Particle Therapy Control Device Layer Irradiation Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex irradiation procedures in particle therapy units require precise synchronization of the particle beam's energy, leading to an unfavorable load on components due to abrupt energy changes, resulting in increased cooling capacity demands and potential costs or prolonged procedure times.
Innovation Solution
A control device that varies the sequence of layer irradiation between irradiation procedures, minimizing large energy transitions by either irradiating adjacent layers or reversing the sequence, thus reducing the energy adjustments required, and synchronizing the magnetic field with the particle beam energy to minimize AC losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the particle beam energy is adjusted immediately in front of the object to be irradiated for complex layer irradiation procedures, then the target volume can be irradiated with relative precision, but the components of the particle therapy unit are subjected to heavy load due to abrupt energy changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the particle beam energy in stages before the final irradiation position. Instead of making abrupt energy changes immediately in front of the object, the energy is progressively adjusted through intermediate stages (accelerator → beam transport system → irradiation chamber), allowing the magnetic fields to synchronize gradually and minimize AC losses while still achieving precise layer-by-layer irradiation of the target volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the energy adjustment process adaptive and progressive rather than static and abrupt. The control system dynamically adjusts the particle beam energy in coordination with the magnetic field synchronization, varying the energy levels according to the specific irradiation requirements of different layers while minimizing energy transitions and associated AC losses
2Manufacturing precision
If complex irradiation procedures with frequent energy adjustments are performed, then the target volume can be irradiated layer-wise with precision, but the cooling capacity requirements increase due to the load on components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cooling capacity requirements by performing preliminary energy adjustments in staged manner before the final irradiation. The progressive energy modulation in the accelerator and beam transport system prevents sudden energy changes that would generate excessive heat, thereby reducing the cooling capacity needed while maintaining precise layer-by-layer irradiation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the operational parameters of the particle therapy unit by minimizing the magnitude and frequency of energy transitions. The control system carefully selects energy levels and adjustment timing to reduce thermal load on components, changing the energy parameter in a controlled, progressive manner that maintains irradiation precision while reducing cooling demands
3Loss of energy
If the sequence of layer irradiation is optimized to minimize energy transitions, then the load on components is reduced, but the irradiation procedure requires complex control and synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors the particle beam energy and magnetic field synchronization status, and adjusts the irradiation sequence accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize energy transitions in real-time, minimizing component load while coordinating the complex interactions between energy adjustment and magnetic field synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the irradiation sequence dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The control system dynamically determines the optimal irradiation sequence based on real-time conditions, adjusting the order and timing of layer irradiation to minimize energy transitions and component load, while maintaining precise coordination with magnetic field synchronization
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 approach reduces the load on particle therapy unit components, minimizing AC losses and maintaining a low cooling capacity requirement, even during complex irradiation procedures, by gradually adjusting the energy and sequence of layer irradiation, thereby optimizing the operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
synchronizing the magnetic field with the particle beam energy to minimize AC losses
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a control device for controlling an irradiation procedure, which is designed in such a way that a target volume is irradiated by at least two irradiation procedures. In each irradiation procedure, an energy of a particle beam is varied in such a way that the target volume is irradiated layer-wise in layers that are spatially arranged one behind another. A sequence in which the layers of the target volume are irradiated in one of the irradiation procedures is varied from irradiation procedure to irradiation procedure, in terms of a direction of incidence of the particle beam.