Mechanical Radiation Positioning With Locking-Bar Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation positioning methods in radiotherapy are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lack precision, especially for proton therapy, which requires stricter positioning due to its unique characteristics, and are prone to human error and deviations from laser beam widths and human eyes, leading to potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a locking bar member and calibration device with mechanical precision, using fixing members to secure the bar to the treatment bed, and calculating offset distances to ensure accurate alignment within 0.5 mm deviation, replacing human-eye laser positioning for rapid and precise radiation targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human-eye laser positioning method is used, then the positioning process can be completed, but the positioning time is long (1-5 minutes) and precision is low (1-2mm deviation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human-eye-based optical positioning system with a mechanical positioning system. The mechanical positioning device includes a positioning plate with positioning holes that mechanically engage with the radiation source, eliminating reliance on human visual judgment and laser beam alignment. This mechanical substitution achieves sub-millimeter precision (less than 0.5mm deviation) and reduces positioning time to 30 seconds or less.
2Ease of operation
If laser beam width and positioning line width are considered, then positioning can be performed, but deviation increases (3-5mm from laser width plus additional line width)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the sources of deviation by removing the laser beam and positioning line from the positioning process. Instead of using optical indicators with inherent width that cause alignment uncertainty, the invention uses direct mechanical engagement between the positioning plate holes and the radiation source mounting structure, eliminating the intermediate optical elements that contribute to positioning error.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If annual laser deviation (1-2mm) is accounted for, then positioning can be performed, but cumulative error increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a mechanical positioning structure that is installed once and maintains stable geometric relationships over time. The positioning plate with precisely manufactured holes is fixed to the treatment bed, and the radiation source is designed with corresponding mounting features. This preliminary mechanical setup eliminates the need for repeated laser calibration and prevents cumulative annual deviation errors.
4Reliability
If more than 20 minutes per day are spent on daily quality assurance, then thorough calibration is achieved, but device utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical positioning system is designed to be self-calibrating through its inherent geometric constraints. The positioning plate holes and radiation source mounting features form a self-aligning mechanical interface that automatically ensures accurate positioning without requiring operator intervention for complex calibration procedures. This self-service capability reduces daily quality assurance time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is a method of radiation position, which includes: placing a locking bar member on a proper position of a treatment bed; selecting positions respectively on two sides of the treatment bed to be joined with two ends of the locking bar member; and providing a calibration device, wherein the calibration device is provided with at least one positioning point, so that the bottom part of the calibration device is buckled with at least two positioning elements on the locking bar member; and calculating an offset distance between an irradiation point of a radiation and the at least one positioning point of the calibration device to obtain a value, wherein if the value is less than a deviation value, it represents completion of a positioning. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method of quick and precise radiation position, which can not only reduce time cost but also increase the daily use frequency of a radiological apparatus to facilitate cost recovery. 11- 1-locking bar member fixture 2- treatment bed 21- treatment bed hole 3- calibration device 4- fixing member