Radiation Dose Limiter With Sub-2 ms Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical radiation systems lack precise real-time control of radiation dose and rate, leading to potential excessive exposure due to technical limitations and human error, with varying dose yields and inconsistent calibration between detectors.
Innovation Solution
A regulating apparatus with a radiation sensor and control unit that measures and controls radiation intensity within 2 ms, enabling real-time dose limitation by switching off the radiation source before exceeding predefined limits, using wired or wireless real-time capable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a slow DAP chamber is used for dose measurement, then the measurement can be performed with existing technology, but the sampling rate is low (approx. every 5 ms) and reliable dose rate determination requires multiple measuring points to be adjusted or averaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from area product (DAP) to dose rate (Gy/s) measurement using a radiation sensor that directly measures dose rate. This allows real-time control without needing to average multiple measurements, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/slow DAP chamber measurement system with an electronic radiation sensor that directly measures dose rate in real-time. This substitution enables both high measurement speed and accuracy without the need for multiple averaging measurements.
2Extent of automation
If AEC chamber is used to determine detector input dose, then automatic exposure control is achieved, but the method is very prone to error due to technical limitations and human factor in positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radiation sensor as an intermediary device that directly measures the radiation dose rate emitted by the source, bypassing the need for patient positioning and AEC chamber measurements. This intermediary approach eliminates the reliability issues associated with manual positioning and AEC chamber errors while maintaining automation.
3Loss of time
If real-time measurement of dose or dose rate is implemented, then precise control is enabled, but technical limitations prevent picture-perfect real-time measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow DAP chamber measurement system with an electronic radiation sensor that directly measures dose rate in real-time. This substitution eliminates measurement latency while maintaining precision, as the sensor directly detects dose rate without the need for area product calculation or multiple averaging measurements.
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 real-time control of radiation dose and rate, preventing excessive exposure and extending the service life of radiation sources by detecting aging processes and predicting failures.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensor (8) which is designed to measure an intensity (D) of radiation (R) from the radiation source (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A regulating apparatus for dose limitation of radiation sources configured to generate radiation via a radiation generator, the regulating apparatus comprising: a radiation sensor configured to measure an intensity of radiation from the radiation source; and a control unit configured to regulate an intensity of the radiation emitted from the radiation source. The regulating apparatus is configured to regulate the radiation from the radiation source based on a measurement of the radiation sensor within a period of time shorter than 2 ms after the measurement.