Dynamic Electron Beam Control for Radiotherapy Dose Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiotherapy technologies face challenges in effectively controlling electron beams to achieve optimal dose distribution and minimize damage to non-target areas.

Innovation Solution

A beam control device that includes an electron beam generator and microwave cavities to defocus and refocus electron beams, allowing for precise control of the radiation dose distribution and improved depth penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If an X-ray beam is used for radiotherapy, then the radiation can penetrate deep into the body to treat internal tumors, but energy is deposited along the transmission path causing damage to non-target areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depthVSAvoiddamage to non-target area

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy parameter of the electron beam dynamically during treatment. By adjusting the electron beam energy from low to high, the penetration depth is controlled to match the tumor location, allowing superficial tissues to receive lower doses while deeper tumors receive therapeutic doses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different electron beam energies during treatment. The energy switching capability allows the radiation profile to be adapted in real-time to the tumor's depth and shape, optimizing dose distribution throughout the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a hadron beam is used for radiotherapy, then the Bragg peak characteristic achieves desirable depth dose distribution with minimal damage to non-target areas, but the device structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to non-target areaVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical hadron acceleration and control system with an electron beam system controlled by electromagnetic fields. The electron beam, guided by magnetic fields and controlled by RF cavities, achieves comparable dose distribution without the complexity of hadron therapy infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electron beam system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can treat both superficial and deep-seated tumors by adjusting energy, and can deliver both conventional and FLASH radiotherapy protocols, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a hadron beam is used for radiotherapy, then the Bragg peak characteristic achieves desirable depth dose distribution, but the energy switching speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to non-target areaVSAvoidenergy switching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different electron beam energies during treatment. The energy switching capability allows the radiation profile to be adapted in real-time to the tumor's depth and shape, optimizing dose distribution throughout the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If an electron beam with low energy level is used for radiotherapy, then the system structure remains simple, but the penetrating ability becomes insufficient for deep tumors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidpenetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different electron beam energies during treatment. The energy switching capability allows the radiation profile to be adapted in real-time to the tumor's depth and shape, optimizing dose distribution throughout the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables a higher dose rate and improved depth dose distribution compared to X-ray radiotherapy, while also simplifying the system structure and reducing costs compared to hadron radiotherapy.

Implementation Method 1

a first microwave cavity configured to generate a defocused electron beam by deflecting the electron beam in a second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave field: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an electron beam generator configured to generate an electron beam for radiotherapy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam generation: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentUS12285630B2Systems and methods for controlling electron beam in radiotherapy

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a beam control device for radiotherapy is provided. The beam control device may include an electron beam generator configured to emit an electron beam for radiotherapy toward a subject in a first direction. The beam control device may further include a first deflection device configured to generate a defocused electron beam by defocusing the electron beam in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.