Laser Beam Alignment Apparatus for Therapeutic Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning laser beams on therapeutic machines to indicate a treatment position in relation to a therapeutic beam lack accuracy, often relying on optical examination and manual adjustment, which can lead to incorrect alignment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a carrier element and two measuring devices, one using line sensors to accurately position laser beams and the other to determine the therapeutic beam's isocentre, ensuring precise alignment by intersecting laser beams at a defined point, allowing for fine adjustments and automatic alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical examination and manual adjustment are used for aligning laser beams, then the alignment process can be performed, but the accuracy and reliability of alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual optical examination with automated measurement systems. A first measuring device with line sensors detects the position of laser beams, and a second measuring device determines the therapeutic beam isocentre position. This substitution of mechanical/manual alignment with automated sensor-based measurement significantly improves both accuracy and reliability of the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary measurement devices between the laser beams and the alignment process. The first measuring device acts as an intermediary to objectively measure laser beam positions, while the second measuring device serves as an intermediary to determine the therapeutic beam isocentre. These intermediary devices provide precise, objective data that enables accurate alignment without relying on subjective visual estimation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual optical alignment is used, then the alignment process is simple, but the manufacturing precision of beam alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment verification process into two independent measurement steps. The first measuring device verifies laser beam positions, while the second measuring device verifies therapeutic beam isocentre position. This segmentation allows each measurement to be performed with specialized equipment optimized for its specific function, thereby achieving high precision while keeping each individual device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual optical alignment procedures with automated sensor-based measurement. The line sensors and isocentre determination devices provide precise, objective measurements that eliminate the variability and imprecision inherent in manual methods, achieving high manufacturing precision through automation rather than complexity.
3Reliability
If reproducible positioning is implemented, then the reliability of treatment positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a reproducible positioning system before the actual treatment. The carrier element is positioned on the patient support in a predetermined position, and the measuring devices are calibrated to reference this position. This preliminary setup ensures that subsequent alignment measurements are always made from a known, reproducible reference frame, improving positioning reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustments during treatment.
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 solution provides a precise and reproducible method for aligning laser beams and therapeutic beams, enabling accurate patient positioning and treatment, overcoming the limitations of manual optical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The first measuring device (22) has line sensors (24, 26), which acquire the position of the laser beams on the measuring device
Implementation Method 2
laser beams are projected onto the patient's skin... the laser beams intersect each other in an isocentre of the therapeutic beam
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for checking the alignment of laser beams for indicating a position in relation to a diagnostic and/or therapeutic machine, which has a isocentre, wherein the machine has a patient support movable in its position, laser beams and isocentre being aligned in relation to each other such that the laser beams intersect with each other in the isocentre of the machine, wherein the machine has the following a carrier element, which is provided with means for being arranged in a predetermined position on the patient support of the machine, a first and a second measuring device, each one at a time being equipped with connection means for the carrier element, wherein the first measuring device measures the position of the impingent laser beams with respect to a predetermined position in relation to the patient support, the second measuring device records the position of the isocentre in relation to the predetermined position of the first measuring device.