RF Source PRF Smoothing for Stable Radiation Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation generation systems experience instability due to large differences in RF pulse repetition frequencies, leading to abrupt output changes and reduced stability of the RF source.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to update RF pulse repetition frequencies by processing segments of a time window, ensuring a controlled rate of variation within a limit, thereby stabilizing the RF source output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the RF source outputs electromagnetic waves at neighboring RF PRFs with large differences, then the radiation PRF can be adjusted to meet treatment requirements, but the abrupt output change reduces the stability of the RF source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the time window into multiple segments and further divides each segment into sub-segments. By controlling the PRF variation within each sub-segment to be within a threshold range, the system achieves smooth transitions between different PRF values. This segmentation approach allows the RF source to adapt to different radiation PRF requirements while maintaining stability through gradual, controlled changes rather than abrupt transitions.
2Productivity
If the RF PRF changes abruptly between neighboring pulses, then the treatment plan can be executed with required dose delivery, but the RF source stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of PRF variations by continuously monitoring and adjusting the PRF of each sub-segment based on the previous sub-segment's PRF. The system ensures that the absolute difference between adjacent sub-segment PRFs remains within a predefined threshold. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to execute treatment plans efficiently while maintaining RF source stability through real-time, adaptive control of frequency transitions.
3Reliability
If the PRF acceleration limit is enforced to smooth transitions, then the RF source stability improves, but the time required to adjust between different PRF values increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the time window into multiple segments and sub-segments, the patent enables parallel processing and optimization of PRF transitions. Each sub-segment can be independently optimized to achieve the minimum possible duration while maintaining the PRF variation threshold constraint. This segmentation allows the system to smooth transitions for stability while minimizing the total time required for PRF adjustments across the entire treatment window.
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 improves RF source stability, enhancing the lifespan and consistency of radiation output, and ensuring the quality and safety of radiotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency (RF) source is configured to inject electromagnetic waves into the acceleration structure at an RF pulse repetition frequency (PRF) to accelerate the electrons
Implementation Method 2
accelerate the electrons, thereby generating radiation pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include identifying a time window of a procedure. The method may also include obtaining operational information of the time window. The operational information may include a limit of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) acceleration and a plurality of preliminary radio frequency (RF) PRFs. The method may also include determining a plurality of updated RF PRFs by updating the plurality of preliminary RF PRFs. A rate of variation between any two adjacent updated RF PRFs may be less than or equal to the limit of PRF acceleration. The method may also include causing an RF source to generate electromagnetic waves at the plurality of updated RF PRFs in the time window.