Beam Shaping Support Structure for Modular BNCT Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The alignment and separation of heavy beam shaping assembly and accelerator components in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) devices are challenging due to limited space, making efficient and accurate positioning difficult during operation, maintenance, and repair.

Innovation Solution

A beam shaping equipment with a supporting structure that includes a main supporting frame, first and second auxiliary supporting frames, and adjustable tracks and level devices, allowing for independent movement and precise positioning of modules along multiple directions, facilitating easy separation and reassembly for maintenance and improved space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the beam shaping assembly and accelerator are separated to provide working space for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to the heavy weight of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The beam shaping assembly is divided into front and rear modules that can be independently separated and repositioned. The supporting structure is also segmented into multiple adjustable components, allowing each module to be independently positioned and aligned after separation for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure incorporates adjustable mechanisms including level adjusting devices and position adjusting devices that enable dynamic repositioning of the beam shaping assembly and accelerator components. These adjustable elements allow precise alignment to be restored after maintenance by moving components along predefined trajectories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the beam shaping assembly and accelerator are separated for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional supporting structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of separationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular components (front module, rear module, main supporting frame, auxiliary supporting frames) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows simple separation and reassembly operations while the modular nature keeps each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adjustable supporting structures serve as intermediaries between the beam shaping assembly and the accelerator components. These intermediaries provide the necessary adjustment capabilities without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If heavy components are repositioned for alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to the difficulty of alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure includes pre-configured adjustment mechanisms and level adjusting devices that are prepared in advance. These preliminary arrangements enable quick and accurate repositioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments, significantly reducing alignment time while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual alignment operations are replaced by mechanical adjustment devices including level adjusting devices and position adjusting devices that automatically facilitate precise positioning. This substitution reduces the time and skill required for alignment operations while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient space utilization, precise alignment, and convenient maintenance by allowing independent movement of modules, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility in beam shaping equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The neutron source is configured to generate a plurality of neutrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron generation: Nuclear Fission

Implementation Method 2

The beam shaping body is configured to adjust an energy spectrum of the neutrons to generate a neutron beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy spectrum modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4583638A1Beam shaping equipment and supporting structure

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 HERON NEUTRON MEDICAL CORP

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AI summary

A beam shaping equipment includes a beam shaping body and a main supporting frame. The beam shaping body includes a front module and a rear module. The rear module defines a working space with the front module therebetween. The working space is configured to accommodate a neutron source. The main supporting frame is configured to support the front module and the rear module. The neutron source is configured to generate a plurality of neutrons. The beam shaping body is configured to adjust an energy spectrum of the neutrons to generate a neutron beam.