Double-Helix 2D Scanning Magnet for Uniform Ion Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning magnets used in particle therapy generate non-uniform magnetic fields, leading to inaccuracies in particle beam delivery, which can inadvertently irradiate healthy tissue and fail to deliver the intended radiation dose to the target volume, causing health issues and treatment complications.
Innovation Solution
A compact 2D scanning magnet design featuring an outer and inner double-helix coil configuration, with coils tilted in opposite directions to generate uniform and symmetrical magnetic fields, allowing precise scanning across a 2D target area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scanning magnets are used to scan particle beams, then the beam can be delivered to the target volume, but the magnetic fields are non-uniform causing beam position deviations and inaccurate irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric coil winding patterns in the scanning magnet coils, where the windings are deliberately designed with non-uniform distribution to compensate for and cancel out non-uniform magnetic field components. This asymmetric winding configuration generates corrective magnetic field components that counteract the inherent non-uniformities, thereby improving beam position accuracy and irradiation precision throughout the scanning range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the magnetic field parameters by adjusting coil current distributions and winding densities across different spatial regions. By varying the current parameters and winding configurations in different parts of the coils, the system achieves more uniform magnetic field strength and direction across the scanning area, eliminating beam position deviations caused by field non-uniformity.
2Productivity
If conventional scanning magnets are used, then particle beam delivery is achieved, but healthy tissue is inadvertently irradiated due to beam deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric coil winding pattern generates a corrected magnetic field that maintains precise beam positioning at the boundaries and edges of the target volume. By compensating for non-uniform field effects through asymmetric windings, the beam remains accurately confined to the target area even during scanning of distal and proximal edges, preventing healthy tissue irradiation while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If conventional scanning magnets are used, then beam scanning is performed, but the magnet size and gantry system size are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional coil windings to three-dimensional double-helix coil structures. This dimensional change allows the coils to generate both horizontal and vertical magnetic field components simultaneously, enabling 2D beam scanning in a more compact configuration. The helical structure packs the winding length more efficiently in three-dimensional space, reducing the overall magnet volume while maintaining full scanning capability.
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 2D scanning magnet design enhances beam accuracy, minimizing healthy tissue irradiation and maximizing radiation delivery to the target volume, while reducing the size of scanning magnets and gantry systems.
Implementation Method 1
The outer double-helix coil and the inner double-helix coil may be configured to scan an input ion beam across a 2D target area
Data Source
AI summary
A compact two-dimensional (2D) scanning magnet for scanning ion beams is provided. The compact 2D scanning magnet may include an outer double-helix coil and an inner double-helix coil that is disposed within the outer double-helix coil and is rotated about an axis relative to the outer double-helix coil. The outer double-helix coil may include a first outer coil configured to receive an input electrical current through the first outer coil in a first direction, and a second outer coil configured to receive the input electrical current through the second outer coil in a second direction. The inner double-helix coil may include a first inner coil configured to receive a second input electrical current through the first inner coil in the first direction, and a second inner coil configured to receive the second input electrical current through the second inner coil in the second direction.