Digital HDR Afterloader Testing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the positional and temporal accuracy of high-dose-rate brachytherapy afterloader machines are costly and inefficient, relying on radiographic or radiochromic film, which incur significant expenses and are inconvenient for maintaining regulatory compliance in a paperless hospital environment.

Innovation Solution

A digital testing apparatus using an image capturing device with a microphone, adjustable shaft, and wireless transmitter to capture images and sound levels, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of the radioactive source's position and activity, eliminating the need for film-based testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radiographic or radiochromic film is used for testing HDR afterloader machines, then positional and temporal accuracy can be verified, but testing costs and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional and temporal accuracy verificationVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical film-based measurement system with an optical detection system using a camera and LED illumination. The camera captures images of the radioactive source position, and software automatically analyzes the images to determine positional accuracy, eliminating the need for film development and manual measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the radioactive source position instead of using physical film. The camera captures visual information that is then processed by software to verify accuracy, replacing the physical film copying process with digital imaging and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If radiographic or radiochromic film is used for testing HDR afterloader machines, then positional and temporal accuracy can be verified, but testing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional and temporal accuracy verificationVSAvoidtesting costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive, disposable components such as standard digital cameras and LED lights instead of expensive radiographic or radiochromic film. The camera and illumination system can be reused indefinitely, eliminating the recurring cost of purchasing and disposing of film for each test.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive film-based measurement system with a cost-effective optical system using a camera and software analysis, significantly reducing the material costs associated with each testing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If film-based testing methods are used, then regulatory compliance can be maintained, but the hospital environment cannot transition to a paperless system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidpaperless hospital environment compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical film-based system with a fully digital imaging and software analysis system. The camera captures images that are processed by software to generate compliance reports, eliminating the need for physical film storage and manual documentation while maintaining regulatory compliance through digital record-keeping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of test results through camera imaging and software analysis, replacing physical film records with electronic data that can be easily stored, archived, and accessed in a paperless hospital environment while maintaining the same level of regulatory compliance verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This solution provides a cost-effective, digital method for ensuring the accuracy of HDR afterloader machines, reducing testing costs and time, while maintaining regulatory compliance by offering precise positional and temporal accuracy verification.

Implementation Method 1

determining the activity of the radioactive source through use of the radiation detectors placed within the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a microphone, an optional light source... to capture images and sound levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10076674B2Apparatus and method to visually view high-dose-radiation apparatus used to verify quality assurance

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 BEST CURE FOUND

AI summary

An apparatus for testing a high-dose-rate afterloader machine comprising an image capturing device that used to capture a plurality of still images or a real-time video, wherein said image capturing device further comprises, a zoom lens, a microphone and a light, a measurement ruler that is located on a base plate; a plurality of calibration points located on the said base plate, a source insert that connects to said high-dose-rate afterloader machine to one end, wherein said source insert allows entry of a radioactive pellet and a source wire into one end, and an adjustable shaft that is connected to said base plate and connected to said image capturing device.