Fiber-Reinforced Composite Structural Elements for MRI and Radiotherapy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical radiotherapy and magnetic resonance imaging systems, there is a need for structural elements that remain stable and elastic under radiation exposure, do not absorb magnetism or radiation, and are easy to shape and handle, while ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of misalignment and injury during treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of structural elements composed of fibers embedded in a matrix, such as glass or Kevlar fibers in epoxy or polyester resin, which provide strength, flexibility, and resistance to radiation and magnetism, allowing for precise alignment and safe patient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional materials are used for structural elements in radiotherapy systems, then the materials may be easy to manufacture, but they lose elasticity and strength when exposed to radiation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of radiation-resistant polymer matrices combined with reinforcement fibers (such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, or aramid fibers) to create structural elements that maintain their mechanical properties under radiation exposure. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by providing both radiation stability and manufacturability through standardized composite material production processes.
2Strength
If metal structural elements are used, then strength is improved, but magnetism and radiation absorption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with non-magnetic polymer matrices and non-metallic reinforcement fibers to achieve the required structural strength without the harmful magnetic and radiation-absorbing properties of metals. The composite structure provides mechanical strength while being transparent to magnetic fields and radiation, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and harmful factor absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces metal-based mechanical structures with polymer-composite structures that provide equivalent or superior performance in radiation environments. This substitution eliminates the harmful magnetic and radiation-absorbing characteristics of metals while maintaining structural integrity through the composite material design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic structural elements are used, then magnetism and radiation absorption are minimized, but the materials become brittle under radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials that combine the radiation transparency and low magnetism of polymers with the radiation resistance and toughness provided by reinforcement fibers. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by providing both the desired lack of harmful factor absorption and the durability needed for long-term radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of polymer materials through composite construction, enhancing their mechanical properties and radiation resistance while maintaining their inherent transparency to radiation and magnetic fields. The fiber reinforcement changes the structural parameters to prevent brittleness under radiation exposure.
4Measurement precision
If the bed is made movable for patient positioning, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the risk of patient injury during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements and protective features into the movable bed structure before patient positioning occurs. These pre-installed protective features reduce the risk of patient injury during bed movement while maintaining the bed's movability for precise alignment, resolving the contradiction between alignment accuracy and patient safety.
5Stability of the object's composition
If structural elements are made rigid for stability, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of shaping and handling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that combine rigid reinforcement fibers with flexible polymer matrices, creating structures that are both stable and easy to shape. The polymer matrix provides formability and handling ease while the fiber reinforcement ensures structural stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of shaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the structural elements, with fiber reinforcement providing rigidity where stability is needed and polymer material providing flexibility where shaping and handling are required. This localized property distribution resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local ease of manipulation.
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
These fiber-reinforced structural elements maintain their properties over time, ensuring accurate alignment, reducing the risk of patient injury, and minimizing material interference with radiation and magnetic fields, thus enhancing the effectiveness and safety of medical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements or other elastic elements usually are exposed to
Implementation Method 2
The structural element comprises a plurality of fibers and a matrix, whereby the plurality of fibers are embedded in the matrix
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Described herein is a structural element (28, 28', 128, 128', 228, 428, 528, 628) for use in a radiotherapy system or a magnetic resonance imaging system or a combination of a radiotherapy system and a magnetic resonance imaging system. The structural element comprises a plurality of fibers (30) and a matrix (32), whereby the plurality of fibers (30) are embedded in the matrix (32).