Electronic Conical Collimator Verification via Switch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation treatment systems rely on manual verification of conical collimators, which is inconvenient and prone to human error, making it difficult to ensure accurate selection of the correct collimator size for precise radiation delivery.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mounting structure and moveable switches that automatically verifies the identity of a conical collimator by detecting engagement with specific switches, preventing incorrect collimator usage and ensuring accurate positioning and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of conical collimator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and accuracy of collimator selection deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The conical collimator has self-identifying features (such as unique geometric characteristics or coded patterns) that automatically indicate its size and type when viewed by the verification device, eliminating the need for manual identification and reducing human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual verification with an automated optical or mechanical verification device that objectively measures and confirms collimator identity, substituting human judgment with a reliable automated system
2Productivity
If manual checking of conical collimator is performed, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity and treatment efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming verification
Solution Approach 1:
The verification device is pre-configured with reference data and measurement parameters, allowing it to automatically verify collimator identity without requiring the operator to perform manual measurement steps, thus saving time while maintaining simplicity
3Manufacturing precision
If no verification mechanism is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the safety and precision of radiation delivery deteriorates due to potential incorrect collimator usage
Solution Approach 1:
The verification device provides immediate feedback confirmation of collimator identity and proper installation, ensuring that the correct collimator is used for the prescribed treatment before radiation delivery begins, thereby guaranteeing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use with a radiation machine includes a first cone collimator, wherein the first cone collimator has a first end for receiving a radiation beam, a collimating portion for changing the radiation beam, and a second end for emitting an output beam, and wherein the first cone collimator is configured to be detachably coupled to a coupling device that has a plurality of moveable switches, and has one or more engaging portions configured to engage with a first subset of the plurality of switches. A method of using a cone collimator includes receiving a portion of a cone collimator, determining a subset of a plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator, and determining an identity of the cone collimator based on the subset of the plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator.