Movable Detector Shield for Radiation-Resistant X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in producing high-quality images rapidly while minimizing radiation exposure and protecting imaging components from radiation damage during cancer treatment.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-resistant medical imaging system utilizing a scanning beam x-ray source, a detector shield, and image reconstruction processor to measure and produce images of x-ray photons, with a reverse geometry configuration and shielding to protect components from radiation, allowing for low exposure and high-quality image production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large-area x-ray detector is used to obtain high-quality images rapidly, then imaging quality and speed are improved, but the detector is exposed to high radiation levels from the linear accelerator causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A movable radiation shield is introduced as an intermediary element between the linear accelerator radiation source and the x-ray detector. The shield selectively blocks high-energy radiation from the linear accelerator while allowing lower-energy diagnostic x-rays to pass through to the detector, thereby protecting the detector from damage without compromising imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shield is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This enables the shield to move out of the way during imaging operations to allow x-rays to reach the detector, and move into position during radiation therapy to block harmful radiation, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and imaging capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the x-ray source and detector are arranged at right angles to the radiation therapy beam to avoid direct radiation, then detector protection is improved, but imaging geometry and quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable radiation shield serves as a mediator that enables the x-ray source and detector to be positioned in optimal imaging geometries (including arrangements at right angles to the radiation beam) without compromising detector protection. The shield dynamically blocks radiation when in the imaging position, allowing flexible source-detector arrangements while maintaining protection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation exposure is minimized to protect healthy tissues, then patient safety is improved, but tumor targeting accuracy and treatment effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses low-dose diagnostic x-ray imaging (partial action) for tumor localization and treatment planning, which is sufficient for accurate targeting without the need for full therapeutic radiation doses. This allows healthy tissue to be spared from excessive radiation exposure while still achieving the necessary imaging quality for precise tumor targeting
Solution Approach 2:
Diagnostic imaging is performed in advance (preliminary action) to accurately locate and characterize the tumor before radiation therapy begins. This preliminary imaging establishes the treatment plan and ensures accurate tumor targeting, allowing the actual therapeutic radiation to be precisely directed at the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues
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 system achieves rapid high-quality imaging with reduced radiation exposure to patients and improved protection of imaging components, enabling accurate tumor targeting and minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source and large-area x-ray detector... an electron beam is generated and focused upon a small spot on the relatively large anode (transmission target) of the tube, inducing x-ray radiation emission from that spot
Implementation Method 2
A small x-ray detector is placed at a distance from the anode of the x-ray tube. The detector typically converts x-rays which strike it into an electrical signal in proportion to the detected x-ray flux
Implementation Method 3
A detector shield is positioned between the x-ray detector and the radiation therapy source for shielding the x-ray detector from the radiation from the radiation therapy source
Implementation Method 4
The electron beam is deflected (electromagnetically or electrostatically) in a raster scan pattern over the anode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for radiation resistant medical imaging. A scanning beam x-ray source and x-ray detector are used. A detector shield is utilized to shield the x-ray detector from radiation.