Multi-Leaf Collimator Drive With Gear-Based Travel Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing driving mechanisms for multi-leaf collimators in medical radiotherapy equipment are inefficient in adjusting the collimator shape, affecting the precision and size of the driving system, which is a critical issue in modern medical radiotherapy.
Innovation Solution
A driving mechanism with a transmission component that includes an output end with a larger linear velocity than the input end, utilizing a gear assembly with a larger radius second gear and a smaller radius first gear, allowing for a distance amplification function to reduce the motion range of the driving system while maintaining precision, and incorporating a linear motor with a stator and mover for efficient linear motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional driving mechanism is used for multi-leaf collimators, then the structure is simple, but the driving efficiency is low and the system size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the output component inside the target object's motion path, with the output member positioned within the leaf collimator assembly. The transmission component is arranged such that the first gear and second gear are nested coaxially, with the first gear inside the second gear, achieving space optimization and compact system layout while maintaining high driving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear motion to rotational motion by introducing a transmission component with gears. The output member's linear motion is converted to rotational motion of the first gear, which then drives the second gear to produce the target object's linear motion. This dimensional transformation enables compact arrangement and improves driving efficiency by utilizing rotational mechanics
2Manufacturing precision
If the motion range of the driving system is reduced, then the precision is improved, but the driving distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission component as an intermediary between the output member and the target object. The first gear acts as a mediator that converts the output member's linear motion into rotational motion, which then drives the second gear to achieve the target object's linear motion. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the effective driving distance while maintaining positioning precision through gear ratio control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes gear ratio as a parameter to transform the motion characteristics. By selecting appropriate gear ratios between the first gear and second gear, the system can amplify the output member's limited travel distance into a larger effective driving distance for the target object, while the precision is maintained through the mechanical advantage provided by the gear transmission
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 enhances the precision and reduces the size of the driving system in the target motion direction, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the multi-leaf collimator's shape adjustment, thereby improving the overall performance in medical radiotherapy applications.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor with a stator and mover for efficient linear motion
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a gear assembly with a larger radius second gear and a smaller radius first gear
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a driving mechanism configured to drive a target object to perform a linear motion, wherein the target object includes at least one of a plurality of leaves of a multi-leaf collimator. The driving mechanism may include an output component including an output member. The driving mechanism may also include a transmission component configured to operably connect the output component and the target object. The transmission component may include an output end and an input end. The input end may be operably connected with the output member. The output end may be operably connected with the target object. A linear velocity of the output end may be larger than a linear velocity of the input end.