3D Printed Radiation Shields for Patient-Specific Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation shields used in radiation therapy are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and uncomfortable for patients, and often made from toxic materials like lead, which requires extensive handling and is not perfectly conformal to the patient's anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using 3D imaging data to generate a 3D model of a radiation shield, which is then printed using a 3D printer with non-toxic metal filaments like copper, tin, or bronze, allowing for rapid construction and precise conformity to the patient's anatomy, reducing the need for manual labor and toxic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional radiation shields are formed using traditional methods, then the shields provide effective radiation attenuation, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fabrication method from traditional manual or slow automated processes to 3D printing technology, fundamentally altering the production parameters to achieve rapid shield fabrication while maintaining radiation attenuation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fabrication methods with additive manufacturing (3D printing), substituting a slow, labor-intensive mechanical process with a faster, computer-controlled additive process that builds shields layer by layer from digital models
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional radiation shields are made from lead, then the shields provide effective radiation attenuation, but the materials are toxic and require extensive handling precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from toxic lead to non-toxic alternatives such as tungsten, tungsten alloys, or other high-density materials that provide equivalent radiation attenuation without the toxicity concerns associated with lead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials such as tungsten alloys or combinations of high-density materials with binding agents, achieving the necessary radiation shielding properties while using materials that are safer to handle and process than pure lead
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional radiation shields are formed using traditional methods, then the shields can be manufactured, but they are not perfectly conformal to the patient's anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from subtractive or form-fitting methods to additive manufacturing, enabling precise replication of complex anatomical surfaces through digital modeling and layer-by-layer construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of the patient's anatomy through 3D scanning or imaging data to create an exact digital replica, which is then used to generate the shield design that perfectly conforms to the patient's specific anatomical features
4Productivity
If conventional radiation shield fabrication methods are used, then the shields can be produced, but the process is uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fabrication processes that require patient presence and discomfort (such as molding or fitting procedures) with computer-aided design and 3D printing, eliminating the need for patients to endure uncomfortable positioning or prolonged procedures
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
The method enables the creation of radiation shields that are faster, more comfortable for patients, and safer, with improved conformity to the patient's anatomy, while maintaining effective radiation attenuation, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of radiation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The 3D printer can be any suitable 3D printer, including, but not limited to, a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer. The FDM 3D printer can include an extruder configured to extrude a metal filament to form the radiation shield
Implementation Method 2
Radiation shields are used during radiation therapy treatment to protect healthy tissue that is adjacent a tumor site (or other target tissue) from receiving the radiation therapy beam (e.g., by attenuating the beam)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating or evaluating a radiation shield for a radiation therapy treatment can include receiving, using one or more computing devices, three-dimensional (3D) imaging data, generating, using the one or more computing devices, a 3D volume of a portion of patient from the 3D imaging data, determining, using the one or more computing devices, a region of interest for receiving radiation therapy for the 3D volume of the portion of the patient, generating, using the one or more computing devices, a 3D model of a radiation shield from the 3D volume of the portion of the patient and the region of interest, the 3D model having an inner surface that contours an exterior surface of the 3D volume, and causing, using the one or more computing devices, a 3D printer to construct a radiation shield from the 3D model of the radiation shield.