Flattening Filter Mechanism With Offset Actuator for Radiation Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation therapy apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate dose distribution and preventing failures due to the proximity of actuators to the radiation axis, which are susceptible to radiation interference.
Innovation Solution
A dose adjustment mechanism is implemented with an actuator positioned away from the radiation axis, using a moving element that switches between states on and off the axis, and an interference element that moves perpendicular to the radiation axis, ensuring accurate positioning and reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an actuator is disposed near the radiation axis to enable compact integration, then device complexity is reduced and space utilization is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to radiation-induced failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the actuator from a position near the radiation axis to a position farther away in a different spatial dimension. The operation shaft is extended along the radiation axis direction, allowing the actuator to be disposed at a location that does not intersect the radiation axis while still achieving the desired movement function. This dimensional relocation reduces radiation exposure to the actuator while maintaining compact integration.
2Device complexity
If the operation shaft intersects the radiation axis to simplify the mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to increased radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The operation shaft is designed to be extended in the radiation axis direction without intersecting it. The actuator is disposed at a position where its operation shaft runs parallel to or offset from the radiation axis, eliminating direct intersection while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure. This approach balances structural simplicity with radiation protection.
3Manufacturing precision
If the flattening filter position is adjusted to improve dose distribution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to radiation exposure of positioning components
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism for the flattening filter is designed with the actuator disposed at a position where its operation shaft does not intersect the radiation axis. This spatial relocation protects the positioning components from radiation while maintaining the precision required for accurate flattening filter positioning and dose distribution control.
Data Source
AI summary
A dose adjustment mechanism is to reduce an influence of radiation in the dose adjustment mechanism of a radiation therapy apparatus and to prevent occurrence of a failure. A dose adjustment mechanism 40 includes an actuator 42 disposed apart from a radiation axis irradiated with radiation by a radiation therapy apparatus 10, and a flattening filter 33 which is an interference element that moves in a direction perpendicular to the radiation axis by an operation of the actuator 42 and that is capable of switching between a state in which the interference element is disposed on an axis of the radiation axis and a state in which the interference element is not disposed on the axis of the radiation axis. An operation shaft of the actuator 42 does not intersect the radiation axis.