Integrated Variable-Aperture Collimator for Radiosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation treatment systems, such as the CYBERKNIFE radiosurgery system, rely on manually changing fixed-aperture collimators, which is inefficient and lacks flexibility in aperture size adjustment, limiting the system's ability to precisely shape radiation beams for complex lesions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated collimator system that couples a fixed-aperture collimator with a variable-aperture collimator, allowing for automatic aperture size adjustment using a robotic arm, enabling the use of circular apertures and reducing manual intervention by employing IRIS collimators with programmable drive mechanisms and retention mechanisms to secure the fixed-aperture collimator within the variable-aperture collimator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed-aperture collimators are used to shape radiation beams, then beam shaping precision is improved, but aperture size flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator system is segmented into multiple fixed-aperture collimators with different aperture sizes (e.g., 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm). By selecting and installing the appropriate collimator for the specific treatment requirements, the system achieves both precise beam shaping (through the fixed aperture geometry) and aperture size flexibility (through the set of available collimators).
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator housing and mounting mechanism are designed to universally accommodate multiple different fixed-aperture collimators. The standardized interface and mounting system allow any collimator from the set to be installed in the same housing, making the system multi-functional capable of handling various aperture sizes while maintaining consistent beam shaping precision through the fixed aperture design of each collimator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual changing of fixed-aperture collimators is implemented, then aperture size flexibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator mounting system incorporates a dynamic quick-release mechanism with a locking nut and retaining pin that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged. This dynamic system allows the operator to quickly change collimators without complex tools or procedures, significantly improving collimator changing efficiency while maintaining the ability to switch between different aperture sizes for flexible treatment planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is designed as a separable component that can be easily extracted from the collimator housing through the quick-release mechanism. The locking nut and retaining pin system allows the collimator to be quickly removed and replaced, eliminating the need for permanent installation or complex mounting procedures, thereby improving productivity in collimator changes while preserving aperture size flexibility.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of locking nut is used to change collimators, then ease of operation deteriorates, but device complexity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut is designed with a quick-release mechanism that combines threading for secure mounting with rapid release capability. The retaining pin system works in conjunction with the locking nut to provide a simple two-step operation (engage locking nut, insert retaining pin) that is both mechanically robust and easy to perform, reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use for collimator changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining pin acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the collimator mounting system. By providing a simple push-button or slide mechanism to engage and disengage the retaining pin, the system mediates the complex threaded locking nut operation, making the overall collimator changing process easier to perform while maintaining the mechanical integrity provided by the locking nut design.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for coupling a fixed-aperture collimator to a variable-aperture collimator. The variable-aperture collimator may be an IRIS collimator having multiple leaves configured to open and close an aperture of the IRIS collimator within which the fixed-aperture collimator is retained.