Neutron Beam Source Stabilization With Proton Beam Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neutron capture therapy devices lack real-time monitoring of proton beams, making it difficult to ensure the stability of the neutron beam source.

Innovation Solution

A neutron beam source generation system with a calibration module comprising electromagnet components, profile-measuring and current-measuring components, and a Faraday cup to control and adjust the distribution and current of proton beams, ensuring stability before generating a neutron beam source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If real-time monitoring of proton beam is implemented, then the stability of neutron beam source is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of neutron beam sourceVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration module is divided into multiple independent functional components: electromagnet components for beam distribution control, profile-measuring component for spatial distribution measurement, current-measuring component for beam current measurement, and Faraday cup component for total charge measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall system reliability while keeping individual component complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration module acts as an intermediary device placed between the accelerator and the target. It provides real-time monitoring and adjustment of the proton beam without directly interfering with the primary function of generating neutron beams. This intermediary approach enables stability improvement while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement components are added to monitor proton beam, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of proton beam measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of calibration module

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration module is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that performs multiple measurement tasks simultaneously: the profile-measuring component measures beam spatial distribution, the current-measuring component measures beam current, and the Faraday cup component measures total charge. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision through multiple measurement points while avoiding the need for separate independent measurement systems, thereby controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple measurement functions are merged into a single calibration module assembly that is disposed in the beam channel. The electromagnet components, profile-measuring component, current-measuring component, and Faraday cup component are combined in a coordinated arrangement, allowing simultaneous measurement of various beam parameters without requiring separate complex measurement systems for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides stable neutron beam generation by accurately controlling proton beam distribution and current, enhancing the reliability of neutron capture therapy devices.

Implementation Method 1

The pair of electromagnet components are configured to control distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and in a third direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The Faraday cup component is configured to optionally shield the proton beam and measure the proton beam to obtain a second current value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday cup measurement principle: Faraday Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12447359B2Neutron beam source generation system comprising an accelerator, a target, and a neutron beam source stabilization control system, and neutron beam source generation method

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 HERON NEUTRON MEDICAL CORP

AI summary

A neutron beam source generation system, a neutron beam source stabilization control system, and a neutron beam source generation method are provided. The neutron beam source generation system includes an accelerator, a target, and a calibration module. The accelerator is configured to generate a proton beam. A neutron beam source is generated by irradiating the target with the proton beam. The calibration module includes a pair of electromagnet components, a profile-measuring component, a current-measuring component, and a Faraday cup component. The calibration module uses the pair of electromagnet components to control the distribution of the proton beam according to the profile distribution of the proton beam as measured by the profile-measuring component. The calibration module adjusts the current of the proton beam according to the first current value as measured by the current-measuring component, the second current value as measured by the Faraday cup component, or both.