Self-Calibrating Collimator Using Displacement Gauge and Limit Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation treatment systems, such as multi-leaf collimators and IRIS collimators, require manual calibration by technicians, which is time-consuming, prone to user error, and susceptible to mechanical failures, affecting accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A self-calibrating variable aperture collimator that includes a displacement gauge, limit switches, and a processing device to automatically calibrate and verify the position of leaves, reducing user interaction and enhancing accuracy by calculating aperture settings with precision up to 0.1 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration by technician is used, then device can be calibrated, but calibration time is long and user error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator performs automatic self-calibration using its own displacement gauge and limit switches to determine aperture settings without requiring external technician intervention. The system autonomously moves leaves between fully retracted and fully extended positions, records displacement gauge readings, and calculates calibration factors automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical calibration process with an automated electronic system. The displacement gauge provides electronic position data, and a processing device automatically calculates calibration factors, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation by technicians.
2Reliability
If manual calibration by technician is used, then device can be calibrated, but accuracy is reduced due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator autonomously performs calibration operations using its built-in displacement gauge and limit switches. The system automatically determines when leaves have reached fully retracted and fully extended positions, eliminating reliance on technician judgment and manual measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses limit switches to provide feedback signals that confirm when leaves have reached their extreme positions. This automated feedback mechanism ensures consistent and reliable calibration data collection without requiring technician intervention or interpretation.
3Productivity
If automatic self-calibration is implemented, then calibration time is reduced and accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement gauge serves multiple functions: it provides real-time position feedback during operation and simultaneously serves as the measurement instrument for calibration. The limit switches both protect against over-travel and provide the reference points needed for automatic calibration, reducing the need for separate dedicated calibration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing device acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the drive mechanism, displacement gauge, and limit switches. It automatically processes the data from these components to calculate calibration factors, integrating the calibration function into the existing control system without requiring separate complex calibration hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a portion that moves along a guided path and a displacement gauge that outputs readings based on the portion's position on the guided path. The apparatus additionally includes an intermediate limit switch that is activated in response to the portion being moved to an intermediate position on the guided path. The apparatus also includes a processing device configured to calibrate the apparatus based on a first reading corresponding to a first position on the guided path and a second reading corresponding to a second position on the guided path. The processing device verifies the calibration based on a third reading corresponding to the intermediate position.