Multi-Leaf Collimator Motor Integration for Deeper Leaves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-leaf collimators in radiotherapy systems require significant space for motor components, limiting the depth of the leaves and thus the radiation-blocking effectiveness due to the arrangement of motors outside the leaf array.
Innovation Solution
The motors are designed to be compact and integrated within the lateral extent of each leaf, with a cut-out section allowing them to be positioned entirely or partially within the leaf, reducing the overall space required and enabling deeper leaves for improved radiation blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motors are arranged outside the leaf array, then ease of operation is improved, but the depth of leaves is reduced and radiation-blocking effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is merged with the leaf structure by positioning it within the lateral extent of the leaf and coupling it to the drive mechanism. This integration allows the motor to be housed within the leaf assembly rather than separately, enabling deeper leaves while maintaining motor accessibility for operation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is nested within the lateral boundaries of the leaf, with the motor housing positioned inside the space defined by the leaf's lateral extent. This nesting arrangement allows the motor to occupy space that would otherwise be within the leaf structure, enabling increased leaf depth without increasing the overall lateral footprint.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If leaf depth is increased to improve radiation blocking, then radiation-blocking effectiveness is improved, but the space required for motor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is repositioned from a separate external component to an integrated component within the leaf's lateral boundaries. By utilizing the lateral dimension of the leaf structure to house the motor, the design allows for increased leaf depth in the longitudinal direction without proportionally increasing the overall volume required for motor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and leaf structures are merged into a single integrated assembly, where the motor housing is positioned within the lateral extent of the leaf. This merging eliminates the need for separate motor mounting space and allows the motor volume to be accommodated within the leaf structure itself, enabling deeper leaves for improved radiation blocking.
3Length of stationary object
If motors are integrated within the lateral extent of each leaf, then leaf depth can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion for delimiting the radiation beam and a second portion for engagement with the motor. This segmentation allows the motor to be integrated into the leaf assembly while maintaining clear functional boundaries, simplifying the overall design and assembly process despite the increased integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the leaf are assigned different functions and properties: the first portion is optimized for radiation beam delimitation while the second portion is designed for motor engagement. This local differentiation allows the motor to be integrated within the leaf structure without compromising the radiation-blocking functionality of the leaf, managing complexity through functional specialization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-leaf collimator with a plurality of leaves and at least one motor for each leaf. The motor for each leaf has a lateral width which is equal to or narrower than the corresponding leaf, and in this way the motors can be arranged within the lateral extent of the leaf. A cut-out section in the leaf allows the motor to lie at least partially within the depth of the leaf, and in this way the drive mechanism and the multi-leaf collimator as a whole are made extremely compact. This in turn allows the leaves to be deeper than would otherwise be the case, increasing their efficacy in blocking radiation.