Optical Position Indicator for MR Linac Patient Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In medical radiotherapy systems, particularly MR Linac systems, there is a challenge in accurately and securely positioning the patient and treatment equipment within the treatment bore, as manual alignment is time-consuming and prone to errors, and electronic indicators are not feasible due to radiation interference and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A position indicator system using light emitting elements on the patient support to emit light and indicate precise positions for treatment equipment, allowing for accurate alignment and stable positioning without electronic interference, utilizing a transferring mechanism for the patient bed and guide rails for smooth movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment of treatment equipment is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but setup time is excessive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical indication system. Light emitting elements provide visual guidance to operators, eliminating the need for manual measurement and alignment while maintaining high positioning accuracy. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated optical signaling directly reduces setup time and eliminates human error in positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service positioning through automated optical indicators that guide operators to correct positions without requiring expert knowledge or manual measurement. The light emitting elements automatically indicate when equipment is correctly positioned, allowing operators to independently and quickly align treatment equipment without time-consuming manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If electronic equipment is used in the treatment bore for position indication, then automated positioning is possible, but radiation will destroy the electronic equipment and interfere with imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated positioningVSAvoidradiation damage to electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts electronic indication components from the radiation environment. Instead of placing electronic displays or sensors inside the treatment bore where they would be damaged by radiation, the system uses radiation-resistant light emitting elements that can operate in the harsh radiation environment without being destroyed or interfering with imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs simple, radiation-resistant light emitting elements rather than complex electronic equipment. These basic optical components can withstand radiation exposure and do not require protection from radiation damage, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for automated positioning in the radiation environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If multiple position indicators are added to the patient support, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the positioning indication system into multiple independent light emitting elements distributed along the patient support. Each element provides localized positioning information for specific zones, enabling precise positioning without requiring a complex centralized system. This segmentation allows accurate multi-point positioning while maintaining system simplicity through modular, independent components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances patient safety and efficiency by providing accurate and stable positioning of the patient and treatment equipment, reducing alignment errors and handling time, while minimizing radiation exposure and equipment damage.

Implementation Method 1

a position indicator comprising a number of light emitting elements arranged in the patient support and each being arranged to receive activation signals instructing a receiving light emitting element to emit light to indicate positions for treatment equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11596809B2Indicator arrangements and methods for such arrangements

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 ELEKTA AB

AI summary

The invention relates to a position indicator for a system for moving a patient in a non-invasive therapy system, wherein the system for moving includes a patient support arranged outside a treatment space of a medical apparatus of the non-invasive therapy system, a treatment table arranged inside the treatment space in the medical apparatus, and a patient bed movable in a longitudinal direction from the patient support to the treatment table and back by means of activation of a transferring mechanism, wherein the position indicator comprises a number of light emitting elements arranged in the patient support and each being arranged to receive activation signals instructing a receiving light emitting element to emit light to indicate positions for treatment equipment.