Movable Thrust Support for Ion Beam Gantry Whirling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating gantry systems in ion beam irradiation for cancer treatment face challenges in maintaining precise ion beam positioning due to distortion and misalignment caused by weight distribution and machining errors, leading to increased three-dimensional whirling and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The rotating irradiation apparatus incorporates movable thrust support devices and linear guides that allow for axial movement of the gantry support rollers, accommodating misalignment and reducing skewing, thereby minimizing axial movement and enhancing ion beam positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the rotating gantry is constructed with a highly rigid structure to reduce distortion, then the three-dimensional whirling of the ion beam irradiation position is reduced, but the complexity and weight of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the rotational axis of the gantry to be corrected during operation. The position correcting device adjusts the rotational axis based on detected positional deviations, enabling the system to maintain high precision without requiring an overly rigid static structure. This dynamic correction approach reduces structural complexity while preserving irradiation accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed thrust support devices are used to prevent axial movement, then the gantry remains stable, but misalignment and skewing due to machining errors and weight distribution cannot be accommodated, leading to increased three-dimensional whirling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces fixed thrust support devices with movable ones that can dynamically adjust their positions. This allows the support devices to accommodate misalignment and skewing caused by machining errors and weight distribution, while still providing stable support. The movable nature of the thrust support devices enables them to absorb dimensional changes without transmitting them to the gantry, thereby reducing three-dimensional whirling.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rotational axes of the rollers are made fully parallel to the rings, then axial movement is prevented, but machining errors and assembly tolerances make this impossible to achieve, causing skewing movement and increased whirling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic correction mechanism that compensates for the inability to achieve perfect parallel alignment between roller rotational axes and rings. The position correcting device detects deviations caused by machining errors and assembly tolerances, and actively adjusts the rotational axis to maintain precision. This eliminates the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while preserving irradiation accuracy.
4Productivity
If treatment time is reduced to increase patient throughput, then productivity increases, but positioning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a feedback mechanism where the position detecting device continuously monitors the rotational position and irradiation position of the gantry. This real-time feedback information is used by the position correcting device to make immediate adjustments, ensuring high positioning accuracy even during rapid rotation and short treatment times. The feedback loop enables the system to maintain precision while operating at high speeds, thus increasing patient throughput without compromising accuracy.
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
This configuration significantly reduces three-dimensional whirling, improves ion beam positioning accuracy, and increases the throughput of patient treatments by allowing for more precise and efficient irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable rollers being in contact with the rotatable body
Implementation Method 2
a first rotating body support device including a plurality of rotatable rollers for supporting one end portion of the rotatable body
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating irradiation apparatus includes a rotating gantry 3 including a front ring 19 and a rear ring 20 and is provided with a beam delivery device 11 and an irradiation device 4. The beam delivery device 11 delivers an ion beam used for particle radiotherapy. Radial support devices 61A and 61B support the front ring 19 and radial support devices 61A and 61B support the rear ring 20. Each radial support device includes a linear guide 41, an upper support structure disposed above the linear guide 41, and a lower support structure disposed below the linear guide 41. The upper support structure is movably mounted on the lower support structure and is movable in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating gantry 3.