Rotating Gantry Shielding for Particle Beam Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle beam therapy systems require thick concrete shielding due to the leakage of high-penetrability radiation like neutrons and gamma rays, making it difficult to downsize the treatment room and the building containing the therapy system.
Innovation Solution
A rotating gantry with a shielding material that attenuates secondary radiation is positioned on the side opposite to the particle beam irradiation apparatus, allowing for adjustable or detachable placement to prevent radiation leakage, specifically designed to cover the beam axis and reduce the thickness of the shielding material needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If thick concrete shielding material is used to surround the treatment room, then the leakage of secondary radiation (neutron beam or gamma ray) is prevented, but the size of the building and treatment room increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention places a dedicated shielding material specifically at the position where secondary radiation leaks most intensely (opposite to the particle beam irradiation apparatus with respect to the irradiation subject). This localized shielding approach targets the most critical radiation leakage point rather than uniformly thickening all walls, thereby reducing the overall building volume while still preventing harmful radiation leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding function is segmented into two parts: (1) the concrete radiation shielding material forming the building structure, and (2) an additional shielding material positioned strategically within the rotating gantry system. This segmentation allows the concrete walls to be thinner while the focused shielding material provides targeted protection against secondary radiation, resolving the contradiction between radiation protection and building size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shielding material is made detachable or movable, then the adaptability of the rotating gantry is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding material is designed to be movable in the rotation-axle direction of the rotating gantry, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic configuration enables the shielding material to be moved into or out of the beam path as needed, providing adaptability for different operational modes while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure that integrates with the existing gantry rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shielding material serves multiple functions: (1) it provides radiation shielding when positioned in the beam path, (2) it allows unobstructed beam passage when moved away, and (3) it can be integrated with the counterweight system to help balance the rotating gantry. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while avoiding excessive complexity by combining several benefits into a single component.
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 configuration effectively reduces the leakage of secondary radiation, allowing for a thinner concrete treatment room wall and floor, enabling the downsizing of the treatment room and the overall building.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding material for attenuating the leakage dose of a secondary radiation generated by collision of a charged particle beam with an irradiation subject
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating gantry is characterized in that a shielding material for attenuating a leakage dose of a secondary radiation generated by collision of a charged particle beam with an irradiation subject is provided at a position that is situated at the side opposed to a particle beam irradiation apparatus with respect to the irradiation subject and through which a beam axis of the charged particle beam passes, and wherein the shielding material is disposed in such a way that when the irradiation subject does not exist in the rotating gantry, a beam axis portion thereof that intersects the beam axis of the charged particle beam, is attachable and detachable, or can move in a sliding manner and in the rotation-axle direction of the rotating gantry.