Brachytherapy Applicator Pivoting Connector Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current brachytherapy applicator devices face challenges in precise and easy placement, which affects the localized and comfortable delivery of radiation therapy to internal tumors, as they require complex positioning and alignment of radioactive sources within the body.
Innovation Solution
The applicator device features a connecting unit with a first connector immovably fixed to a colpostat and a second connector that pivots to engage the first, allowing for precise alignment and positioning of the radiation source, preventing travel in the X-direction while allowing movement in the Y and Z directions, enhancing ease and precision of placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex positioning and alignment system is used for the radiation source, then the precision of placement is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The second connector is designed to pivot relative to the first connector, allowing dynamic adjustment during placement. This pivoting mechanism enables the radiation source to be positioned precisely at multiple contact portions (first, second, third, and fourth contact portions) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The dynamic pivoting capability replaces what would otherwise require a complex fixed positioning system.
2Ease of operation
If a simple connector design is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of radiation source delivery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second connectors. It includes multiple contact portions (first contact portion on the first connector, second and third contact portions on the second connector, and a fourth contact portion on the first connector) that facilitate precise engagement and alignment. This intermediary structure enables easy operation through simple connector assembly while ensuring precise radiation source alignment through the multi-point contact system.
3Reliability
If multiple contact portions are used in the connector, then the reliability of radiation source positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit merges multiple contact portions into a single integrated connector assembly. The first connector includes a first contact portion and a fourth contact portion, while the second connector includes second and third contact portions. These multiple contact points are combined in one pivoting assembly, ensuring reliable radiation source positioning through multi-point engagement while avoiding the complexity of separate positioning mechanisms for each contact point.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator device is provided including a connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a first connector coupled to a first colpostat and a second connector coupled to a second colpostat. The first connector includes a first contact portion and a body portion, the first contact portion being immovably fixed to the body portion. The second connector includes a second contact portion and a third contact portion, the second contact portion being configured to contact and pivotally engage the first contact portion. The first connector further includes a fourth contact portion configured to contact the third contact portion. The second contact portion and the third contact portion are disposed between the first contact portion and the fourth contact portion, and the first contact portion are disposed in closer proximity to a point of delivery of a radiation source than the second, third, or fourth contact portions.