Microwave Power Control Device for Radiotherapy Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy equipment has limited functionality and high costs due to a one-to-one correspondence between microwave power control devices and accelerating tubes, restricting the ability to efficiently distribute microwave power among multiple tubes.
Innovation Solution
A microwave power control device that includes a microwave signal generation module and a distribution module capable of generating and distributing microwave signals to multiple accelerating tubes according to a target power ratio, utilizing a circulator and adjustable phase shifters to regulate power distribution among multiple accelerating tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-to-one correspondence between microwave power control devices and accelerating tubes is adopted, then each accelerating tube can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple microwave power control functions into a single device by using a circulator with multiple ports. One microwave source connects to multiple accelerating tubes through the circulator, allowing one power control device to serve multiple tubes simultaneously, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability through phase shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulator-based power control device is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple accelerating tubes through a single device. The device can distribute microwave power to different tubes with independent phase control, making one device universal for multiple purposes rather than requiring dedicated control devices for each tube.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple accelerating tubes are driven by separate microwave power control devices, then power distribution is simple, but the cost and volume of radiotherapy equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power control functions into a single integrated device using a circulator structure. Instead of having separate control devices for each accelerating tube, the circulator allows one control device to manage power distribution to multiple tubes, reducing the quantity of control devices while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Quantity of substance
If a single microwave power control device drives multiple accelerating tubes, then cost and volume are reduced, but power distribution control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator acts as an intermediary device that simplifies the control mechanism. It provides isolated ports for each accelerating tube, allowing independent phase control through phase shifters without direct interference between tubes. This intermediary structure manages the complexity of power distribution while maintaining simple independent control for each tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control device is segmented into multiple independent control paths within the circulator structure. Each accelerating tube has its own phase shifter and control path, allowing independent power distribution control while using a single integrated device. This segmentation enables complex power distribution capabilities without requiring multiple separate control devices.
4Reliability
If one-to-one correspondence is used between power control devices and accelerating tubes, then functional reliability is high, but the adaptability of the system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator-based power control device provides multi-functionality by enabling flexible power distribution to multiple accelerating tubes through a single device. The system can adapt to different treatment requirements by adjusting phase shifters to direct power to different tube combinations, enhancing versatility while maintaining reliable control through the circulator's isolated port structure.
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
Enables richer functionality by allowing a single microwave power control device to drive multiple accelerating tubes simultaneously, reducing the cost and volume of radiotherapy equipment while allowing flexible power distribution according to various ratios.
Implementation Method 1
The microwave transmission sub-module is a circulator with m ports
Implementation Method 2
a first adjustable phase shifter, and a second adjustable phase shifter
Implementation Method 3
a coupler, a first adjustable phase shifter, and a second adjustable phase shifter
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave power control device can include: a microwave signal generator and a signal distribution circuitry connected to the microwave signal generator. The microwave signal generator is configured to generate microwave signals and transmit the microwave signals to the signal distribution circuitry; and the signal distribution circuitry is configured to distribute the microwave signals to n accelerating tubes according to a target microwave power distribution ratio, n being an integer greater than or equal to 2.