Neutron Therapy Device Self-Rotating Beam Shaping Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neutron therapy apparatuses require large external rotary structures for multiple-angle irradiation, leading to a bulky and non-portable design that hinders miniaturization efforts.
Innovation Solution
A neutron therapy apparatus with a beam shaping assembly that includes a moderator, reflector, neutron generator, deflection magnets, and a supporting frame allowing the beam shaping assembly to rotate and move along a track, enabling multi-angle irradiation without the need for external rotation, thus simplifying the structure and enabling portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external rotary apparatus is used to drive the rotation of the neutron therapy apparatus for multi-angle irradiation, then multi-angle irradiation capability is achieved, but the overall structure becomes bulky and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation function into the beam shaping assembly itself, eliminating the need for a separate external rotary apparatus. The beam shaping assembly includes an integrated rotation mechanism that allows it to rotate independently to achieve multi-angle irradiation, combining what were previously separate functions into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rotation function from the main apparatus body and assigns it to the beam shaping assembly. This allows the beam shaping assembly to rotate independently while the main apparatus remains stationary, reducing the overall space requirements while maintaining multi-angle irradiation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large external rotary apparatus is used to enable rotation of the neutron therapy apparatus, then multi-angle irradiation is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is merged into the beam shaping assembly, eliminating the need for a complex external rotary apparatus. This integration simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of separate components and their interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the entire neutron therapy apparatus as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by rotating only the beam shaping assembly. This reversal of the rotation target significantly reduces structural complexity while achieving the same multi-angle irradiation effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the neutron therapy apparatus is fixed on a large rotary apparatus for multi-angle irradiation, then irradiation from multiple angles is achieved, but portability and miniaturization are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the beam shaping assembly the rotating component rather than the entire apparatus. This inversion dramatically reduces the weight of the moving part, enabling portability while maintaining multi-angle irradiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation function is segmented and assigned to the beam shaping assembly, which is a smaller, lighter component compared to the entire apparatus. This segmentation enables the use of a lighter rotation mechanism and improves overall portability.
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 design allows for compact, portable, and simple neutron therapy apparatus operation, achieving multi-angle irradiation through self-structure rotation, which enhances usability and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a moderator and a reflector surrounding the moderator, wherein the moderator moderates neutrons to a predetermined energy spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a reflector surrounding the moderator, wherein the moderator moderates neutrons to a predetermined energy spectrum and the reflector guides deflected neutrons back to enhance the neutron intensity
Implementation Method 3
deflection magnets for changing the transmission direction of the ion beam
Implementation Method 4
a collimator for concentrating neutrons
Implementation Method 5
a neutron generator embedded inside the beam shaping assembly, wherein the neutron generator generates neutrons after irradiated by an ion beam
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to provide a neutron therapy apparatus which give multi angles neutron beam irradiation, the neutron therapy apparatus includes: a beam shaping assembly including a moderator and a reflector surrounding the moderator, wherein the moderator moderates neutrons to a predetermined energy spectrum and the reflector guides deflected neutrons back to enhance the neutron intensity in the predetermined energy spectrum; a neutron generator embedded inside the beam shaping assembly, wherein the neutron generator generates neutrons after irradiated by an ion beam; at least a tube for transmitting the ion beam to the neutron generator, wherein the tube defines at least an axis; deflection magnets for changing the transmission direction of the ion beam; a collimator for concentrating neutrons; and an irradiation room for receiving a irradiated object, wherein the beam shaping assembly rotates around the axis of the tube.