Variable-Thickness MLC Leaves for Accurate Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of multi-leaf collimator leaves, which is crucial for precise radiation delivery to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding organs at risk.
Innovation Solution
A multi-leaf collimator system with leaves having varying thicknesses along their longitudinal direction, equipped with measurement devices to determine leaf positions based on height measurements and length-height correspondence, allowing for accurate positioning of leaf ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If leaves have uniform thickness, then manufacturing is simpler, but positioning accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the leaf have different thicknesses. Specifically, the leaf includes a first portion with a first thickness and a second portion with a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. This non-uniform thickness distribution allows the leaf to achieve more accurate positioning while blocking radiation effectively, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If measurement devices are added, then leaf position determination is more accurate, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the leaf's own physical characteristics (its varying thickness profile) as the measurement reference. The system determines leaf position by measuring the thickness at a specific location and comparing it to pre-stored thickness data, eliminating the need for separate complex measurement devices on each leaf while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If thickness varies along longitudinal direction, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing the leaf with non-uniform thickness distribution along its longitudinal direction. The leaf has a first portion with lesser thickness and a second portion with greater thickness, which can be achieved through selective thickening processes. This design improves positioning precision while the thickening is applied only to specific portions rather than the entire leaf, making manufacturing more feasible.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates a multi-leaf collimator. The multi-leaf collimator may include a plurality of leaves. At least two leaves of the plurality of leaves may be movable parallel to each another. For each leaf of at least some of the plurality of leaves, at least one portion of the leaf may have thicknesses varying along a longitudinal direction of the each leaf. The each leaf may have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the each leaf.