Segmented Dynamic Ring Gantry for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large and cumbersome size of combined medical imaging and radiation therapy devices makes them difficult to transport and install in existing buildings, due to their significant weight and dimensions, particularly the dynamic ring gantry which is typically 2-3 meters in diameter.
Innovation Solution
The dynamic ring gantry is divided into multiple arcuate parts that can be assembled to form a ring, allowing for reduced dimensions and weight, with connectors and fixing means to ensure proper alignment and rotation, enabling easier transportation and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dynamic ring gantry is made as a complete ring structure, then the structural integrity and rotational stability are improved, but the weight and maximum dimensions increase making transportation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic ring gantry is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can be assembled together to form the complete ring. Each segment is lighter and more manageable individually, yet when assembled they create the full circular structure required for rotational movement of the radiation source. The segments connect through interfaces that maintain structural integrity while allowing for easier transportation and installation.
2Reliability
If the dynamic ring gantry is made as a complete ring structure, then the structural integrity and rotational stability are improved, but the maximum dimensions increase making installation in existing buildings difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ring into arcuate parts, the maximum dimension during transportation is reduced to the length of individual segments rather than the full circumference. When assembled, these segments form the complete circular path required for the radiation source to rotate around the treatment area, maintaining the necessary rotational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate segments can be nested or stacked during transportation, allowing them to occupy less space. When installation is required, they are assembled together to form the complete ring structure, effectively transforming from a compact transport configuration to a functional operational configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the dynamic ring is divided into multiple arcuate parts, then the ease of transportation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into a limited number of arcuate parts (typically 2-4 segments) that are manageable in number. Each segment has standardized connection interfaces that simplify the assembly process. The segmentation enables transportation in smaller, more manageable pieces while the standardized interfaces keep the assembly complexity at an acceptable level.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple arcuate segments are combined through connection interfaces to form the complete dynamic ring. The merging process is facilitated by pre-designed connection mechanisms that align and secure the segments together, creating the functional circular structure from individual parts without requiring excessive complexity in the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation therapy apparatus includes a radiation source and a ring shaped gantry. The gantry includes a static ring component and a dynamic ring component upon which the radiation source is mounted, the dynamic ring component is rotatable about its center and is provided in multiple arcuate parts that can be assembled together to form the dynamic ring component.