Focusing Magnet for Multi-Directional Charged Particle Beam Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charged particle therapy systems face challenges in efficiently irradiating tumors from multiple directions without causing physical and mental burdens on patients, and require large mechanisms that increase production and installation costs due to the need for multiple irradiation ports and beam transport lines.
Innovation Solution
A focusing magnet that deflects and focuses charged particle beams over a wide angle range, allowing continuous irradiation without moving the patient, and an irradiation apparatus with a movable nozzle that aligns with the effective magnetic field region, reducing the need for extensive mechanisms and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixed irradiation ports are provided to irradiate charged particle beam from multiple directions, then the dose concentration on target is improved, but the number of transport lines and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single transport line is designed to serve multiple irradiation directions by integrating the beam transport system with a rotating mechanism that can direct the beam to different angles. This allows one transport line to perform the function of multiple separate lines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to deliver concentrated dose from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The irradiation port or transport line is made rotatable or adjustable, allowing dynamic repositioning to achieve multiple irradiation directions. This dynamic capability replaces the need for multiple fixed ports, enabling continuous or discrete multi-directional irradiation through a single adaptable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target is rotated to irradiate from multiple directions, then the irradiation angle coverage is improved, but the patient burden and target deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the target (patient) to achieve multi-directional irradiation, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the target stationary and rotating the irradiation port or beam delivery system. This allows the beam to approach from multiple angles while the patient remains fixed, eliminating physical and mental burden associated with target rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transport line and irradiation port are rotated to achieve continuous irradiation, then the irradiation angle continuity is improved, but the mechanism size and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions rather than requiring continuous rotation capability. The system can pivot or adjust to specific pre-determined angles, achieving effective multi-directional irradiation without the complexity of a fully continuous rotation mechanism. This segmented approach reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
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
Enables continuous, multi-directional tumor irradiation without patient movement, reducing patient burden and costs by optimizing the magnetic field configuration and apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing magnet that deflects and focuses charged particle beams over a wide angle range
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention is a focusing magnet including a coil pair arranged on both sides of a path of a charged particle beam. The coil pair generates an effective magnetic field region in which a magnetic field is oriented in a direction (z-axis) perpendicular to a traveling direction (x-axis) of a charged particle beam. In an xy-plane, an incident charged particle beam deflected at a deflection angle φ with respect to the x-axis at a deflection point Q is deflected by the effective magnetic field region, and irradiates an isocenter at an irradiation angle θ with respect to the x-axis; an arbitrary point P2 on a boundary on an exit side of the effective magnetic field region is at an equal distance r1 from the isocenter; a point P1 on a boundary on an incident side of the effective magnetic field region and the point P2 are on a radius r2 and an arc of a central angle (θ + φ); and when a distance between the deflection point Q and the isocenter is L, a distance R between the deflection point Q and the point P1 satisfies a relational equation (4).