Modular Neutron Beam Shaping Assembly for Tumor-Specific Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beam shaping assemblies for neutron capture therapy have fixed integral structures that cannot adjust neutron beam spectra according to specific tumor conditions, limiting their effectiveness in treating different tumors with varying positions, depths, and types.

Innovation Solution

A beam shaping assembly with a replaceable moderator and reflector system that adjusts epithermal neutron energies and intensities, allowing for customizable neutron beam quality through interchangeable components and guide slots for precise tumor therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed integral beam shaping assembly structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different tumor conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different tumor conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam shaping assembly is divided into separate modular components: a target assembly, a moderator assembly, and a reflector assembly. Each component can be independently replaced to adjust neutron beam characteristics for different tumor conditions, solving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular assemblies are designed with universal interfaces and standardized structures that can be combined in different configurations. The same basic components serve multiple functions by being repositioned or reconfigured, providing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed integral beam shaping assembly structure is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to adjust neutron beam spectrum deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutron beam spectrum adjustabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into manufacturable modules with standardized interfaces. Each module can be manufactured independently using conventional techniques, then assembled to create the complete beam shaping system with adjustable spectrum capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The static integral structure is replaced with a dynamic modular structure where components can be moved, added, or removed. This allows the neutron beam spectrum to be adjusted by changing the configuration of moderator and reflector assemblies, while each individual component remains simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If replaceable moderator and reflector components are used, then the adaptability to specific tumor conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization for individual tumorsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The replaceability of moderator and reflector components is achieved through segmentation into standardized modules. Each module is designed with consistent connection interfaces, allowing easy replacement without requiring complex customization mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different tumor conditions are addressed by changing parameters such as moderator material composition, reflector geometry, and assembly positioning rather than fundamentally redesigning the entire system. This allows customization while maintaining a consistent base platform, limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible and accurate neutron beam delivery tailored to individual tumor conditions, enhancing the effectiveness of neutron capture therapy by optimizing neutron beam quality and reducing radiation damage to normal tissues.

Implementation Method 1

a target, wherein the target has nuclear reaction with the incident proton beam from the beam inlet to produce neutrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear reaction: Nuclear Fission

Implementation Method 2

a moderator adjoining to the target, wherein the neutrons are moderated by the moderator to epithermal neutron energies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron moderation: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

a reflector surrounding the moderator leads the deflected neutrons back to enhance the epithermal neutron beam intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10898733B2Beam shaping assembly for neutron capture therapy

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 NEUBORON MEDTECH LTD

AI summary

Abeam shaping assembly for neutron capture therapy includes a beam inlet, a target having nuclear reaction with an incident proton beam from the beam inlet to produce neutrons forming a neutron beam, a moderator adjoining to the target, a reflector surrounding the moderator. The neutrons are moderated to epithermal neutron energies by the moderator, and part of the moderator disposed on the back of the target can be replaced so as to adjust the epithermal neutron energies. The reflector leads the neutrons deviated from the main axis back.