Conformable Beta-Ray Applicator for Precise Lesion Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing β-ray applicators lack universality and adjustability, failing to conform to different lesion shapes, thicknesses, and states, leading to misalignment, inadequate protection, and inconsistent dosing.

Innovation Solution

A β-ray therapy apparatus with a conformable frame and sheets that can be adjusted to fit various lesion shapes, combined with a β-ray shielding assembly and adjustable irradiation window, allowing precise β-ray delivery and fixation to the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-shape applicator is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different lesion shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different lesion shapesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into multiple conformable sheets that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each sheet can be moved to different locations on the frame to create custom-shaped conformable areas matching different lesion geometries, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring completely different devices for each lesion type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conformable sheets are designed to be movable along the conformable frame, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the applicator shape. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to adapt to various lesion shapes and sizes by repositioning the sheets, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If 3D printing is used to create custom applicators for each lesion, then the conformability to specific lesions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to lesion shapeVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of 3D printing custom applicators for each lesion, the invention uses a standardized conformable frame with movable sheets that can be configured to copy or match the shape of any lesion. This approach achieves the same conformability benefit without requiring complex 3D scanning, data analysis, and custom manufacturing for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The conformable frame with adjustable sheets serves as a universal platform that can be adapted to multiple different lesion types and shapes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate custom-manufactured applicators for each lesion, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precise conformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a shielding assembly with fixed window is used, then the radiation protection is reliable, but the irradiation area cannot be adjusted for different lesions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of irradiation areaVSAvoidradiation protection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding assembly incorporates a movable window that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions and openings. This dynamic capability allows the irradiation area to be customized for different lesion sizes and shapes while maintaining reliable radiation protection through the controlled movement of the window within the shielding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If the conformable sheets are made tightly fitting, then the alignment precision is improved, but the ease of adjustment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidease of sheet adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The conformable assembly is segmented into multiple independent sheets that can be adjusted individually. This segmentation allows each sheet to be positioned and secured separately, achieving tight fitting and high alignment precision for the specific lesion area while maintaining operational ease through independent adjustment of each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250339709A1ß-ray therapy apparatus and use method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 PEKING UNION MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL

AI summary

Provided are a β-ray therapy apparatus and a method of using the same. The β-ray therapy apparatus includes a therapy apparatus body and a conformable assembly. The therapy apparatus body includes a β-ray source and a β-ray shielding assembly. The β-ray shielding assembly is provided with a mounting chamber and a window communicating with the mounting chamber, and the β-ray source is mounted in the mounting chamber. The conformable assembly includes a conformable frame and multiple conformable sheets, a transmission area is formed in the middle of the conformable frame, the conformable sheets are arranged on the conformable frame, and can move towards or away from the transmission area. A conformable area surrounding a site to be treated is formed in the transmission area by adjusting positions of the conformable sheets. The β-ray source can emit β-rays toward the conformable area through the window.