Neutron regulation and control device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of medical instruments, and particularly provides a neutron regulation and control device which comprises a device body. The neutron generation target is arranged on the device body, and the neutron generation target can generate neutrons under the condition that the neutron generation target is bombarded by a proton beam; the plurality of neutron transmission channels are arranged on the downstream side of the neutron generation target along a transmission path of neutrons; and the neutron scatterer is arranged between the neutron generation target and the neutron transmission channels along a transmission path of neutrons, so that after the neutrons reaching the neutron scatterer are scattered by the neutron scatterer, at least part of the neutrons can be dispersed into all or part of the plurality of neutron transmission channels. By means of the structure, neutrons generated by bombarding the neutron generation target by the proton beam can be dispersed to multiple directions by means of the scattering effect of the neutron scatterer, and on the basis, treatment of multiple patients is expected to be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of arrangement of components on medical devices, and specifically provides a neutron control device. Background Art

[0002] The principle of accelerator-based neutron therapy is to generate a neutron beam by bombarding a neutron-generating target with a proton beam generated by an accelerator. This neutron beam is then regulated by a neutron control device and then delivered to the patient. Current equipment generally uses a structure that assigns one neutron beam to one treatment head, so each proton beam can only treat one patient.

[0003] There is currently a need to increase the number of patients a device can treat simultaneously in order to improve equipment utilization and reduce treatment costs. Consequently, multiple proton beams need to be drawn from the accelerator. However, due to the high construction cost of proton beams and the limited number of proton beams that can be drawn simultaneously from an accelerator, the increase in the number of patients a single accelerator can treat simultaneously is limited and comes with a significant cost increase. Therefore, it is essential to maximize the number of neutron beams (corresponding to multiple treatment heads) while minimizing the number of proton beams, thereby increasing the number of patients a device can treat simultaneously.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention requires a new technical solution to solve the above technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially address the aforementioned technical issues. Specifically, it aims to provide a neutron control device that can simultaneously treat multiple patients while minimizing or avoiding an increase in proton beam current. In other words, it aims to provide a neutron control device that can simultaneously treat multiple patients by cooperating with an accelerator while maintaining controllable additional costs.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a neutron control device, which includes: a device body; a neutron generation target, which is arranged on the device body, and the neutron generation target can generate neutrons when bombarded by a proton beam; a plurality of neutron transmission channels, which are arranged on the downstream side of the neutron generation target along the neutron transmission path; a neutron scatterer, which is arranged between the neutron generation target and the neutron transmission channel along the neutron transmission path, so that: after the neutrons reaching the neutron scatterer are scattered by the neutron scatterer, at least a part of the neutrons can be dispersed into all or part of the multiple neutron transmission channels.

[0007] With this structure, the neutrons generated by the proton beam bombarding the neutron generation target can be dispersed in multiple directions by means of the scattering effect of the neutron scatterer. On this basis, it is expected that treatment of multiple patients can be achieved.

[0008] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the structure, number, and specific placement of the neutron scatterers based on actual needs. For example, by reasonably arranging the structure of the neutron scatterers, it is expected that the generated neutrons can enter multiple neutron transmission channels as evenly as possible.

[0009] Furthermore, it can be understood that the neutrons can be made to reach the multiple neutron transmission channels by means of scattering alone or by means of a combination of scattering and other means.

[0010] For the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible embodiment, the neutron control device includes: a neutron reflector, which is arranged on the upstream side of the neutron scatterer along the neutron transmission path, so that: after the neutrons reaching the neutron scatterer are scattered by the neutron scatterer, a portion of the neutrons can be dispersed to reach the neutron reflector, and at least a portion of the neutrons can enter the multiple neutron transmission channels after being reflected by the neutron reflector.

[0011] With this configuration, it is possible to allow generated neutrons to enter as many neutron transmission channels as possible through a combination of scattering and reflection.

[0012] For the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, the neutron scatterer is a hemispherical structure, and the neutron reflector wraps at least a portion of the outer side of the hemispherical structure.

