Thermal cooling ring for radiation therapy system
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12121299-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a stationary frame and a thermal ring. The thermal ring may be rotatably coupled to the stationary frame and disposed relative to the stationary frame such that the thermal ring and the stationary frame define an enclosure. The thermal ring may include a thermally-conductive substrate configured to be in thermal contact with a heat-generating component. Heat from the heat-generating component may be transferred to the stationary frame via the enclosure.
Core Innovation
The invention provides temperature management for a high-speed emission-guided radiation therapy (EGRT) system. The system includes a stationary frame and a rotatable drum with a thermal cooling ring positioned between the rotatable drum and the stationary frame, and the thermal ring and the stationary frame define an enclosure for heat transfer.
A thermally-conductive substrate of the thermal ring is in thermal contact with a heat-generating radiation source. Heat from the heat-generating component is transferred to the stationary frame via the enclosure, and heat drawn from the rotating drum is transferred to controlled air and/or to a stationary heat exchanger.
Heat transfer from the rotating heat-generating component to the stationary components is implemented using fluid conduits and a thermal ring structure. The disclosure also includes alternative embodiments for enclosure heat-transfer, including different conduit and air-management approaches such as dynamic seals, enclosure gap versus isolation, and alternative conduction interfaces using roll rings.
Claims Coverage
The claims present one independent apparatus claim focused on a stationary frame and a rotatable drum, where a thermal ring couples the two and forms an enclosure for transferring heat to the stationary frame. Dependent claims add five inventive features: thermally-conductive structure, fluid conduit geometry and communication, a therapeutic radiation source, air delivery via a heat exchanger, and a minimum number of extending members.
Thermal ring forming enclosure for enclosure heat transfer
A thermal ring coupled to the rotatable drum between the rotatable drum and the stationary frame such that the thermal ring and the stationary frame define an enclosure, wherein the thermal ring includes a thermally-conductive substrate configured to be in thermal contact with a heat-generating component; and wherein heat from the heat-generating component is transferred to the stationary frame via the enclosure.
Thermal contact via fluid conduit sidewall and lumen
The thermal ring includes a fluid conduit whose sidewall with a lumen is in thermal contact with the thermally-conductive substrate.
Fluid communication between first and second conduits for heat transfer
The first and second fluid conduits are in fluid communication so that heat generated by the heat-generating component is transferred to the first conduit via fluid within the conduits.
Therapeutic radiation source as the heat-generating component
The heat-generating component is implemented as a therapeutic radiation source.
Stationary heat exchanger delivering air to the enclosure
The stationary frame includes a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the enclosure, configured to deliver air to the enclosure.
At least one hundred thermally conductive extending members
The plurality of extending members includes at least one hundred extending members.
The claims center on a thermal ring with a thermally-conductive substrate coupled between a rotatable drum and a stationary frame to define an enclosure that transfers heat to the stationary frame. The dependent claims refine this structure with conduit-sidewall thermal contact, fluid communication between conduits, a therapeutic radiation source, air delivery from a stationary heat exchanger, and a quantitative minimum number of thermally conductive extending members.
Stated Advantages
Maintains component temperatures, including patient-adjacent bore air.
Improves efficiency and reliability.
Reduces mechanical complexity and noise.
Avoids reliance on high-speed-rated rotating water-to-air unions.
Documented Applications
Temperature management for a high-speed emission-guided radiation therapy (EGRT) system.
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