Movable Floor Retraction in Particle Beam Rotational Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corkscrew-type particle beam rotational irradiation apparatuses lack the necessary retraction space for a movable floor, preventing the implementation of a retractable access floor during irradiation nozzle movement, which restricts access for medical personnel.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a movable floor with rollers and a rail system that couples with the irradiation nozzle support member, allowing the floor to move circumferentially and retract when the nozzle rotates, thus avoiding interference and enabling access even in corkscrew-type systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable floor is provided to allow access during irradiation nozzle rotation, then access for medical personnel is improved, but the facility area is increased due to the need for retraction space
Solution Approach 1:
The movable floor is nested within the rotary gantry structure. When the irradiation nozzle rotates to positions where access is needed, the movable floor is retracted into the gantry's internal space. When access is not needed, the floor extends to provide a walking surface. This nesting allows the floor to occupy minimal space during retraction while still providing full access functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable floor transitions between extended and retracted states dynamically based on the irradiation nozzle's rotation angle. The floor is extended when the nozzle is at positions where medical personnel need access, and retracted when the nozzle passes through the access area. This dynamic adjustment allows the facility to maintain compact footprint while providing necessary access functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the movable floor is retracted during nozzle passage, then interference between floor and nozzle is eliminated, but the floor must be precisely controlled to avoid blocking the nozzle path
Solution Approach 1:
The movable floor's extension and retraction are controlled by feedback from the irradiation nozzle's rotation angle. Sensors detect the nozzle's position and provide feedback to the floor control system. Based on this feedback, the floor automatically extends or retracts to maintain proper clearance, eliminating interference while simplifying control through automated feedback-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable floor is retracted in advance before the irradiation nozzle approaches the access area. The system predicts the nozzle's path based on its rotation angle and proactively adjusts the floor position to prevent potential interference. This preliminary action ensures clear passage for the nozzle while minimizing the need for complex real-time control adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A particle beam rotational irradiation apparatus includes: a frame that supports an irradiation nozzle and rotates; an irradiation-nozzle support member that is provided on an inner-circumference side of the frame and supports the irradiation nozzle; a movable floor that has a roller movable in a circumferential direction centering on a rotation axis of the frame; and a movable-floor rail that is provided in the circumferential direction on the inner-circumference side of the frame and supports the roller; wherein the irradiation-nozzle support member and the movable floor have respective coupling portions that are attachable/detachable to/from each other in the circumferential direction centering on the rotation axis of the frame.