C-arm Imaging Unit Decoupling for Particle Therapy Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle therapy systems face challenges in enabling imaging without restricting the rotation of the irradiation unit, often requiring complex control procedures to avoid collisions between the imaging and irradiation units during position verification.
Innovation Solution
A C-arm imaging unit is decoupled from the irradiation unit and mounted on the gantry, allowing it to move between a retracted parking and an extended diagnostic position, with a holding device that rotates and pivots to facilitate imaging from various angles without intersecting the irradiation unit's trajectory, minimizing the risk of collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the imaging unit is integrated with the irradiation unit, then imaging can be performed during treatment, but the rotation of the irradiation unit is restricted due to collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is separated from the irradiation unit and mounted independently on the gantry structure. This segmentation allows the imaging unit to be repositioned to a parking position that does not intersect with the irradiation unit's rotation trajectory, enabling the irradiation unit to rotate freely without collision risks while maintaining imaging capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between an extended diagnostic position for imaging and a retracted parking position for irradiation. This dynamic repositioning resolves the conflict by enabling each unit to operate independently in its optimal position without restricting the other's motion
2Measurement precision
If the C-arm is positioned to enable comprehensive imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but collision risk with the irradiation unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm is designed with dynamic positioning between extended and retracted states. During imaging, it extends to provide comprehensive coverage; during irradiation, it retracts to a parking position clear of the irradiation unit's trajectory. This dynamic behavior eliminates collision risk while maintaining full imaging capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the C-arm to a safe parking position before the irradiation unit begins rotation. This advance positioning prevents collision by ensuring the imaging unit is out of the irradiation unit's path before movement occurs, allowing comprehensive imaging when needed without compromising safety
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex control procedures are implemented to avoid collisions, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control complexity is extracted from the coordination between imaging and irradiation units by physically separating their operational spaces. The imaging unit is positioned in a parking location that is inherently clear of the irradiation unit's rotation path, eliminating the need for complex real-time collision avoidance control procedures while maintaining safety
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 solution allows for failure-free operation by enabling independent movement of the imaging and irradiation units, optimizing positioning for imaging while maintaining the irradiation unit's stability, thus enhancing the precision and safety of particle therapy treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging unit includes a C-arm (22). At the two ends of the C-arm are arranged an X-ray source (24) and an X-ray detector (26)
Data Source
AI summary
A particle therapy system is provided. The particle therapy system includes an imaging unit and a rotatable gantry with an irradiation unit. The irradiation unit projects into an irradiation room delimited by a wall. The imaging unit is arranged on a C-arm. The C-arm is operable to be moved between a retracted parking position and an extended diagnostic position for imaging purposes.