Interlocked Collimators for Medical Linear Accelerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small field circular collimators in medical linear accelerator machines are not interlocked with coding, leading to potential human errors due to lack of identification and verification mechanisms, which can result in improper use or omission during treatment, posing serious clinical risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors, such as micro-switches, into the LINAC adaptor to individually identify small field circular collimators, ensuring proper installation and verification through unique identification grooves, binary codes, or alternative mechanisms like resistance, radiofrequency, or optical encoding, to prevent incorrect operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interlocking coding is used for accessories, then installation of wrong accessories is prevented, but small field circular collimators cannot be identified leading to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interlocking coding system with an optical sensing system. Optical sensors detect unique identification features (such as notches, grooves, or patterns) on the collimator components, converting mechanical/physical characteristics into optical signals for electronic verification. This substitution enables reliable identification of small field circular collimators that previously lacked coding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification mechanism between the collimator and the LINAC system. This intermediary consists of unique physical features on the collimator (such as notches or grooves) that serve as mediators for optical sensors to detect and verify collimator identity. This intermediary layer enables the system to distinguish between different collimator types without requiring fundamental changes to the collimators themselves.
2Device complexity
If no identification mechanism is used for small field circular collimators, then device complexity is reduced, but human error and clinical mistakes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification and verification of collimators before treatment delivery. The optical sensors detect unique identification features on collimators during installation, and the system verifies correctness before allowing operation. This preliminary action prevents human errors from reaching the treatment stage without significantly complicating the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where optical sensors continuously monitor collimator presence and identity, providing real-time verification to the control system. The system receives feedback about collimator configuration and can alert operators or prevent operation if incorrect collimators are installed. This feedback loop enhances reliability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are added to the adaptor, then collimator identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function into separate optical sensors positioned at specific locations within the adaptor. Each sensor detects specific identification features on the collimator, and the results are combined for overall verification. This segmentation allows for precise identification while keeping each individual sensor component simple and the system modular for easier maintenance and calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting small field circular collimators when connected to a linear accelerator machine (LINAC). Each small field circular collimator is provided with some uniquely identifying trait depending upon its size. The adaptor of LINAC includes sensors to detect the uniquely identifying trait of the small field circular collimator. The information from the sensor about the small field circular collimator is conveyed to the LINAC to verify that the collimator is properly installed and the correct size collimator is being used.