[0013] This configuration provides possible structural forms for a neutron reflector / neutron scatterer. For example, the neutron reflector can be a single-piece structure or a combination of multiple structures. For example, the neutron reflector includes multiple neutron reflectors, each of which wraps around the neutron scatterer at different locations. Furthermore, the neutron reflector can wrap around the exterior of the neutron scatterer (e.g., by conforming to the exterior surface) in a partial area or the entire area.

[0014] Regarding the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, the neutron control device includes a shielding portion, the shielding portion forms a shielding chamber, and the device body is accommodated in the shielding chamber.

[0015] With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the influence of the neutron control device on the surrounding environment by providing the shielding portion.

[0016] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can determine the number of components included in the shielding portion, the structural form of the components, the shielding function of the components, and the structural form of the shielding chamber formed therein according to actual needs.

[0017] For the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, the shielding portion includes: a neutron shielding body capable of blocking neutrons; and / or a gamma-ray shielding body capable of preventing leakage of gamma rays.

[0018] This configuration provides a possible functional combination of the shielding part.

[0019] For the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, the neutron shielding body is a neutron shielding layer, the gamma-ray shielding body is a gamma-ray shielding layer, and the gamma-ray shielding layer is arranged on the outside of the neutron shielding layer.

[0020] Such a configuration provides a specific structural form of the shielding portion.

[0021] Regarding the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, a treatment head is provided on the downstream side of the neutron transmission channel along the neutron transmission path.

[0022] Through such a structure, a specific structural form of the neutron control device is given.

[0023] Regarding the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, a neutron control system capable of controlling the neutron energy spectrum is provided between the neutron transmission channel and the treatment head.

[0024] Through such a structure, the working reliability of the neutron control system is guaranteed.

[0025] For the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible embodiment, the neutron transmission channel and the neutron control system are completely accommodated in the shielding chamber, and at least a portion of the treatment head is accommodated in the shielding portion and has a protruding portion extending out of the shielding portion.

[0026] This configuration provides a possible way for the shielding part to constitute a neutron control device.

[0027] For the above-mentioned neutron control device, in a possible implementation manner, the radial dimensions of the neutron transmission channel along the neutron transmission path are the same or reduced.

[0028] Through such a configuration, a possible outer contour shape of the neutron transmission channel / neutron control system is given.

[0029] Beneficial effects:

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the neutron control device can generate multiple neutron beams by cooperating with a proton beam of an accelerator, thereby achieving simultaneous treatment of multiple patients based on a single proton beam, improving equipment utilization and reducing treatment costs.

[0031] Because increasing the proton beam current is expensive, the present invention effectively controls the cost of treatment equipment while enabling the simultaneous treatment of multiple patients. Furthermore, the combination of neutron scatterers and neutron reflectors improves the utilization rate of neutrons generated by the bombardment, and the provision of a neutron shield further enhances this utilization rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram showing a neutron control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the principle of a neutron control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram showing a neutron control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a neutron control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] List of reference numerals:

[0038] 100. Neutron control device;

[0039] 1. Proton beam;

[0040] 2. Neutron production target;

[0041] 3. Neutron reflector;

[0042] 4. Neutron shielding;

[0043] 5. Gamma ray shielding;

[0044] 6. Neutron transmission channel;

[0045] 7. Neutron control system;

[0046] 8. Treatment head;

[0047] 9. Neutron scatterer.

[0048] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, parts corresponding to the same functions in the three embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, for example, the neutron transmission channels corresponding to the three embodiments are all denoted by 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can determine the number and shape of the neutron transmission channels, as well as their distribution on the neutron scatterer, based on actual needs.

[0050] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as limiting the utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "set," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] In addition, to better illustrate the present invention, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, the control principles of neutron control systems, which are well known to those skilled in the art, are not described in detail in order to highlight the main purpose of the present invention.

[0053] Main reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a neutron control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the principle of the neutron control device of the first embodiment of the present utility model is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one possible embodiment, a proton beam 1 is part of an accelerator. The neutron control device 100 of the present invention primarily comprises a neutron generation target 2, a neutron reflector 3, a neutron shield 4, a gamma-ray shield 5, a neutron transmission channel 6, a neutron control system 7, a treatment head 8, and a neutron scatterer 9. Neutrons are generated by bombarding the neutron generation target 2 with the proton beam 1. For example, materials for the neutron generation target 2 include, but are not limited to, lithium and beryllium. The neutron reflector 3 primarily reflects neutrons. For example, materials for the neutron reflector include, but are not limited to, lead, beryllium, or other materials with a high neutron scattering cross-section and a low neutron absorption cross-section. The neutron shield 4 primarily absorbs neutrons. Materials for the neutron shield 4 may include, but are not limited to, lithium fluoride-containing polyethylene, boron-containing polyethylene, or other materials with a high neutron absorption cross-section. The gamma-ray shield 5 primarily shields gamma rays. For example, the gamma-ray shield may be filled with lead or tungsten. The neutron shield 4 and gamma-ray shield 5, arranged outside the device body, primarily serve to reduce the impact of neutron and gamma-ray leakage on the surrounding environment. Neutron transmission channel 6 is primarily used to guide neutrons, and the medium in the neutron transmission channel is air. Neutron control system 7 is primarily used to control the neutron energy spectrum to the parameters required for patient treatment. For example, the neutron control system can be made of materials containing CaF2, MgF2, or other materials with neutron moderation. Treatment head 8 is primarily used to align the treatment area of ​​the patient. Neutron scatterer 9 is primarily used to scatter neutrons. For example, the neutron scatterer 9 can be made of heavy water, graphite, or other materials with a high neutron scattering cross section and a low neutron absorption cross section.

[0054] Mainly referring to 2, based on the above structure, the neutron control device of the present invention is used as follows: the proton beam 1 generated by the accelerator bombards the neutron generation target 2, thereby generating neutrons. The neutrons are then scattered in all directions by the neutron scatterer 9. The scattered neutrons are divided into two parts: one directly enters the neutron transmission channel 6, and the other enters the neutron transmission channel 6 indirectly. Specifically, the path of indirect entry into the neutron transmission channel 6 is as follows: the scattered neutrons enter the neutron reflector 3 via the scattering effect of the neutron scatterer. After entering the neutron reflector 3, the neutrons are reflected back into the neutron transmission channel 6 by the neutron reflector. After entering the neutron transmission channel 6 via the two aforementioned methods, the neutrons are transmitted to the neutron control system, where their energy spectrum is controlled, and then enter the treatment head 8. The neutrons, focused by the treatment head 8, can be directed at the patient for treatment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the neutron scatterer 9 is roughly hemispherical in shape, and the neutron reflector 3 surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the hemispherical structure. In this example, the neutron reflector 3 surrounds the outer surface of the neutron scatterer in multiple directions, so that it cooperates with the neutron scatterer 9 to achieve a combination of reflection and scattering, thereby potentially allowing neutrons to enter the multiple neutron transmission channels 6 more evenly through two pathways. Furthermore, in this example, the planar portion of the hemispherical structure abuts the neutron generation target 2, and the centerline of the neutron transmission channel 6 coincides with one of the diameters of the hemispherical surface corresponding to the neutron scatterer 9.

[0056] It can be seen that the scattered neutrons are divided into two parts, one part directly enters the neutron transmission channel, and the other part indirectly enters the neutron transmission channel 6.

