Multi-Site TEPC Detector With Switchable Coaxial Collection Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detectors are unable to perform multi-site measurements without changing gas density or using multiple detectors, leading to increased uncertainty, cost, and incompatibility with clinical requirements for fast and accurate radiation treatment planning.
Innovation Solution
A multi-site TEPC detector with interposed helixes between the anode and cathode allows for quasi-simultaneous measurements by varying the electric field, enabling collection volumes to be defined without changing pressure, covering a wide range of simulated sites from 0.1 µm to 20 µm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are used to cover different simulated sites, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single TEPC detector capable of measuring multiple simulated sites (from 0.3 μm to 20 μm) by dynamically adjusting the gas density through pressure control. The detector serves multiple functions that would otherwise require separate detectors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage across different biological site dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of gas density (controlled via pressure) to alter the simulated site size within the same detector. By varying the pressure between 0.1 and 10 atm, the detector can simulate different biological site dimensions, enabling multi-site measurements without requiring multiple detectors with different fixed geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gas density is changed to measure different simulated sites, then measurement versatility is improved, but measurement time increases due to pressure stabilization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure control system that pre-stabilizes the gas density before measurements begin. The pressure control unit is designed to rapidly adjust and stabilize the pressure within the detector chamber, minimizing the time required for stabilization. This preliminary preparation ensures that when pressure changes are needed to switch between simulated sites, the transition time is minimized and does not significantly impact the overall measurement process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors at different pressures are used, then multi-site measurement capability is improved, but measurement uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single TEPC detector for all simulated site measurements, eliminating the variability introduced by using multiple detectors with different response functions. The detector's response function remains consistent across measurements, and only the gas density (pressure) is varied to change the simulated site size. This approach significantly reduces measurement uncertainty compared to using multiple detectors, while still providing comprehensive multi-site measurement capability.
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
Enables fast, accurate, and cost-effective multi-site measurements in a single session, reducing uncertainty and positioning errors, suitable for clinical applications and advanced treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
between the anode and the cathode one or more helixes of conductive material are interposed, which define different coaxial collection volumes
Implementation Method 2
charged particles produced by ionizing radiation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Described herein is a particle detector of the multi-site TEPC type, comprising a sensitive volume having a substantially cylindrical closed coaxial structure, in turn comprising: a cathode (4) in the form of a wall surrounding said cylindrical structure, an anode (7) in the form of a wire along the axis of said cylindrical structure, at least one helix (3) having a cylindrical axial helical structure between said anode and cathode, a power supply device adapted to supply power with a positive or negative voltage difference between said cathode and at least one helix, thereby determining, in the case of said positive voltage difference, a first electric field direction between said cathode and helix and at least one first coaxial particle collection volume between said anode and said at least one helix, or determining, in the case of said negative voltage difference, a second electric field direction between said cathode and helix and a second coaxial particle collection volume between said anode and said cathode, so that by only selecting a collection volume by changing said electric field direction it will be possible to modify a simulated site, allowing for multi-site characterization of the quality of the radiation field with a single detector during a single measurement session.