Pulsed Magnetic Field Shielding for Targeted Radiation Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field generating units in radiation treatment devices are oversized, leading to increased energy consumption, heat generation, and external leakage, which limits treatment space and accuracy due to continuous magnetic field generation and interference with electron beams in linear accelerators.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized magnetic field generating apparatus is developed, where a magnetic field generating unit is placed inside a magnetic field shield unit, and a synchronization control unit synchronizes radiation and magnetic field pulses to reduce duty factor, caloric value, and external leakage, using a coil and capacitor configuration to form a low-density space and control magnetic field formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic field generating unit continuously generates a magnetic field to treat tumor tissue, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the operating time increases leading to increased caloric value and voltage consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating unit operates in periodic pulses synchronized with the radiation beam delivery rather than continuously. The control unit activates the magnetic field only during radiation delivery periods, creating periodic on-off cycles that reduce overall operating time and energy consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness during active delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field generation based on real-time treatment requirements. The control unit modulates the magnetic field intensity and duration to match the radiation delivery profile, optimizing energy usage by eliminating unnecessary continuous operation while ensuring sufficient field strength during critical treatment phases.
2Force
If the magnetic field generating unit operates at high power to generate sufficient magnetic field, then the magnetic field strength is improved, but heat generation increases requiring larger cooling devices
Solution Approach 1:
By operating in periodic pulses rather than continuous mode, the system delivers high magnetic field strength during active pulses while allowing cooling intervals between pulses. This reduces cumulative heat generation in the magnetic field generating unit and surrounding components, eliminating the need for oversized cooling devices while maintaining therapeutic field strength during treatment.
3Force
If the magnetic field generating unit generates strong magnetic field, then the magnetic field effect on secondary electrons is improved, but external leakage magnetic field increases causing interference with linear accelerator and electron beam
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field shielding structure is introduced as an intermediary between the magnetic field generating unit and the linear accelerator components. This shield confines the magnetic field primarily to the treatment region while blocking external leakage, allowing strong magnetic field generation for effective secondary electron manipulation without interfering with the electron beam or linear accelerator operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized periodic operation of the magnetic field generating unit with radiation delivery creates predictable magnetic field patterns that can be better contained and managed. The intermittent nature of operation reduces cumulative external leakage exposure to sensitive linear accelerator components compared to continuous operation.
4Temperature
If the cooling device and power supply device are manufactured large to suppress heat and supply sufficient voltage, then the thermal management and power supply capability are improved, but the treatment space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Periodic pulsed operation reduces the thermal load and power requirements compared to continuous operation. This allows the use of more compact cooling devices and power supply units that can handle the intermittent peaks without requiring oversized continuous capacity equipment, thereby freeing up treatment space.
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 reduces energy consumption, minimizes heat generation, and enhances treatment accuracy by optimizing radiation delivery to tumors while minimizing damage to normal tissues, allowing for a more compact and efficient radiation treatment device.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating unit... which forms a magnetic field in an area in which the secondary electrons are generated
Implementation Method 2
using a coil and capacitor configuration to form a low-density space and control magnetic field formation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a radiation and magnetic field generating apparatus irradiating photon beam radiation to in-body affected tissue of a subject. The apparatus includes a radiation generating unit that irradiates the photon beam radiation to the subject and induces generation of secondary electrons in an area of the subject where the photon beam radiation is irradiated, a magnetic field generating unit that includes an insertion structure for forming a low-density space and forms a magnetic field in an area in which the secondary electrons are generated, and a synchronization control unit that controls formation of the magnetic field and controls the formation of the magnetic field such that the secondary electrons move while avoiding normal tissue adjacent to the affected tissue.