Eccentric X-ray Source Rotation for Homogeneous Dose Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices using X-rays face challenges in achieving homogeneous illumination of target volumes due to the inhomogeneous dose profile of X-ray sources, leading to reduced illumination at edge areas compared to the center, which is typically addressed by beam flattening filters that absorb radiation and reduce dose rate.
Innovation Solution
The medical device employs an X-ray source with a rotation mechanism that aligns the central axis of the X-ray cone tangentially around an isocenter from different spatial directions, combining an inhomogeneous dose profile with paraxial alignment and rotation to achieve homogeneous illumination, potentially eliminating the need for a flattening filter and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a beam flattening filter is used to homogenize the dose profile, then homogeneous illumination of the target volume is achieved, but radiation power is absorbed and dose rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam flattening filter from the X-ray beam path, extracting the problematic energy-absorbing component while maintaining homogeneous illumination through geometric arrangement of multiple X-ray sources around the target volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple X-ray sources arranged in a specific geometric configuration around the target volume, merging their contributions to achieve homogeneous dose distribution without requiring a flattening filter
2Stability of the object's composition
If a beam flattening filter is used to homogenize the dose profile, then uniform dose distribution is achieved, but irradiation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam flattening filter that causes time delays, achieving both homogeneous dose distribution and reduced irradiation time through the multi-source geometric arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple X-ray sources to deliver homogeneous dose distribution simultaneously, eliminating the need for prolonged irradiation that would result from using a flattening filter
3Power
If the X-ray source is aligned centrally towards the target volume, then maximum dose rate is achieved at the center, but edge areas receive reduced illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric geometric arrangement where multiple X-ray sources are positioned at specific angles around the target volume, with each source oriented to direct its beam toward the center, creating complementary overlap that achieves homogeneous edge illumination while maintaining central dose rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single central X-ray source to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple sources around the target volume, utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions to achieve both high central dose rate and homogeneous edge illumination
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
This approach results in more efficient and homogeneous illumination of the target volume, reducing irradiation time and minimizing radiation loss, as the full dose rate can be applied without the need for a flattening filter, ensuring more uniform dose distribution and protecting areas with higher dose rates from excessive radiation.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source with which an x-ray cone can be emitted
Implementation Method 2
a rotation device with which the x-ray source can be rotated about an isocenter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device operating with X-rays, comprising: an X-ray source, from which an X-ray beam that has an intensity maximum along a central ray can be emitted, a rotation unit, with which the X-ray source can be rotated about an isocentre, wherein the central axis of the X-ray beam is oriented eccentrically to the isocentre such that, in particular upon rotation about the isocentre, the central rays emitted from different spatial directions are tangential to an imaginary circle around the isocentre. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a medical device, comprising the following steps: providing an X-ray source, from which an X-ray beam that has an intensity maximum along a central ray is emitted, rotating the X-ray source about an isocentre, wherein the central axis of the X-ray beam is oriented eccentrically to the isocentre such that, in particular upon rotation about the isocentre, the central rays emitted from different spatial directions are tangential to an imaginary circle around the isocentre.