Radiation Therapy Table Synchronization for Precise Lateral Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support devices in radiation therapy systems lack precise and synchronized lateral motion control, leading to positioning errors and suboptimal imaging and treatment outcomes due to manual and asynchronous adjustments of the table ends.
Innovation Solution
A patient support device with a lateral motion control system that includes a controller, motors, and encoders to synchronize the positions of both ends of the table assembly, enabling precise and automatic movement in lateral and vertical directions, reducing friction and wear, and ensuring reproducible imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual and asynchronous adjustments of table ends are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and motion synchronization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using encoders to detect the position of each table end and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller compares the detected positions and generates corrective control signals to synchronize the table ends, thereby achieving high positioning precision through an automated feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized system. Motors are used to drive the table ends, and their operation is controlled electronically by the controller based on encoder feedback, substituting manual mechanical control with an automated electromechanical system that achieves superior synchronization and precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated motors and encoders are used for lateral motion control, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Encoders are installed on each motor to detect the actual position of the table ends during lateral motion. This position information is fed back to the controller, which uses it to synchronize the motion of both table ends, achieving precise lateral motion control through closed-loop feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors and synchronizes the positions of both table ends without requiring external intervention. The controller continuously compares encoder readings and adjusts motor operation to maintain synchronization, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for external control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronized motion control is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but loss of time in achieving synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by continuously monitoring encoder positions even before motion commands are executed. When motion is required, the controller already has current position data and can immediately generate appropriate control signals, minimizing the time needed to achieve synchronization during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control operates continuously, with the controller constantly monitoring encoder positions and making real-time adjustments to motor operation. This continuous action ensures that synchronization is maintained throughout the motion process rather than being achieved as a discrete event, improving both speed and accuracy of synchronization.
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
The solution provides accurate and synchronized motion control, minimizing positioning errors and improving the quality of radiation delivery and imaging results by automatically synchronizing the lateral motion of the table ends, reducing artifacts, and enhancing the reliability of radiation therapy treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a first encoder coupled to the shaft and configured to detect a first position of the shaft of the first motor, a second encoder coupled to the shaft and configured to detect a second position of the shaft of the second motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system configured to substantially synchronize two opposite ends of a table assembly of a radiation therapy treatment system. The system includes a lateral motion control system coupled to the table assembly and configured to detect positions of the two opposite ends of the table assembly and to substantially synchronize the positions as the table assembly is laterally moved with respect to a gantry of the radiation therapy treatment system.