[0057] As in this embodiment, the neutron transmission channels 6 include five (including one located in the middle and four circumferentially surrounding the middle), and the right side parts of the neutron shielding body 4 and the gamma-ray shielding body 5 are roughly hemispherical structures, and neutron transmission is evenly distributed on the hemispherical structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the neutron transmission channel 6 is generally a conical structure (a portion thereof) whose radial dimension along the axial direction gradually decreases toward the treatment head. Accordingly, the structure of the neutron control system 7 is also generally a conical structure that interfaces with the neutron transmission channel 6.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Reference Figure 3 This is another possible structural form of the neutron control device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the components of the neutron control device are substantially the same as those in Example 1, and the structure of the neutron transmission channels is also substantially the same as in Example 1. Unlike Example 1, in this embodiment, the number of neutron transmission channels is four. For example, this embodiment is more suitable for relatively small-scale treatment scenarios.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] Reference Figure 4, this is another possible structural form of the neutron control device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the component composition of the neutron control device is roughly the same as that of Example 1, and the number of neutron transmission channels is also the same as that of Example 1. Different from Example 1, in this embodiment, the radial dimension of the neutron transmission channel is smaller. In addition, different from Example 1, the neutron transmission channel is a tubular structure with roughly the same radial dimension along the axial direction (and roughly the same as the radial dimension of the neutron transmission channel). Correspondingly, the structure of the neutron control system 7 is also roughly a tubular structure. As inspired by this embodiment, if allowed and needed, more neutron transmission channels can be arranged to meet the needs of larger treatment scale scenarios.

[0063] As can be seen, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the provision of neutron scatterers scatters the neutron beam generated by the proton beam bombarding the neutron target, thereby achieving neutron beams in multiple directions. By properly configuring the structure and position of the neutron scatterers, it is possible to achieve the most uniform emission of multiple neutron beams in multiple directions.

[0064] Furthermore, by installing neutron reflectors upstream of multiple neutron transmission channels, multiple neutron beams can be concentrated in the corresponding neutron transmission channels, thereby reducing neutron beam waste and increasing neutron intensity at the treatment port. This allows multiple neutron beams to be generated while maintaining the same proton beam current. This improves the neutron control device and enhances the device's therapeutic efficacy while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

[0065] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A neutron control device, characterized in that: The neutron control device includes: device body; a neutron generation target, which is disposed in the device body and is capable of generating neutrons when bombarded by a proton beam; a plurality of neutron transmission channels disposed downstream of the neutron generation target along a neutron transmission path; A neutron scatterer is disposed between the neutron production target and the neutron transmission channel along the neutron transmission path so as to: After the neutrons reaching the neutron scatterer are scattered by the neutron scatterer, at least a portion of the neutrons can be dispersed into all or part of the multiple neutron transmission channels.

2. The neutron control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The neutron control device includes: A neutron reflector is provided on the upstream side of the neutron scatterer along the neutron transmission path, so that: After the neutrons reaching the neutron scatterer are scattered by the neutron scatterer, in the case where a portion of the neutrons can disperse and reach the neutron reflector, at least a portion of the neutrons can enter the multiple neutron transmission channels after being reflected by the neutron reflector.

3. The neutron control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The neutron scatterer is a hemispherical structure, and the neutron reflector wraps at least a portion of the outer side of the hemispherical structure.

4. The neutron control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The neutron control device includes a shielding portion, wherein the shielding portion forms a shielding chamber, and the device body is accommodated in the shielding chamber.

5. The neutron control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shielding portion includes: Neutron shielding, which is capable of blocking neutrons; and / or A gamma-ray shielding body capable of preventing leakage of gamma rays.

6. The neutron control device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The neutron shielding body is a neutron shielding layer, the gamma ray shielding body is a gamma ray shielding layer, and the gamma ray shielding layer is arranged on the outer side of the neutron shielding layer.

7. The neutron control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The neutron transmission channel is provided with a treatment head on the downstream side of the neutron transmission path.

8. The neutron control device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A neutron control system capable of controlling the neutron energy spectrum is provided between the neutron transmission channel and the treatment head.

9. The neutron control device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The neutron transmission channel and the neutron regulation system are completely accommodated in the shielding chamber, and at least a portion of the treatment head is accommodated in the shielding portion and has a protruding portion extending out of the shielding portion.

10. The neutron control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial dimensions of the neutron transmission channel along the neutron transmission path are the same or reduced.

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