Disposable MOSFET Skin-Mounted Dosimeter for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external radiation dosimeters are expensive, require substantial setup time, and may pose sterility issues due to lead wires, leading to underutilization in radiation therapy settings, while existing implantable devices are complex and not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, single-use skin-mounted radiation dosimeter with a self-contained MOSFET-based sensor patch that changes threshold voltage upon radiation exposure, eliminating the need for lead wires and allowing for easy attachment and data storage on the patch or a portable reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional external radiation dosimeters with lead wires are used, then radiation dose measurement is achieved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the lead wire component from the dosimeter system. The MOSFET sensor is integrated directly into a skin-mounted patch without external wire connections, removing the source of complexity while preserving the radiation detection function through the MOSFET's threshold voltage change upon radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the MOSFET sensor, adhesive patch substrate, and measurement electronics into a single integrated skin-mounted unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate lead wires and external connections, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement capability through direct voltage threshold detection.
2Measurement precision
If conventional dosimeters with lead wires are used, then radiation monitoring is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome connections
Solution Approach 1:
The lead wire connection step is extracted and removed from the operational procedure. The dosimeter patch is applied directly to the skin like a sticker and reads automatically, eliminating the time-consuming process of connecting and routing lead wires while maintaining radiation measurement accuracy through the MOSFET's intrinsic voltage response.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter performs self-measurement and self-indication of radiation dose. The MOSFET automatically changes its threshold voltage upon radiation exposure, and the integrated electronics directly display or transmit the measurement without requiring technician intervention for wire connections or external power management.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional dosimeters are reused across multiple patients, then cost is reduced, but sterility reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable single-use dosimeter patch that is discarded after one patient use. This eliminates sterility concerns between patients while keeping the device cost-effective through simple manufacturing of the adhesive patch and MOSFET integration. The disposable nature ensures reliability by guaranteeing sterility without requiring complex sterilization protocols.
4Measurement precision
If implantable dosimeters are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and feasibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex implantable mechanical device with a non-invasive skin-mounted electronic patch. The MOSFET's electrical property change (threshold voltage) substitutes for complex implantable sensor mechanisms, achieving accurate radiation measurement without surgical implantation. This substitution maintains precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and improving clinical feasibility.
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 cost-effective, time-efficient method for accurately measuring radiation doses delivered to patients, reducing setup time and minimizing sterility concerns, with real-time data availability and easy data storage for improved clinical management.
Implementation Method 1
A disposable, single-use skin-mounted radiation dosimeter with a self-contained MOSFET-based sensor patch that changes threshold voltage upon radiation exposure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning disposable single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power chords or lead wires.