Movable 2D Detector Phantom for Bragg Peak Energy Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phantoms used in medical science to mimic human tissue responses to radiation lack precision in measuring energy deposition and penetration depth, leading to potential inaccuracies in radiation treatment planning.
Innovation Solution
A phantom system comprising a vessel filled with tissue-equivalent liquid and a 2-dimensional detector that can move along the path of test radiation, allowing for precise spatial measurement of radiation intensity and energy deposition in three dimensions, thereby accurately determining the Bragg peak and range of charged particle beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional phantoms are used to measure radiation energy deposition, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom system is segmented into multiple functional components: a vessel containing tissue-equivalent liquid, a movable detector assembly, a support structure with positioning mechanisms, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is made movable within the vessel along the radiation beam path, allowing dynamic positioning at different depths to measure energy deposition as a function of penetration depth. This dynamic capability enables precise measurement of the Bragg peak position and range, transforming a static measurement system into a dynamic one that can capture spatial variations in energy deposition.
2Manufacturing precision
If a movable detector is used to measure radiation at different depths, then the spatial measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure acts as an intermediary between the detector and the vessel wall, providing controlled movement and precise positioning. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate spatial measurement by mediating the detector's position along the beam path while maintaining mechanical stability and measurement reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with simplified mechanisms that rely on the natural geometry of the vessel and detector assembly. The detector is positioned using a combination of mechanical guides and gravitational alignment, reducing the need for complex actuators and control systems while maintaining high spatial accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If tissue-equivalent liquid is used to accurately mimic human tissue response, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom uses homogeneous tissue-equivalent liquid that closely matches the radiological properties of human soft tissue. This homogeneous composition ensures uniform interaction with radiation beams, eliminating variability introduced by heterogeneous materials while maintaining accurate tissue response mimicry. The liquid's uniform density and atomic composition provide consistent measurement conditions throughout the vessel.
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 precise targeting of tumors with radiation therapy by accurately locating the Bragg peak within the tumor while minimizing dose to surrounding healthy tissues, improving the accuracy of radiation treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (140) which is a 2-dimensional detector and is movable within the vessel (110) along an expected path of the beam of test radiation, wherein the detector (140) is adapted to determine the intensity and energy of the beam cross section
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a phantom and radiation detection system (100) comprising a vessel for containing a tissue equivalent liquid and adapted to pass a beam of test radiation into the vessel (110), a detector (140) adapted to determine the intensity of the beam of test radiation, the detector (140) being supported within the vessel (110) and movable therein along an expected path of the beam of test radiation, wherein the detector (140) is a 2-dimensional detector adapted to determine the spatial intensity and energy deposition of the beam.