Radiotherapy Electron Beam Scanning for Fast Field Shaping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multileaf collimators (MLC) for radiotherapy systems are slow in altering field shape, leading to prolonged treatment times, and focused electron beams generate excessive heat on tungsten targets, necessitating reduced dosage rates to extend target life.
Innovation Solution
Employ a modified electron beam spatial distribution, such as a 2D periodic path, to scan the tungsten target, reducing heat and enabling faster field shaping and higher dosage rates without compromising target lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a focused electron beam is used to generate x-rays on a tungsten target, then high-yield x-ray output is achieved, but excessive heat is generated on the target requiring reduced dosage rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electron beam into multiple discrete electron beams arranged in a grid pattern, where each beam independently irradiates a separate region on the tungsten target. This segmentation distributes the thermal load across multiple target regions, preventing excessive heat concentration at any single point while maintaining high total x-ray output power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single focused electron beam to a two-dimensional array of electron beams. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distribute heat generation across a larger target surface area, effectively managing thermal load while preserving high x-ray output capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multileaf collimators are used for field shaping, then beam shaping capability is provided, but the system is slow to alter field shape leading to prolonged treatment times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical multileaf collimator system with an electronically controlled array of electron beams. By using electronic modulation of individual beam intensities and positions rather than mechanical leaf movements, the system achieves rapid field shape changes without the inertia and mechanical complexity of traditional collimators, significantly reducing treatment time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic electron beam array system where each beam can be independently and rapidly adjusted in intensity, position, and timing. This dynamic control allows real-time modification of the irradiation pattern to match the treatment plan, providing versatile field shaping capability with much faster response times compared to static or mechanically-adjusted collimators.
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 periodic beam path allows for faster treatment durations and extended tungsten target life by distributing heat more evenly, while maintaining high-yield x-ray output and precise dose applications.
Implementation Method 1
focused an electron beam on a target (e.g., a tungsten plate) to produce a high-yield x-ray output
Implementation Method 2
scanning the target, for example, in a two-dimensional (2D) periodic path, which advantageously lowers the x-ray target temperature compared to the typical compact beam spatial distribution
Implementation Method 3
A modified electron beam spatial distribution is employed to scan the target
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention describe a radiotherapy treatment system comprising an electron emission device configured to produce and emit an electron beam; a target; and a plurality of steering coils configured to provide magnetic fields in perpendicular directions for steering said electron beam to said target; wherein said plurality of steering coils are configured to scan said electron beam across said target in a 2D periodic path.