Magnetic Electron Beam Focusing for Variable Radiation Depth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electron beam radiation therapy systems lack dynamic control over radiation depth and often result in excessive exposure to healthy tissues surrounding the target region.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus that includes an electron beam generator, a plurality of magnets producing magnetic fields to focus the electron beam, and a control system that dynamically moves the focal point by altering the magnetic field parameters, allowing for precise control of radiation depth and dosage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If beam energy is increased to increase radiation penetration depth, then radiation can reach deeper target regions, but radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of magnetic field parameters to adjust the focal point depth in real-time. By varying the current through electromagnets, the system can dynamically move the focal point from a first location at a first depth to a second location at a second depth, enabling adaptive radiation delivery that maintains precision while treating deeper targets without increasing overall beam energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the depth of focal point by altering magnetic field parameters (electrical current through electromagnets) rather than changing beam energy. This parameter change approach allows the focal point to be moved closer to and farther from the magnets in the axial direction, achieving variable penetration depth with constant beam energy
2Manufacturing precision
If manual beam energy selection is used to control radiation depth, then treatment of shallow targets is achieved, but dynamic control of radiation depth is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is configured to alter one or more parameters of the plurality of magnets to dynamically move the focal point between different depths within the target region. This dynamic adjustment capability provides real-time control over radiation depth, allowing the system to adapt to different treatment requirements without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical energy selection with an automated control system that uses electromagnetic fields to adjust focal point depth. The control system alters electrical current through electromagnets to change the depth of focal point, substituting mechanical/manual adjustment with electromagnetic control for superior precision and adaptability
3Device complexity
If fixed beam energy is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to treat targets at varying depths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing beam energy to treat different depths, the system changes magnetic field parameters (electrical current through electromagnets) to adjust focal point depth. This allows a single beam energy setting to treat targets at multiple depths by varying the magnetic focusing parameters, maintaining system simplicity while achieving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field system serves multiple functions: it focuses the electron beam and simultaneously controls the depth of the focal point by altering electrical current. This multi-functionality allows the same apparatus to treat targets at varying depths without requiring multiple beam energy configurations, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability
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 enables more precise and controlled delivery of radiation, reducing exposure to healthy tissues and allowing for greater normal tissue sparing, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery times.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnets producing a plurality of magnetic fields configured to focus the electron beam to a focal point
Implementation Method 2
magnets producing a plurality of magnetic fields configured to focus the electron beam
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of magnets comprise electromagnets; and a control system configured to alter one or more parameters of the plurality of magnets, wherein the one or more parameters of the plurality of magnets comprises an electrical current through the electromagnets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for controlling a radiotherapy electron beam. Exemplary embodiments provide for focusing the electron beam at different depths by altering parameters of a plurality of magnets. Exemplary embodiments can also provide for focusing the electron beam at different depths while maintaining the energy level of the electron beam at a consistent level.