Fluid Column Radiation Modulator for Dynamic Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation beam modulators lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in dynamic applications, as they require manual fabrication and exchange of solid metal blocks, leading to prolonged treatment times and stability issues during radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A radiation beam modulator using a fluid with adjustable column heights, allowing real-time dynamic adjustment of the modulating profile to conform to desired target volumes, utilizing a system of capillaries and antagonizing fluids to maintain the modulating profile, enabling quick and precise modulation of radiation beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual fabrication and exchange of solid metal blocks is used, then the modulator can provide fixed intensity modulation, but the treatment time is prolonged and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static metal block modulator into a dynamic system by replacing solid metal with liquid attenuating material contained in flexible bags. The liquid can be pumped in and out to dynamically adjust the modulating profile, enabling real-time adaptation without manual block exchange. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by providing both flexibility and reduced treatment time through automated fluid control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using liquid attenuating material (such as contrast media or saline) contained in flexible bags that can be inflated or deflated. The liquid volume and pressure are controlled through pumping systems, allowing dynamic adjustment of the modulating profile. This hydraulic approach enables rapid reconfiguration without manual intervention, simultaneously improving flexibility and reducing treatment time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solid metal blocks are used for intensity modulation, then the modulating profile is fixed, but the reconfiguration time is too large to be practically useful
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static metal blocks with dynamic liquid-filled flexible bags that can be rapidly reconfigured. The liquid volume in each bag is controlled independently through pumping systems, allowing the modulating profile to be dynamically adjusted between treatment sessions and even during treatment. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides high adaptability with minimal reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state from solid metal to liquid attenuating material, enabling parameter changes in volume, pressure, and distribution. The liquid can be pumped in and out of flexible bags to change the thickness and shape of the attenuating material, providing continuous adjustability of the modulating profile without the time-consuming process of fabricating and exchanging solid blocks.
3Productivity
If traditional physical modulators are used, then simultaneous whole-field irradiation is achieved, but manual block exchange between beams is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated pumping controls that can be integrated with the treatment planning system and delivery control. The liquid volume in each flexible bag is automatically adjusted based on the required modulating profile, eliminating the need for manual block exchange. The system serves itself by automatically reconfiguring the attenuating material distribution in response to treatment parameters, maintaining high productivity while improving ease of operation.
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 modulator provides a simple, inexpensive, and highly flexible solution for real-time adjustment of radiation beams, reducing treatment time, improving conformality, and enabling high-resolution modulation with a large modulation range, suitable for various types of radiation, including photons and charged particles.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation beam is then modulated by passing the radiation beam through the modulating profile of the fluid columns, resulting in a modulated radiation beam
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation beam modulator (1; 500; 600) that can be employed for modulating a radiation beam (60) in a radiation system. The modulator (1; 500; 600) comprises a bath (590; 690) containing a radiation attenuating fluid (520; 620) and multiple low radiation attenuating bars (570; 670) immersed in the fluid (520; 620) to form an array of multiple columns (525; 625). A height adjuster (530; 630) is arranged for adjusting a respective level of immersion of the bars (570; 670) in the fluid (520; 620) thereby to adjust the heights of the fluid columns (525; 625) such that the columns (525; 625) collectively form a radiation beam modulating profile.