Shielding Wall Specific Portion for Particle Beam Therapy System Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

In particle beam therapy systems, updating the system requires demolishing part of the shielding wall and constructing a new path for the accelerator, leading to a long interruption period and reduced operating rate due to the time-consuming process of demolishing the shielding wall.

Innovation Solution

A specific portion is provided in the shielding wall to create an additional opening for extending the beam transportation line without demolishing the shielding wall, allowing for the connection of new facilities while maintaining radiation shielding, thus minimizing the interruption period and improving the system's operating rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shielding wall is demolished to extend the accelerator path, then the system can be updated, but the interruption period of treatment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem update capabilityVSAvoidinterruption period of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A specific portion is provided in advance in the shielding wall at a position that separates the radiation controlled area from outside. This preliminary preparation allows the beam transportation line to be extended through this pre-designed opening without demolishing the shielding wall, thereby enabling system updates while avoiding treatment interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shielding wall is demolished to construct a new accelerator path, then the system can be expanded, but the construction period increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem expansion capabilityVSAvoidconstruction period

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The specific portion is constructed in advance as part of the shielding wall structure. When system expansion is needed, the blocking portion is simply removed and the beam transportation line is connected through the pre-existing specific portion, dramatically reducing construction time compared to demolishing and rebuilding the shielding wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding wall is designed with a segmented structure that includes a specific portion separated from the main radiation controlled area. This segmentation allows independent access and modification of the specific portion without affecting the overall shielding integrity, enabling easy system expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shielding wall is demolished to add new facilities, then the system can be upgraded, but the operating rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacility upgrade capabilityVSAvoidoperating rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The specific portion is prepared in advance as an accessible opening in the shielding wall. This allows facility upgrades to be performed by simply removing the blocking portion and connecting new equipment through the pre-positioned specific portion, enabling upgrades during non-operational periods without affecting overall operating rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach significantly shortens the construction period, allowing for continuous treatment during system updates and improvements, thereby enhancing the operating rate of the particle beam therapy system by eliminating the need for extended interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a circular accelerator configured to accelerate charged particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic acceleration: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a shielding wall that is disposed around a radiation controlled area and shields radiation to be generated from the circular accelerator and the beam transportation line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11583703B2Particle beam therapy system, particle beam therapy system construction method, and particle beam therapy apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a particle beam therapy system comprising: a circular accelerator configured to accelerate charged particles; a beam transportation line configured to lead the charged particles accelerated by the circular accelerator to an irradiation room; a shielding wall that is disposed around a radiation controlled area and shields radiation to be generated from the circular accelerator and the beam transportation line, the radiation controlled area being an area where the circular accelerator and the beam transportation line are disposed; a specific portion that is provided at a position that separates the radiation controlled area from outside of the shielding wall and can form an additional opening portion of the irradiation room; and a blocking portion configured to close the specific portion and shield radiation passing through the specific portion.