Dual Rotation Mechanism for X-ray Imaging in Radiation Therapy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately positioning and treating target tissues due to limitations in imaging and beam delivery technologies, particularly in ensuring precise alignment and adjustment during image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

Innovation Solution

The proposed radiation system incorporates a dual rotation mechanism with a first rotation portion housing a treatment head and a second rotation portion housing imaging sources and detectors. This configuration allows for independent rotation of the imaging components during imaging and synchronized rotation during treatment, enabling precise alignment and adjustment of the radiation beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If imaging sources and detectors are integrated into the rotating treatment head, then treatment precision is improved, but imaging speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidimaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the imaging and treatment functions into separate rotation portions: the first rotation portion contains the treatment head while the second rotation portion contains the imaging sources and detectors. This segmentation allows each portion to rotate independently, enabling high-speed imaging without compromising treatment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic independent rotation of the second rotation portion (imaging components) from the first rotation portion (treatment head). During imaging, the second rotation portion can rotate at high speed independently, while during treatment, the treatment head rotates precisely. This dynamic decoupling resolves the contradiction between imaging speed and treatment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single rotation mechanism is used for both imaging and treatment, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidtreatment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism is segmented into two independent rotation portions: the first rotation portion for the treatment head and the second rotation portion for imaging components. This segmentation allows precise control of the treatment head rotation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both rotation portions share common structural elements such as the gantry and support systems, providing multi-functionality. The second rotation portion can be fixed or rotated independently, offering versatility in imaging modes while the treatment head maintains precise rotational control for accurate beam delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If imaging sources rotate at high speed, then imaging quality is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating imaging sources into a second rotation portion that can rotate independently from the treatment head, the system enables high-speed rotation for improved imaging quality without affecting the alignment precision of the treatment beam delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detectors in the second rotation portion that can detect imaging beams and provide feedback for real-time alignment adjustments. This feedback mechanism ensures that high-speed rotation does not compromise alignment precision, as the system can compensate for any deviations dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enhances imaging speed and quality by allowing high-speed rotation of imaging sources, and improves treatment precision by ensuring accurate alignment and adjustment of the radiation beam, thereby optimizing the delivery of radiation therapy.

Implementation Method 1

one or more imaging sources, at least one of the one or more imaging sources being disposed in the second rotation portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

at least one detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

The first portion of the treatment head may be configured to emit the treatment beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation emission: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentUS20250160767A1X-ray imaging system for radiation therapy

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

The present disclosure may provide a radiation system including a first rotation portion, a second rotation portion, a treatment head, one or more imaging sources, and at least one detector. At least a portion of the treatment head may be disposed in the first rotation portion. At least one of the one or more imaging sources may be disposed in the second rotation portion. The second rotation portion may be able to rotate independently from the first rotation portion.