Virtual Spatial Sensitivity Radiation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy quality assurance systems face challenges in accurately verifying radiation dose delivery due to the complexity of the process and equipment, leading to potential errors during multi-week, multi-fraction treatment courses, and existing sensors with physical gradients occupy significant space, limiting patient setup and clearance.
Innovation Solution
The development of radiation sensors with virtual spatial gradient ion chambers that use electrically isolated collection regions on a collector plate, eliminating the need for a physical gradient between polarizing and collecting electrode plates, allowing for accurate dose measurement without occupying additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical gradient structures are used between electrode plates to create spatial sensitivity gradients, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume increases and patient clearance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical gradient structure with an electrical field-based solution. Instead of using physically separated electrode plates with varying distances to create spatial sensitivity gradients, the invention uses a single collector plate with multiple electrically isolated collection regions that create virtual spatial gradients through electrical field distribution. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical gradient structures while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of spatial gradient effects through electrical field distribution. The collector plate with multiple electrically isolated collection regions reproduces the functionality of physical gradient structures by using electrical potential differences to create virtual spatial sensitivity gradients. This allows the sensor to achieve the same measurement precision as physical gradient structures without requiring the actual physical space occupation.
2Measurement precision
If complex quality assurance systems are implemented for radiation therapy verification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collector plate into multiple electrically isolated collection regions, each capable of independently measuring radiation dose. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive quality assurance coverage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each collection region can be independently controlled and measured, enabling precise dose verification without requiring complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single collector plate with multiple collection regions serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can measure radiation dose at multiple locations, provide spatial sensitivity gradients, and enable comprehensive quality assurance verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices or complex system architectures while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If traditional verification methods are used with multiple steps and personnel, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system enables automated quality assurance verification through its multiple electrically isolated collection regions that can independently measure and report radiation dose. The system performs self-verification by comparing measurements across different collection regions, reducing the need for multiple personnel steps and manual verification processes. This self-service capability maintains high measurement precision while significantly reducing the time required for verification.
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
These sensors provide accurate, independent dose verification with minimal user interaction and reduced space requirements, enhancing the routine use and adoption of quality assurance systems in radiation therapy by maintaining sensitivity gradients without physical obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor for measuring a radiation dose comprises a sensor housing (22d, 72d, 82d, 92d) comprising a front surface (22a, 72a, 82a, 92a) and a back surface (22b, 72b, 82b, 92b)... an ion chamber (22c, 72c, 82c, 92c) defined by two conducting plates (24, 26; 74, 76; 84, 86; 94, 96) in a parallel plate configuration separated by an air gap (22e, 72e, 82e, 92e)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for sensors that may be used to measure radiation from radiation generating device. The sensors may use a collector plate electrode with first and second collection regions having shapes that are inversely related with one another to provide ion chambers with varying sample volumes along a substantial portion of the first and second collection regions which provides virtual spatial sensitivity during use.