Beam Misalignment Detection Through Non-Contact Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating epithermal neutrons in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) lack efficient and compact systems to monitor and safely discontinue misaligned beams, which can cause irreversible damage to beamline components and patients due to high beam energy and direct interaction with walls.
Innovation Solution
Implementing non-invasive beam diagnostics and a control system to detect beam misalignment through current and voltage measurements in beam injectors, and beam loss threshold monitoring in accelerator systems, with redundant measurements to ensure accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam diagnostics methods are used to monitor beam position, then beam alignment can be detected, but the system becomes complex and invasive, potentially causing damage to the beamline components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic elements and biased components as intermediary devices that indirectly detect beam position through current and voltage measurements. These intermediaries sense the beam's magnetic field and electrostatic effects without requiring direct physical contact with the beam, thereby simplifying the diagnostic system while maintaining detection reliability and avoiding invasive damage to beamline components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam position monitors with electromagnetic sensing methods. Instead of using mechanical devices that physically intercept the beam, the system uses magnetic elements to detect beam position through current measurements and biased components through voltage measurements, eliminating mechanical complexity and reducing the risk of beam-induced damage
2Measurement precision
If beam diagnostics are placed closer to the beam path for better detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the risk of beam damage to components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements and biased components serve as protective intermediaries positioned near the beam path. They detect beam position with high precision through electromagnetic interactions without requiring the beam to directly strike or contact the sensing devices, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while preventing beam-induced damage to beamline components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful beam energy into a useful sensing mechanism. The beam's electromagnetic field, which could cause damage if directly contacted, is instead utilized to induce currents in magnetic elements and voltage changes in biased components, enabling precise non-contact measurement while protecting the beamline
3Reliability
If continuous beam monitoring is implemented to ensure safety, then patient safety and component protection improve, but the system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous beam monitoring through magnetic elements and biased components that provide real-time feedback on beam position and integrity. The system automatically detects beam losses and misalignment conditions, enabling continuous safety monitoring without requiring complex manual intervention or operational procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable safety protection
Solution Approach 2:
The beam monitoring system operates autonomously using the beam's own electromagnetic field to generate detection signals. Magnetic elements and biased components self-generate measurement signals through their interaction with the beam, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex active sensing systems, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining continuous safety monitoring
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 timely detection and discontinuation of misaligned beams, minimizing damage to beamline components and ensuring patient safety by maintaining beam alignment and reducing beam-induced hazards.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a current measurement from a magnetic element of the beam injector
Implementation Method 2
obtain a voltage measurement of a biased component of the beam injector
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relating to a beam system. An example method of detecting beam misalignment a beam system includes detecting beam misalignment in an injector system of the beam system. The example method further includes detecting beam misalignment in an accelerator system of the beam system.