Universal Beam Trigger Interface for Radiation Gating Switchovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radiation therapy systems face challenges in efficiently switching between different physiological cycle measuring devices and beam delivery systems, leading to increased installation errors, safety risks, and reduced patient throughput due to the need for frequent reconnection and reconfiguration of cables and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A universal beam triggering interface (UBTI) device that allows simultaneous connection of multiple triggering apparatuses and components, enabling seamless selection and generation of a universal triggering signal for enabling or disabling beam delivery and patient positioning verification systems, reducing the need for frequent reconnections and simplifying the switching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple triggering apparatuses are connected to the radiation treatment system, then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and installation error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal triggering interface that can accept multiple types of triggering apparatuses (respiratory cycle measuring devices, positioning verification systems, beam delivery systems) through a single standardized connection. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for separate dedicated connections for each apparatus type, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering interface acts as an intermediary device between various triggering apparatuses and the radiation treatment system. It provides a standardized mediation layer that simplifies connections by handling the complexity of interfacing with different apparatus types internally, while presenting a uniform interface to the operator and system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If triggering apparatuses are re-installed and re-configured for different treatments, then the adaptability to different treatment types is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by maintaining permanent connections between the triggering interface and various triggering apparatuses. The interface is pre-configured to recognize and handle multiple apparatus types, so that when a treatment requires a specific apparatus, no physical reconnection or reconfiguration is needed - the system is already prepared to accept and process signals from any connected apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering interface maintains continuous operational readiness by keeping all triggering apparatuses permanently connected and recognized. This eliminates interruptions for reconnection and reconfiguration between treatments, ensuring continuous useful action and maximizing patient throughput while maintaining adaptability to different treatment types.
3Ease of operation
If cables are disconnected and reconnected for each triggering apparatus, then the ease of operation for switching apparatuses is improved, but the reliability and safety decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering interface serves as a safe intermediary that manages all connections between triggering apparatuses and the radiation treatment system. It provides standardized, permanent connections that eliminate the need for operator intervention in cable disconnection and reconnection. The interface internally manages the switching between apparatuses through software control, thereby maintaining reliability and safety while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering interface performs self-service by automatically managing the selection and activation of different triggering apparatuses based on treatment requirements. The system autonomously handles the switching process without requiring operators to physically disconnect and reconnect cables, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with manual cable handling while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Reliability
If quality control is performed after each re-installation, then the reliability of the beam gating system is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering interface performs preliminary quality assurance by maintaining permanent, pre-configured connections between all triggering apparatuses and the system. Quality control is built into the permanent installation rather than being required after each re-installation. The interface continuously monitors and validates connections, eliminating the need for repeated quality control procedures while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to device for selecting one of several triggering apparatuses, which are simultaneously connectable to said device. The triggering apparatuses are arranged for producing each a triggering signal to enable/disable one or more components of a radiation treatment apparatus. The triggering signals depend on detected parameters. The device includes means for receiving triggering signals from the several triggering apparatuses, when all of the apparatuses are connected to the device, input means for selecting one of the triggering apparatuses, means for generating a universal triggering signal for the one or more components on the basis of said received triggering signal from the selected triggering apparatus, and means for sending the universal triggering signal to the one or more components.


