Frequency-Controlled Waveguide Routing for Multi-Angle Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy and industrial CT systems employing mechanically rotating accelerators face challenges with long irradiation times and high costs due to the need for multiple power sources, which are unacceptable for high-dose rate treatments like FLASH therapy and rapid imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A microwave transmission method and single-input multiple-output waveguide microwave system based on frequency control, where different input microwaves with varying frequencies are adjusted and assigned to specific output ports through band-pass filters, allowing for rapid switching between multiple irradiation angles with a single power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanically rotating accelerators are used to achieve multi-angle irradiation, then conformal dose distribution in three-dimensional space is improved, but irradiation time increases and treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single accelerator into multiple virtual beam paths by segmenting the microwave signal into different frequency channels, each corresponding to a specific output port and irradiation angle. This allows simultaneous multi-angle irradiation without mechanical rotation, resolving the contradiction between conformal dose distribution and irradiation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency as an additional dimension to control beam direction. Instead of mechanically rotating the accelerator in physical space, different frequencies are assigned to different output ports, creating a frequency-to-angle mapping that enables rapid switching between irradiation angles without mechanical movement.
2Productivity
If multiple accelerators are deployed to reduce irradiation time, then treatment efficiency is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single accelerator multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple irradiation angles simultaneously through frequency-controlled signal distribution. The single accelerator performs the work of multiple accelerators by dynamically routing microwave signals to different output ports based on frequency, eliminating the need for multiple expensive accelerator units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency control system and band-pass filters as intermediaries between the single accelerator and multiple output ports. This intermediary mechanism enables one accelerator to control multiple beam paths by filtering and routing frequency-specific signals, avoiding the direct need for multiple accelerators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are used to support multiple accelerators, then multi-angle irradiation capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power source requirements into a single power source by combining the microwave generation function into one accelerator. The frequency control system distributes this single power source's output to multiple output ports, achieving multi-angle irradiation capability while maintaining system reliability through reduced component count.
4Speed
If frequency control with band-pass filters is implemented, then switching speed between angles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frequency as a controllable parameter to manage system complexity. By assigning specific frequency ranges to different output ports and using band-pass filters tuned to these frequencies, the system achieves rapid switching between angles through electronic frequency modulation rather than mechanical movement, with the complexity managed through systematic frequency allocation.
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 faster and more cost-effective switching between multiple irradiation angles, reducing treatment time and system costs while improving reliability, suitable for high-dose rate therapies and rapid imaging.
Implementation Method 1
multiple band-pass filters and multiple output ports, wherein the input port is configured to receive each of different input microwaves with different frequencies; the 1-to-N waveguide microwave network comprises an input terminal and N output terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a microwave transmission method and a single-input multiple-output waveguide microwave system based on frequency control, an electronic device. The method includes: adjusting frequency of an input microwave, each of different input microwaves with different frequencies being input microwave of the single-input multi-output waveguide microwave system; assigning the input microwave to a target output port among multiple output ports of the single-input multiple-output waveguide microwave system, according to the frequency of the input microwave; and performing microwave output through the target output port.