 201, and in the calibration process, the center of the sphere 201 is located on the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable assembly 11.
[0179] In some embodiments, the intersection deviation between any two of the multiple laser beams is represented by the meridians and latitudes on the sphere 201 that intersect each other.
[0180] In some embodiments, the multiple laser beams are guided to intersect on the surface of the sphere 201, including being guided to intersect on the same cross section of the same center.
[0181] In some embodiments, at least one dose detection module is used to detect a first actual dose of the radiation beamlet emitted by each beamlet module, and the intersection deviation is represented by the difference between the first actual dose and a first theoretical dose of the radiation beamlet emitted by each beamlet module.
[0182] In some embodiments, the at least one dose detection module includes at least one dosimeter or at least one ionization chamber.
[0183] In some embodiments, the at least one dosimeter includes a plurality of dosimeters, and a plurality of radiation detection regions of the plurality of dosimeters are annularly distributed to correspond one-to-one to a plurality of beamlet emission positions of the plurality of beamlet modules; the plurality of dosimeters are used to detect the first actual dose of each of the multiple radiation beamlets one-to-one.
[0184] In some embodiments, the at least one ionization chamber includes a plurality of ionization chambers, and the plurality of beam emission positions of the plurality of beam modules correspond to a plurality of radiation beam emission angles of the plurality of ionization chambers one-to-one, so as to receive the plurality of radiation beams one-to-one; and the plurality of ionization chambers detect the second actual dose of each of the plurality of radiation beams one-to-one.
[0185] In some embodiments, the distance between each of the plurality of beam modules and the target portion 130 is substantially equal. This is advantageous for making the radiation effect of each of the plurality of beam modules on the target portion 130 substantially equal, and for the accuracy of calibration.
[0186] For example, the rotatable assembly 11 can include a drum, a ring (or other fixed ring, such as a hexagonal ring, a triangular ring, or an irregularly shaped fixed ring, etc.). The rotatable assembly 11 can rotate around its rotation axis AX1, thereby rotating the first beam module 301, the second beam module 302, the third beam module 303, the fourth beam module 304, and the fifth beam module 305. For example, in the calibration process, the center of the target portion is located on the rotation axis AX1 of the rotatable assembly 11. Thus, in the rotation process, the rotatable assembly 11 can rotate around the target portion 130. In the rotation process, by switching different beam modules, the same target portion 130 (e.g., a lesion) can be irradiated at different angles, and each beam module can emit a radiation beam to achieve a super-high dose effect. The plurality of beam modules can emit beams in a predetermined order and relative to the predetermined irradiation region, or can emit beams in a disordered manner. Even if necessary, the plurality of beam modules can emit beams simultaneously.
[0187] By arranging a plurality of beam modules at different angles on a rotatable assembly 11, and by switching the beam modules to generate radiation, the purpose of quickly irradiating at multiple angles in a very short time in flash radiotherapy can be achieved. That is, after calibration, by cooperation of the rotatable assembly 11 and the plurality of beam modules, super-high dose irradiation at multiple angles on the predetermined irradiation region can be achieved.
[0188] For example, the beam module can include an electron linear accelerator. The radiation beam can include an X-ray beam. For example, the rotatable assembly 11 can have a containing space to accommodate a target object to be irradiated. The schematic position of the target portion 130 is shown, which can be located in the rotatable assembly 11. For example, a lesion of a target object (e.g., a human) can be located in the target portion 130, and can be irradiated by one or more radiation beams.
[0189] It should also be noted that the directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., are only with reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. When it may cause confusion to the understanding of the present disclosure, the conventional structures or configurations will be omitted.
[0190] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these embodiments are only for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Although each embodiment is described above separately, this does not mean that the measures in each embodiment cannot be used advantageously in combination. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various substitutions and modifications, which should all fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A radiation device, characterized by, The radiation device comprises: a rotatable assembly capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a beam assembly arranged on the rotatable assembly, wherein the beam assembly comprises a plurality of beam modules, each of which is configured to emit a radiation beam, and the plurality of beam modules are arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of the rotatable assembly; a power distributor arranged on the rotatable assembly, wherein the power distributor is provided with a plurality of power distribution ports, and the plurality of power distribution ports are respectively connected with the plurality of beam modules, wherein the beam assembly and the power distributor can rotate with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis; the radiation device further comprises a pulse transformer arranged on the rotatable assembly, the pulse transformer is configured to convert a direct current power of a first voltage into a pulse power of a second voltage, the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, and the pulse transformer can rotate with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis; the radiation device further comprises a power source arranged on the rotatable assembly, the power source is connected with the pulse transformer, the power source is configured to generate microwave energy, and the power source can rotate with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis; the radiation device further comprises a power combiner arranged on the rotatable assembly, the power combiner is connected with the power source, the power combiner is configured to combine the microwave energy provided by the power source, and the power combiner can rotate with the rotatable assembly around the rotation axis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, An output end of each of the beam modules faces the rotation axis of the rotatable assembly, and the radiation beams output by each of the beam modules converge on the rotation axis.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The radiation device further comprises a plurality of waveguides, the plurality of power distribution ports are respectively connected with the plurality of beam modules through the plurality of waveguides, and waveguide lengths of at least two of the plurality of waveguides are not equal.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotatable assembly comprises a first end and a second end arranged oppositely along an extension direction of the rotation axis; the radiation device further comprises a mounting plate arranged on an outer wall of the second end of the rotatable assembly and extending outwardly along a radial direction of the rotatable assembly; and the beam assembly is arranged on the mounting plate.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The mounting plate comprises a first mounting plate arranged on a first side of the second end and a second mounting plate arranged on a second side of the second end opposite to the first side, and a part of the plurality of beam modules are arranged on the first mounting plate, and another part of the plurality of beam modules are arranged on the second mounting plate.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The first mounting plate and one side surface of the second mounting plate are arranged coplanarly to form a second mounting surface, and the plurality of beam modules are arranged on the second mounting surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are respectively provided with a plurality of mounting holes, the plurality of mounting holes are respectively configured to mount the plurality of beam modules and position the plurality of beam modules on the mounting plate along a circumferential direction.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The radiation device further comprises a driving assembly configured to drive the rotatable assembly to rotate around the rotation axis.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The rotatable assembly comprises a roller; The driving assembly comprises a ring gear coaxially arranged on the outer wall of the first end of the roller, and a driving part in transmission connection with the ring gear and adapted to output torque to the ring gear.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the beam modules comprises an electron linear accelerator.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The radiation device further comprises an adjusting assembly for adjusting the position of the pulse transformer relative to the power distributor and keeping the pulse transformer at a preset position.
Citation Information
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