Fixed Field Magnet Gantry for Compact Particle Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical particle beam therapy facilities have large and expensive gantry systems due to their complex magnet arrangements, which hinder the adoption of advances in particle accelerator design for a more compact and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A particle therapy gantry design utilizing fixed field magnets arranged in triplets, with combined function magnets that both bend and focus/defocus the particle beam, and an alternative embodiment using separate function fixed-field permanent magnets to reduce size and weight, allowing for a more compact and efficient beam delivery system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional variable magnetic field coil magnets are used in the gantry, then the particle beam can be precisely guided and focused, but the gantry becomes very large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter from variable to fixed, using permanent magnets instead of electromagnetic coils. This fundamental parameter change allows the gantry to maintain precise beam guidance through carefully designed fixed field strengths and geometries, while dramatically reducing the weight from 630 tons to a much lighter structure suitable for rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic system (variable field coils requiring power supplies and control systems) with a static magnetic field system using permanent magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electromagnetic generation mechanisms while maintaining the essential function of beam guidance and focusing.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex magnet arrangements are used to achieve precise beam delivery, then the beam can be accurately directed to the tumor, but the gantry becomes expensive and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gantry into multiple discrete magnet assemblies, each with a specific function (bending, focusing, defocusing). These segmented magnet modules can be independently manufactured and positioned, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving precise beam delivery through the coordinated action of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple magnet functions into integrated assemblies where permanent magnets perform both bending and focusing roles simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining beam delivery precision.
3Measurement precision
If large and heavy gantry systems are used, then the particle beam can be delivered with high precision, but the system size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from variable electromagnetic fields to fixed permanent magnetic fields, the patent achieves the same precision function with a more compact physical footprint. The fixed field strength allows for smaller magnet dimensions while maintaining the magnetic field intensity required for precise beam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or arc-shaped permanent magnet arrangements that follow the desired beam trajectory. This curved geometry allows the gantry to achieve precise beam directing in a more compact space compared to straight-line magnet arrangements, reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining targeting precision.
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 proposed gantry design significantly reduces the size and weight of the gantry system, enabling precise and efficient particle beam delivery with strong focusing in both horizontal and vertical planes, while simplifying the control system and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first curved particle beam path arc length extending between the entry point and the transition point
Implementation Method 2
with combined function magnets that both bend and focus/defocus the particle beam, and an alternative embodiment using separate function fixed-field permanent magnets to reduce size and weight
Data Source
AI summary
A particle therapy gantry for delivering a particle beam to a patient includes a beam tube having a curvature defining a particle beam path and a plurality of fixed field magnets sequentially arranged along the beam tube for guiding the particle beam along the particle path. In a method for delivering a particle beam to a patient through a gantry, a particle beam is guided by a plurality of fixed field magnets sequentially arranged along a beam tube of the gantry and the beam is alternately focused and defocused with alternately arranged focusing and defocusing fixed field magnets.