Mobile X-ray Applicator Cap for Sterilization and Beam Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile X-ray units require significant time for sterilization and meet hygienic requirements, which can be a drawback in medical treatment, especially for non-proliferative cancers like skin cancer that require frequent and precise radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A mobile X-ray unit with an applicator cap that covers the exit surface, manufactured from materials like PVDF or PPSU, which are stable under X-rays and suitable for sterilization, and an adjustable distance between the X-ray target and collimator to improve beam characteristics, ensuring effective treatment with minimized healthy tissue exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing mobile X-ray units are used, then radiation therapy can be delivered, but sterilization time is excessive and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into two separate parts: a reusable main body and a disposable cap. The disposable cap can be sterilized independently or replaced entirely, while the main body requires minimal sterilization. This segmentation allows the critical patient-contact component to be easily sterilized or replaced without subjecting the entire expensive device to repeated sterilization cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
A disposable cap is introduced that can be sterilized and discarded after use, or replaced between patients. This eliminates the need for extensive sterilization of the entire applicator assembly, significantly reducing sterilization time and improving operational efficiency while maintaining hygiene standards.
2Reliability
If the applicator cap is made thick enough to eliminate electron contamination, then beam purity is improved, but heat absorption increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator cap is constructed from composite materials with specific atomic numbers and densities that provide optimal electron contamination shielding while maintaining thermal properties. The material composition is engineered to balance radiation protection requirements with thermal management, allowing sufficient thickness for beam purity without excessive heat absorption that would cause patient discomfort.
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
The solution reduces the time needed for sterilization and enhances the operational efficiency of the X-ray unit by providing improved beam flatness and penumbra, allowing for more precise and effective treatment of small lesions like skin cancers.
Implementation Method 1
the applicator cap may function as a heat absorber to dissipate the elevated temperature of the X-ray applicator
Implementation Method 2
the thickness of the applicator cap in a direction of X-ray beam propagation may be sufficient for substantially eliminating electron contamination from the X-ray beam
Implementation Method 3
An X-ray tube may be accommodated in the X-ray applicator
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base and an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube may be configured to generate an X-ray beam. The X-ray applicator may include an exit surface through which the X-ray beam passes in use. The X-ray unit may further include an applicator cap for covering at least the exit surface of the X-ray applicator.