Omnidirectional Antenna System for Radiation Therapy Rotor Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation therapy systems face challenges in real-time data communication with the rotor, which limits its rotation due to cable entanglement issues, requiring time to unwind cables between treatment sessions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication apparatus with omnidirectional radio antennas both on the rotor and at fixed locations, allowing for line-of-sight radio communication at all angles of rotation, eliminating the need for cables and enabling unrestricted rotor rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used to communicate between the rotor and off-rotor control unit, then real-time control is achieved, but the rotor rotation is limited due to cable winding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with a radio frequency communication system. Omnidirectional radio antennas are mounted on the rotor to communicate with stationary antennas off the rotor, eliminating the need for physical cables and enabling unrestricted rotor rotation while maintaining real-time control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radio waves as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the rotor and control unit. The omnidirectional antennas serve as intermediaries that transmit control signals and data wirelessly, allowing the rotor to rotate freely without cable constraints while ensuring reliable real-time communication
2Loss of information
If cables are used for communication, then data transmission is established, but time is lost unwinding cables between treatment sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical cable system and replaces it with wireless radio frequency communication. This substitution removes the time-consuming cable unwinding process between treatment sessions, allowing the rotor to rotate freely in both directions without interruption and reducing overall procedure time
3Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional radio antennas are positioned on the rotor, then unrestricted rotation is enabled, but line-of-sight communication must be maintained at all angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs omnidirectional radio antennas that can transmit and receive signals in all directions simultaneously. This universal communication capability ensures that at least one antenna maintains line-of-sight communication with the stationary antennas regardless of the rotor's angular position, maintaining communication reliability while enabling unrestricted rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic communication system where multiple antennas on the rotating rotor work in coordination with stationary antennas. As the rotor rotates, different antenna pairs establish line-of-sight connections at different angles, ensuring continuous reliable communication throughout the full range of motion
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 solution enables real-time communication and control of radiation therapy systems without restricting rotor movement, reducing procedure time and improving communication reliability, while minimizing spatial constraints and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of omnidirectional radio antennas positioned on the rotor... a second plurality of omnidirectional radio antennas configured to communicate with the first plurality of antennas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An apparatus for communicating with a radiation therapy device comprises a first plurality of omnidirectional radio antennas 212, 214 mounted upon a rotor 202, and a second plurality of omnidirectional radio antennas 216, 218 positioned at respective fixed locations off the rotor. The first plurality of antennas 212, 214 may be substantially equally spaced around the axis of rotation of the rotor 202. The first plurality of antennas 212, 214 and the second plurality of antennas 216, 218 are positioned so as to allow line-of-sight radio communication between at least one of the first plurality of antennas and at least one of the second plurality of antennas at all angles of rotation of the rotor 202.