Proton Therapy Vault Layout Without a Rotating Gantry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Proton therapy equipment is too large and requires a separate shielded bunker, making it difficult to integrate into existing radiotherapy treatment vaults, and safety concerns further inhibit its installation due to harmful neutron radiation.
Innovation Solution
A proton irradiation treatment system is deployed in an existing radiation treatment vault, utilizing a synchrotron and gantry-less pencil beam scanning device, with appropriate shielding and patient support platform adjustments, allowing seated patient positioning and precise irradiation without a rotating gantry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proton therapy equipment is installed in existing radiotherapy vaults, then treatment precision and reduced side effects are achieved, but the equipment size and shielding requirements make integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The proton therapy system is divided into separate functional modules: a synchrotron accelerator unit, a beam delivery system with scanning magnets, and a treatment control system. This segmentation allows the equipment to be installed in existing vaults by distributing components across available spaces rather than requiring a single large dedicated facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the synchrotron accelerator is positioned within or adjacent to the existing radiotherapy vault structure, and the beam delivery system is integrated into the treatment room. This nesting approach allows proton therapy equipment to utilize the existing shielded infrastructure while maintaining treatment precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate shielded bunker is constructed for proton therapy, then radiation safety is ensured, but infrastructure cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the proton therapy system with existing radiotherapy vault infrastructure. The synchrotron and beam delivery system share the same shielded environment as conventional radiotherapy equipment, eliminating the need for a separate bunker. This integration maintains radiation safety through existing shielding while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing radiotherapy vault is designed to serve dual purposes: accommodating both conventional radiotherapy equipment and the new proton therapy system. The shielding and structural infrastructure are utilized universally for both treatment modalities, avoiding redundant construction and reducing overall installation complexity.
3Weight of stationary object
If conventional X-rays are used for deep tissue treatment, then equipment size is reduced, but harmful radiation to intervening tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental physical parameter of the radiation beam from photons (X-rays) to protons. This parameter change enables the Bragg peak effect, where protons deposit most of their energy at a specific depth (the tumor location) while minimizing energy deposition in intervening healthy tissues. This resolves the contradiction by achieving deep tissue treatment with reduced healthy tissue damage despite the larger equipment size required for proton acceleration.
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 proton therapy treatments in existing radiotherapy facilities with minimal infrastructure changes, maintaining safety standards and providing precise treatment with reduced exposure to harmful radiation.
Implementation Method 1
The proton beam generator comprises a synchrotron, disposed in a region of the vault, and configured to generate a proton irradiation beam
Implementation Method 2
the proton beam delivery device is configured to deliver at least one proton irradiation dose to an isocenter of a target tissue
Implementation Method 3
The imager is configured for imaging the patient on the patient support platform
Data Source
AI summary
Proton therapy treatment system to be deployed in an existing radiotherapy treatment vault such that radiation exposure is limited and meets radiation safety requirements. Patient support platform disposed in vault is configured for supporting patient, such as in a seated position. Imager is configured for imaging patient on patient support platform. A proton beam generator comprising a synchrotron is disposed in a region of vault. A proton beam delivery device is configured to deliver proton irradiation dose to isocenter of target tissue during treatment session, where delivery device may be gantry-less pencil beam scanning device operating without a collimator. Synchrotron may be disposed adjacent to entrance wall of vault and proton irradiation dose directed toward rear wall of vault. Synchrotron may extend through apertures of rear intermediate wall of vault and proton irradiation dose directed toward entrance intermediate wall of vault.