Deformable Band Moving Floor for Compact Hadron Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact hadron therapy installations with limited gantry rotation amplitude require a moving floor that minimizes installation volume, ensures patient access, and reduces the risk of immobilization, while traditional systems are labor-intensive and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A deformable band moving floor guided in a guide structure, connected to the irradiation unit via a traction mechanism with counterweights and telescoping elements to maintain axial tension and absorb residual movements, reducing the risk of immobilization and allowing easier access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional moving floor with multiple panels is used to cover the passage, then the passage is completely closed, but the device complexity increases due to monitoring multiple panels synchronously with gantry rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The moving floor is divided into multiple independent panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can move independently. Each panel is actuated individually between a first position freeing the passage and a second position covering the passage, allowing simplified monitoring of each panel's position rather than complex synchronous coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The moving floor panels are designed to be dynamically movable between two positions (first position freeing passage, second position covering passage). The panels can retract and extend quickly to adapt to the rotating irradiation unit's position, maintaining safety while enabling treatment delivery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the moving floor panels retract and extend quickly to avoid collision, then the risk of collision is reduced, but the risk of accident due to prolonged opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving floor panels operate in periodic cycles, retracting when the irradiation unit approaches (to avoid collision) and extending to cover the passage when safe. The system alternates between opening and closing states based on the rotational position of the irradiation unit, maintaining safety while enabling efficient treatment delivery
3Adaptability or versatility
If a 360° rotary gantry is used, then the irradiation unit can deliver treatment at several angles, but the installation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a full 360° rotary gantry, the system uses a partial rotation range (approximately 270°) that provides sufficient versatility for treating tumors at multiple angles while reducing the overall installation volume. The moving floor compensates by providing complete passage coverage throughout the rotation arc
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
The solution provides a compact hadron therapy installation with reduced installation volume, improved patient access, and a lower risk of moving floor immobilization, while maintaining efficient operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
telescoping elements to maintain axial tension and absorb residual movements
Implementation Method 2
connected to the irradiation unit via a traction mechanism with counterweights
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hadron therapy installation that comprises an irradiation unit, a moving floor in the form of a deformable band guided in a guide structure with a segment on either side of the irradiation unit, and a traction mechanism arranged between the irradiation unit and the two segments, such that the irradiation unit can drive the floor segments via the traction mechanism that rotates about its axis of rotation.