Therapeutic Apparatus With Annular Cryostat Beam-Scatter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic apparatuses face challenges in combining radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging due to interference between components, leading to weakened radiation beams and poor radiotherapy efficacy, particularly in compact structures.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an annular cryostat with distinct penetrating and non-penetrating areas in its annular structures, using materials with varying scattering properties to minimize beam interference, and includes a rotatable radiation source for precise treatment delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the radiation beam passes through the cryostat of the MRI device, then the therapeutic apparatus can be compact, but the radiation beam is weakened due to heavy scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The cryostat structure is divided into different material zones: the first wall uses a material with low scattering coefficient for radiation beams, while the second wall uses a different material. This local differentiation of material properties reduces overall radiation scatter while maintaining structural integrity and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryostat employs composite material construction with at least two different materials having different scattering coefficients. This composite approach optimizes the balance between structural requirements and radiation transmission, reducing beam scatter while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
2Volume of moving object
If MRI components and radiation therapy components are arranged in compact space, then the apparatus is more compact, but interference occurs between components
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cryostat are assigned different material properties: the first wall material has low scattering coefficient for optimal radiation transmission, while the second wall material serves magnetic shielding functions. This spatial differentiation resolves interference issues while maintaining compactness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design maintains high therapeutic quality by reducing beam scattering and enabling precise radiation application, ensuring effective treatment despite compact configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerator configured to accelerate electrons in an electron beam to produce a radiation beam of the therapeutic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device configured to acquire MRI data with respect to the ROI
Implementation Method 3
a degree of scattering of the radiation beam by the material of the penetrating area may be lower than a degree of scattering of the radiation beam by the material of the non-penetrating area
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic apparatus may be provided. The therapeutic apparatus may include a radiation therapy device configured to apply therapeutic radiation to a region of interest (ROI). The radiation therapy device may include an accelerator configured to accelerate electrons in an electron beam to produce a radiation beam of the therapeutic radiation, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device configured to acquire MRI data with respect to the ROI. The MRI device may include an annular cryostat including at least one annular structure enclosing one or more chambers.