X-ray Apparatus Dynamic Beam Deflection for Adjustable Radiation Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray radiation generation methods for intraoperative irradiation struggle to produce adjustable and non-spherical radiation fields, leading to inefficiencies in dose distribution and increased treatment time, particularly when non-isotropic fields are required for protecting deeper organs or generating flat radiation fields.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a variation appliance that adjusts parameters of the electron beam source and electron beam, such as acceleration voltage and beam deflection, during the electron beam's course on the target, allowing for real-time control of the X-ray radiation field's shape and size to meet specific specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the electron beam is directed to one point of the target, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the resulting X-ray radiation field is not spherically shaped and cannot be adjusted to specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidX-ray radiation field shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic deflection coils to dynamically deflect the electron beam across different locations on the target surface during irradiation. This dynamic movement transforms the static single-point electron beam impact into a distributed irradiation pattern, enabling the generation of spherically shaped X-ray radiation fields while maintaining relatively simple apparatus structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies parameters of the electron beam (such as beam direction and impact location) during the irradiation process by using magnetic deflection. This parameter change enables the electron beam to sweep across the target surface, creating adjustable and customizable X-ray radiation field shapes that can be adapted to different treatment specifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the electron beam is deflected using magnetic fields to achieve spherical radiation field, then the X-ray radiation field shape is improved, but the apparatus complexity increases due to deflection coils

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray radiation field shapeVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical movement systems with magnetic field-based deflection to control electron beam trajectory. Instead of physically moving the electron source or target, magnetic deflection coils are used to steer the electron beam, achieving spherical radiation field generation with simpler and more controllable apparatus structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical shielding is used to generate non-isotropic radiation fields, then the radiation field shape can be controlled, but the treatment time increases and irradiation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation field shapeVSAvoidirradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by deflecting the electron beam to sweep across the target surface before X-ray generation, pre-distributing the electron impact locations according to the desired radiation field pattern. This preliminary beam positioning enables direct generation of non-isotropic radiation fields without requiring subsequent mechanical shielding, thereby reducing treatment time and improving irradiation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the same acceleration voltage is maintained during entire irradiation, then the apparatus operation is simple, but the depth dose curve cannot be optimized for different directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus operationVSAvoiddepth dose curve
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the acceleration voltage during the irradiation process based on the electron beam's position and the desired depth dose distribution. This dynamic voltage modulation enables optimization of depth dose curves for different irradiation directions while maintaining relatively simple apparatus operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the generation of customizable X-ray radiation fields with precise control over isotropy and depth dose curves, reducing treatment time and improving irradiation efficiency by adapting radiation distribution without mechanical shielding.

Implementation Method 1

electrons are being generated in an electron beam source and are being emitted as an electron beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

The electron beam is accelerated in an acceleration stage by means of an acceleration voltage, which in particular is high voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron acceleration:

Implementation Method 3

the electron beam may pass through a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field is being generated by means of deflection coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

With the magnetic field, the electron beam can be deflected, whereby the impingement location of the electrons on the target may be varied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam deflection:

Implementation Method 5

Upon impinging of the electron beam on the target, the X-ray radiation is being generated, which is then being emitted from the target in the shape of a resulting X-ray radiation field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2736598B1Apparatus and method for generating x-ray radiation
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
  • EP2736598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2736598B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) as well as a method for generating X-ray radiation, in particular for generating an X-ray radiation field, comprising an electron source (11 ) for generating an electron beam (12) as well as a target (13) for generation of X-ray radiation, in particular of an X-ray radiation field by electrons of the electron beam (12) impinging on the target (13). The present invention is characterized in that, the apparatus (10) is designed for generating an adjustable and/or changeable X-ray radiation, in particular for generating an adjustable and/or changeable X-ray radiation field, and in that the apparatus (10) has a variation appliance (15) for varying of at least one parameter of the electron beam source (11 ) and/or the electron beam (12) for influencing the X-ray radiation, in particular the X-ray radiation field.