Converging X-ray Lens with Adjustable Single-Crystal Tiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray equipment for radiotherapy and radio-surgery generate diverging beams, which require rotation to achieve effective treatment, resulting in inefficient use of beam intensity and non-uniform tumor irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A converging X-ray system utilizing a Bragg reflecting surface formed by individually adjustable single-crystal tiles with non-zero offcut angles, mounted on rings with eccentric screw arrangements, allowing precise control of beam shape, size, and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If collimation is used to narrow the beam, then beam shape is improved, but beam intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple concentric rings, each ring further divided into multiple facets. This segmentation allows different portions of the divergent beam to be redirected toward a common focal point, converting the wasted peripheral beam portions into useful therapeutic radiation and thereby maintaining beam intensity while achieving the desired narrow beam shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens utilizes curved surfaces with specific radii of curvature (first radius for facets, second radius for ring arrangement) to focus the divergent X-ray beam. This curvature-based focusing mechanism redirects radiation from all portions of the source uniformly to the focal point, preserving beam intensity while creating a concentrated beam shape.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotation of instruments is performed to treat tumors, then treatment coverage is improved, but treatment time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system provides multi-functionality by delivering uniform irradiation to tumors of various sizes and shapes through a single stationary or minimally adjusted device. The adjustable focal volume capability allows the same device to treat different tumor configurations without requiring multiple rotational approaches, thereby maintaining treatment coverage while reducing treatment time.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lens structures are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but beam uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is constructed from discrete facets arranged in concentric rings, which can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for precise control of each facet's orientation and position, enabling high beam uniformity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction and standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each facet of the lens is designed with specific local properties (orientation, curvature radius) optimized for its position in the lens structure. This local quality approach ensures that each facet contributes uniformly to the focused beam, achieving high beam uniformity while allowing flexible manufacturing of individual components that can be precisely positioned during assembly.
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 more efficient and uniform irradiation of tumors by concentrating X-ray beams to a precise focal region, improving treatment efficacy and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
n X-ray lens comprising at least one ring having a Bragg reflecting surface formed by a plurality of single-crystal tiles
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray system for providing a converging X-rays comprises: (a) an X-ray source having an optical axis thereof; and an X-ray lens comprising at least one ring having a Bragg reflecting surface formed by a plurality of single-crystal tiles. Each tile individually comprises an adjusting arrangement enabling a tridimensional individual displacement thereof in angular and translational manner.