Variable Beam Current Control for Charged Particle Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle beam treatment apparatuses require extended treatment times due to the need for high dose regions to be irradiated with low current beams for prolonged periods, leading to inefficient use of time.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that adjusts the current value of the charged particle beam, allowing different regions to be irradiated with suitable current values based on their specific dose requirements, using multiple current values to optimize treatment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high dose regions are irradiated with low current beams to ensure precise dose delivery, then manufacturing precision of dose distribution is improved, but treatment time is significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam current variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the beam current based on the dose requirements of different irradiation regions, allowing high dose regions to receive higher current and low dose regions to receive lower current, thereby optimizing both dose precision and treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different current values to different spatial regions of the irradiation target. Each region receives a current value tailored to its specific dose requirements, ensuring that high dose regions get sufficient current while low dose regions receive appropriate lower current, thus achieving precise local dose control
2Productivity
If multiple current values are used to optimize treatment time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (current value) of the charged particle beam based on irradiation requirements. The control unit adjusts the current value according to the dose distribution needs of different regions, enabling flexible optimization of treatment efficiency without requiring fundamentally new hardware components
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls beam scanning, adjusts beam current values, and manages irradiation timing. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve optimized treatment efficiency through software/control logic rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
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 enables the charged particle beam treatment apparatus to significantly shorten treatment time by ensuring high dose regions receive appropriate current values, avoiding prolonged irradiation with low dose settings.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerator that emits a charged particle beam by accelerating a charged particle
Implementation Method 2
the irradiation unit includes a scanning unit that scans each layer with the charged particle beam
Data Source
AI summary
A charged particle beam treatment apparatus includes an accelerator that emits a charged particle beam by accelerating a charged particle, an irradiation unit that irradiates an irradiation target body with the charged particle beam, a beam transport line that connects the accelerator and the irradiation unit to each other, and that transports the charged particle beam from the accelerator to the irradiation unit, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit in irradiating the irradiation target body with the charged particle beam. The irradiation unit includes a scanning unit that scans each layer with the charged particle beam. After one layer is scanned with the charged particle beam by using a first current value, the control unit controls the irradiation unit so as to scan and irradiate the one layer with the charged particle beam by using a second current value which is different from the first current value.