Segmented Beam Filter Assembly for Linear Accelerator Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear accelerators require full-sized beam filters for different energy levels, leading to increased manufacturing costs, larger filter material volumes, and more complex positioning systems due to the need for greater space and complicated motion axes.
Innovation Solution
A beam filter assembly using layers of filter slices stacked with a base filter to achieve desired filtration, allowing for independent movement of each filter layer along linear or rotary motion axes, reducing the need for large filter volumes and simplifying positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full sized beam filters are used for different energy levels, then beam quality modification is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and filter material volumes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam filter is divided into a base filter and multiple detachable filter slices. Each slice can be independently stacked onto the base filter to create different filtration configurations for various energy levels. This segmentation allows the same physical components to serve multiple energy levels through different stacking combinations, reducing the total material volume required compared to having separate full-sized filters for each energy level.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter slices are designed to be universally applicable across multiple energy levels. A single set of filter slices can be combined with the base filter in different configurations to modify beams at multiple energy levels (e.g., 6MV, 10MV, 15MV, 18MV). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated full-sized filters for each energy level, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and material volumes.
2Reliability
If full sized beam filters are used for different energy levels, then beam quality modification is achieved, but device complexity increases due to more complicated motion axes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into modular components (base filter and detachable slices) that can be independently positioned and stacked. This segmentation simplifies the positioning system because each component can be moved and stacked along a single linear motion axis rather than requiring complex multi-axis positioning systems needed for full-sized filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter slices are designed to stack vertically onto the base filter along a linear motion axis, transforming the positioning problem from a complex multi-axis system into a simpler single-axis stacking mechanism. This dimensional simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide appropriate filtration for multiple energy levels.
3Reliability
If full sized beam filters are used, then filtration for different energy levels is achieved, but space or clearance for filter movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filter into a compact base filter and smaller detachable slices, the overall space required for filter storage and movement is significantly reduced. The slices can be stacked vertically onto the base filter in a compact arrangement, eliminating the need for large clearance spaces required by full-sized filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter slices are designed to nest onto the base filter in a space-efficient stacking arrangement. When not in use, the slices can be stored in a nested configuration around or on the base filter, minimizing the space required for filter storage and movement while maintaining full filtration capability across multiple energy levels.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs by allowing filter slices to be shared between energy levels, minimizing the size and material requirements of the beam filter assembly, and simplifying the positioning system, while maintaining effective beam quality modification.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the base filter and filter slices can be made of an x-ray attenuating material to remove energy from an x-ray beam
Data Source
AI summary
In a beam filter assembly, a base filter is employed to modify a beam quality of a radiation beam of a base energy level and a first filter slice is stacked with the base filter to modify a beam quality of a radiation beam of a first energy level higher than the base energy level. In a beam filter positioning device, a base stage carries a base filter and a first stage carries a filter slice. The base stage is provided with a first engagement site and a second engagement site. The first stage is provided with a first engagement site, a second engagement site, and an open port. The first stage and the base stage are each independently movable relative to the beamline. The first stage is engageable with the base stage when at least one of the first and second engagement sites of the first stage is aligned with at least one of the first and second engagement sites of the base stage, and is further movable with the base stage in unison when engaged.