Radiotherapy Beam Stopper With Independent Rotary Shield Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy systems face challenges in providing a moveable radiation shield that can effectively attenuate ionizing radiation due to the high weight and structural requirements of heavy materials like tungsten, leading to issues with on-gantry weight distribution and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy system with a separate rotary support apparatus for the radiation shield and beam source, allowing independent or synchronized rotation, distributed weight, and improved load distribution, using rotary coupling systems or control mechanisms to maintain the shield's position relative to the beam source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shield made of heavy metal (tungsten) is used to attenuate ionizing radiation, then radiation attenuation effectiveness is improved, but the weight and structural complexity of the shield increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and rotated. Each segment can be adjusted to block radiation from specific angles, allowing the system to achieve effective radiation attenuation without requiring a single massive shield structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed with movable and rotatable components that can dynamically adjust their positions during radiation delivery. The shield segments can rotate independently to track and block radiation beams from different angles, transforming a static heavy structure into a dynamic system that maintains effectiveness while reducing overall weight requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a moveable radiation shield is implemented to block radiation from different angles, then radiation protection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield system is segmented into multiple independent rotatable components, each capable of blocking radiation from specific angular positions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive radiation protection by combining the functions of individual segments rather than requiring a single complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each shield segment is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a radiation blocking element and as an independent rotatable unit that can adapt to different beam angles. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy metal materials are used for the radiation shield, then radiation attenuation capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is manufactured as multiple smaller segments rather than a single large heavy component. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing each segment to be produced, quality-checked, and assembled separately, reducing the difficulty of working with heavy metal materials while maintaining the required radiation attenuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for flexibility in material selection and thickness parameters for each shield segment. By adjusting these parameters locally rather than requiring uniform heavy metal construction throughout, the system achieves adequate radiation attenuation while improving manufacturability and reducing overall material requirements.
4Weight of moving object
If a separate rotary support apparatus is used for the radiation shield, then weight distribution and load management are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into separate rotary support apparatuses for the radiation source and the shield, rather than integrating both into a single complex structure. This segmentation allows each component to be supported independently, improving weight distribution and reducing the load requirements on any single support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate rotary support apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the radiation source and the shield, providing independent rotational capability and weight support. This intermediary structure allows the shield to be positioned and rotated without being directly coupled to the source support system, simplifying the overall mechanical architecture while improving weight management.
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 design enables effective radiation attenuation, reduces on-gantry weight, allows for modular and adaptable systems, and simplifies transportation, installation, and maintenance, while ensuring the shield is always positioned to block radiation effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation shield suitable for attenuating a radiation beam emitted by a radiation beam source
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy system (220, 320) comprises a first rotary support apparatus (204, 304) configured to support a radiation beam source (200, 300) and to cause a radiation beam source (200, 300) to rotate about a rotation axis (218, 318, 518), a second rotary support apparatus (214, 314, 414, 514) and a radiation shield (202, 302, 402, 502) mounted to the second rotary support apparatus (214, 314, 414, 514). The second rotary support apparatus (214, 314, 414, 514) is configured to cause the radiation shield (202, 302, 402, 502) to rotate about the rotation axis (218, 318, 518).