Compact RF Assembly With Three-Port Circulator for Gantry Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiotherapy systems face challenges in implementing compact and stable radiofrequency (RF) apparatus for beam generation subsystems on rotatable gantries due to their complex structure and large physical space requirements, which affect mechanical performance and installation on rotating components.
Innovation Solution
The use of a compact RF apparatus comprising a three-port circulator and flexible waveguide configuration for RF power transmission, allowing stable and efficient RF power delivery to the acceleration waveguide, which is tiltable and adaptable for mounting on a rotatable gantry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional RF apparatus is used for beam generation in radiotherapy systems, then the system can provide adequate RF power transmission, but the apparatus becomes large and complex in structure, making it difficult to install on rotatable gantries and reducing mechanical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The RF apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a RF power source, a three-port circulator, and a transmission waveguide. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled into a compact configuration that fits on rotatable gantries while maintaining adequate RF power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission waveguide is nested within or adjacent to the circulator assembly, and the entire RF apparatus is integrated into a compact housing that can be mounted on the gantry. This nesting approach reduces the overall footprint and eliminates the need for separate large external components.
2Power
If a conventional RF apparatus is used for beam generation in radiotherapy systems, then the system can provide adequate RF power transmission, but the apparatus occupies large physical space, affecting installation on rotating components and reducing maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator and transmission waveguide are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be mounted as one unit on the gantry. This combining of components eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall volume occupied by the RF apparatus while maintaining full RF power transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF apparatus is designed with a compact three-dimensional configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral spaces efficiently. The waveguide transitions and connections are arranged in multiple dimensions to minimize the footprint on the gantry surface while maintaining adequate RF power transmission paths.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact RF apparatus is designed for gantry mounting, then the system size is reduced and maneuverability is improved, but the apparatus must maintain stable RF power delivery despite the compact configuration and tiltable design
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission waveguide incorporates flexible sections that allow the compact RF apparatus to accommodate tilting and rotation movements on the gantry without compromising RF power delivery. These flexible waveguide sections maintain electrical connectivity while accommodating mechanical movements, ensuring stable RF power transmission despite the compact and movable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-port circulator acts as an intermediary component that isolates the RF power source from variations in the transmission path caused by compact configuration and movement. This circulator ensures stable RF power delivery by managing reflections and maintaining consistent power transfer even when the apparatus is tilted or rotated on the gantry.
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 a more compact and mechanically versatile RF apparatus that improves the speed and accuracy of radiotherapy treatments by facilitating stable RF power delivery and reducing system size, thus enhancing the maneuverability and installation on rotating gantries.
Implementation Method 1
a three-port circulator arranged to transmit RF power in a first direction from the RF power source to a transmission waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a transmission waveguide arranged to be coupled to an acceleration waveguide
Implementation Method 3
an acceleration waveguide arranged to accelerate electrons
Implementation Method 4
allowing stable and efficient RF power delivery to the acceleration waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A radiofrequency (RF) apparatus for a radiotherapy system, can comprise an RF power source, a three-port circulator; and a transmission waveguide arranged to be coupled to an acceleration waveguide. The RF power source can be arranged to transmit RF power towards the three-port circulator along a first direction and the three-port circulator can be arranged to transmit RF power towards the transmission waveguide along the first direction.