Adjustment Device Shielding in Neutron Capture Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neutron capture therapy systems suffer from premature wear of adjustment devices due to exposure to high radiation doses of neutron beams and gamma rays, leading to reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shielding system with a first shielding member covering the adjustment device and a through slot for a driving rod, which moves to adjust the placement member's position, along with a second shielding member to further shield against radiation, effectively reducing radiation exposure to the adjustment device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the adjustment device is made of metal to ensure strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the adjustment device becomes more susceptible to radiation activation and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding member made of lead or other radiation-shielding material is introduced as an intermediary between the adjustment device and the radiation field. This shielding member absorbs and blocks radiation before it reaches the adjustment device, protecting it from activation and wear while allowing the metal adjustment device to maintain its structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement table structure is segmented into different functional zones: a radiation-shielding zone (shielding member) and a mechanical adjustment zone (adjustment device). The shielding member is positioned between the radiation source and the adjustment device, creating a segmented structure that separates the radiation exposure path from the mechanical operation path.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment device is exposed to the neutron beam for precise positioning, then the positioning function is improved, but the adjustment device suffers radiation damage and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member serves as a mediator that allows the adjustment device to perform its positioning function while protecting it from direct radiation exposure. The shielding member is positioned to block radiation from reaching the adjustment device during the neutron beam irradiation process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the placement table have different radiation shielding properties. The shielding member is strategically positioned only in the region where the adjustment device is located, providing localized radiation protection without interfering with the overall positioning function or requiring complete shielding of the entire placement table.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shielding system significantly reduces radiation damage to the adjustment device, thereby extending its service life and ensuring precise positioning during neutron capture therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the first shielding member prevents the adjustment device from being irradiated by radioactive rays
Implementation Method 2
the second shielding member prevents the adjustment device from being irradiated by the radioactive rays
Implementation Method 3
a moderator for slowing down the neutron beam to an epithermal neutron energy range
Implementation Method 4
a reflector for guiding deflected neutrons back to the moderator
Data Source
AI summary
A neutron capture therapy system includes a neutron generation device for generating a neutron beam, an irradiation room for irradiating an irradiated body with the neutron beam and a placement table that is accommodated in the irradiation room and is adapted to support the irradiated body. The placement table includes a placement member for supporting a patient, an adjustment device for adjusting a spatial position of the placement member, a driving rod connected between the adjustment device and the placement member and a first shielding member covering the adjustment device. The first shielding member prevents the adjustment device from being radiated by radioactive rays. The adjustment device is disposed in the first shielding member that is basically sealed, thereby greatly reducing radiation damage to the adjustment device by neutrons and gamma rays and prolonging the service life of the adjustment device.