Retractable X-ray Detector for Particle Therapy Room Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high maintenance cost and space inefficiency in particle radiation therapy facilities require a solution to reduce treatment room occupation time and ensure work safety by effectively evacuating X-ray imaging devices during non-use periods.
Innovation Solution
A particle radiation therapy apparatus design that includes X-ray imaging units with retractable X-ray sources and detectors, allowing them to be housed in storage rooms when not in use, thereby optimizing space utilization and improving staff workability without the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If X-ray imaging devices are kept in the treatment room for continuous availability, then imaging function is immediately accessible, but effective space for bed movement and staff work is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray detector is made movable between a storage position and an imaging position through a moving mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between two states: when the detector is in the storage position, it occupies minimal space allowing free bed movement and staff access; when imaging is required, the detector moves to the imaging position to perform its function. This resolves the contradiction by making the imaging device space-efficient while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Productivity
If multiple preparatory works are performed in parallel by medical workers in a crowded treatment room, then treatment efficiency is improved, but work safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray detector is extracted from the active treatment area and placed in a dedicated storage room when not in use. This separation removes a potential obstacle and radiation hazard from the treatment room environment, creating more safe working space for multiple medical workers to perform preparatory tasks in parallel. The detector can be brought into the treatment room only when imaging is required, thus maintaining treatment efficiency while improving overall work safety.
3Productivity
If treatment room occupation time is reduced to treat more patients, then productivity increases, but adequate space for safe operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray detector operates in periodic cycles, being moved to the imaging position only when imaging is required and returning to the storage position otherwise. This periodic deployment ensures that the treatment room maintains adequate space for safe operations during non-imaging periods, allowing multiple workers to move freely and perform preparatory tasks efficiently. When imaging is needed, the detector is temporarily positioned for its function, thus maintaining both safety and productivity.
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 reduces the occupation time of treatment rooms, enhances work safety by minimizing obstructions, and maximizes space efficiency, allowing for more efficient patient treatment and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The particle beam loses its kinetic energy so as to speed down as it passes through the patient's body while undergoing resistance that is almost inversely proportional to the square of the velocity
Implementation Method 2
Near the stopping point of the particle beam, high energy called Bragg peak is emitted
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray source 25 configured to output X-ray radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A particle radiation therapy apparatus 10 includes: a bed 15 for positioning of a patient 12; irradiation ports 16 (16a, 16b) that output a particle beam in a treatment room 11; a horizontal-direction imaging unit 21 composed of a first X-ray source 25 and a first X-ray detector 26 that face each other with the bed 15 interposed therebetween; a vertical-direction imaging unit 22 composed of a second X-ray source 27 and a second X-ray detector 28 that face each other with the bed 15 interposed therebetween; a storage room 18 for housing the first X-ray detector 26 under the floor when the horizontal-direction imaging unit 21 is not used; and a support member 23 that moves the first X-ray detector 26 above the floor and supports it between the bed 15 and the side of the irradiation ports 16 when the horizontal-direction imaging unit 21 is used.