Movable Radiation Delivery Device for Compact Radiotherapy Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiotherapy solutions require large, costly rotatable gantries and specialized treatment rooms with radiation shielding, which increase construction and maintenance costs, and do not efficiently allow for multi-angle irradiation.

Innovation Solution

A radiotherapy apparatus with a shielding cabin and a movable radiation delivery device that can adjust its position and orientation within the cabin, using a guide rail system to reduce the need for extensive room shielding and enable precise multi-angle irradiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable gantry is used to achieve multi-angle irradiation, then the tumor can be irradiated from different angles, but the device size and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-angle irradiation capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the irradiation function into multiple independent radiation delivery devices positioned at different locations, each capable of delivering radiation from its specific angle. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large rotatable gantry while achieving multi-angle irradiation through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a rotatable gantry that moves in a horizontal plane, the patent positions radiation delivery devices at different vertical heights and angles, utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve multi-angle irradiation. This dimensional approach allows multiple radiation sources to be arranged in a spatial configuration that provides comprehensive angular coverage without requiring large horizontal movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable gantry with radiation shielding is used, then multi-angle irradiation is achieved, but the treatment room requires special radiation shielding which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-angle irradiation capabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shielding is applied locally at specific positions where radiation delivery devices are located, rather than requiring comprehensive shielding of the entire treatment room. Each radiation delivery device has its own localized shielding structure, which reduces the total amount of shielding material needed and lowers construction costs while still protecting the treatment area from radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If the radiation source is positioned far from the target, then the treatment room size can be reduced, but the therapeutic effect decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment room sizeVSAvoidtherapeutic effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs movable radiation delivery devices that can dynamically adjust their positions and trajectories. The devices can move along guide rails or tracks to reach optimal positions close to the target, allowing the treatment to be delivered from proximity while maintaining a compact treatment room footprint. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to optimize both room size and therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces the volume and cost of radiation shielding required, improves the therapeutic effect by allowing closer proximity of the radiation source to the target, and allows for flexible patient positioning, such as supine or standing postures, while maintaining effective radiation containment within a smaller treatment space.

Implementation Method 1

an electron beam generator configured to generate electron beams, an electron beam accelerator configured to accelerate the electron beams derived from the electron beam generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam generation and acceleration: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

a target component configured to generate the treatment radiation using the accelerated electron beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation generation from accelerated electrons: Electron Impact Desorption

Implementation Method 3

a collimation device configured to adjust a beam shape of the treatment radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

The shielding cabin is configured to shield radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250001212A1Radiotherapy apparatus, radiation delivery method, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

A radiotherapy apparatus includes a shielding cabin and a radiation delivery device. The shielding cabin is configured to shield radiation and has a treatment site disposed therein. The radiation delivery device is movably housed within the shielding cabin, and configured to generate treatment radiation and direct the treatment radiation to a target position at the treatment site.