A pneumatic rabbit irradiation transport system for medical isotope production

Abstract

The application relates to a pneumatic rabbit race irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation, which comprises an air supply and exhaust control unit, an upper target and target withdrawal assembly, a plurality of transmission pipelines, a plurality of pipeline connecting pieces, a plurality of proximity sensors, a recovery buffer assembly and a terminal structure piece, the recovery buffer assembly is detachably connected with the upper target and target withdrawal assembly, the upper target and target withdrawal assembly is rotationally connected with the initial end transmission pipeline, the pipeline connecting pieces are arranged between the transmission pipelines, the terminal transmission pipeline is connected with the terminal structure piece, the terminal structure piece is internally provided with a gas feeding channel, the pipeline connecting pieces are each provided with a gas inlet hole and a gas exhaust hole which are in communication with the transmission pipeline and are in communication with the air supply and exhaust control unit, the pipeline connecting pieces are each embedded with the proximity sensors, and the air supply and exhaust control unit is used for controlling the air supply and exhaust of the transport system in sections and monitoring the transmission state of the transport system. The transport system can realize the upper target and target withdrawal of the pneumatic rabbit race capsule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of accelerator-based medical isotope production technology, pneumatic rabbit-running systems, and radiopharmaceutical preparation, specifically to a pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation. Background Technology

[0002] The diagnosis and treatment of tumors have created a long-term and stable demand for radiotherapy. With the expanding clinical application of radiopharmaceutical therapy, medical isotopes, as their core raw materials, have become a crucial foundation in related technological systems. Currently, medical isotopes are mainly prepared through nuclear reactors or accelerators. Accelerator preparation, due to its advantages such as high specific activity, good purity, and suitability for short-half-life nuclide production, is widely used in the field of medical isotope preparation. In the accelerator preparation of medical isotopes, the isotope target needs to be irradiated by a high-energy particle beam in a highly shielded target chamber, and the isotope target must be transferred and replaced between the target chamber and the hot chamber before and after irradiation. Due to the high radiation intensity and limited operating space in the preparation environment, personnel cannot directly participate in the operation. Therefore, the preparation system usually needs to have reliable remote control and transmission capabilities to ensure the safe installation, stable operation, and timely recovery of the isotope target after irradiation, thereby improving the efficiency and operational safety of medical isotope preparation.

[0003] Currently, the main solutions for isotope target transport include mechanical devices and pneumatic target transport systems. Mechanical devices typically consist of multi-stage mechanical components, resulting in complex structures and numerous moving parts. They are prone to performance degradation under strong radiation environments and have high maintenance and operating costs. In contrast, pneumatic target transport systems utilize air pressure difference as the driving force to place the target-loaded capsule within a pipeline, enabling rapid transport between the target chamber and the hot chamber. These systems are relatively simple in structure, offer high transport speeds, and are easy to remotely control, allowing for remote loading, unloading, and recovery of isotope targets, thus effectively improving production efficiency and operational safety. In pneumatic target transport systems, the overall structure and operation of the transport system play a decisive role in the safe and stable transport of the isotope target. A typical pneumatic target transport system includes a gas supply unit, a transport system, a target capsule, an irradiation zone, and a recovery zone. In the strong radiation environment of medical isotope production, pneumatic target transport systems not only need rapid transport capabilities but also need to consider operational reliability, ease of maintenance, and safety under abnormal operating conditions.

[0004] Existing pneumatic rabbit-running systems still face the following technical challenges in practical applications: 1. Insufficient operational status monitoring: Existing pneumatic rabbit-running systems lack effective means to monitor the operational status of the rabbit capsule within the pipeline. Capsule position and operational status are difficult to obtain in a timely manner, resulting in high operational uncertainty. System flexibility and maintainability are also insufficient. 2. Insufficient modularity and disassembly: The system has a high degree of overall integration, with key components often being integrated structures. System assembly and maintenance are complex and inconvenient, leading to low fault handling efficiency. Pneumatic rabbit-running systems are typically located inside shielded structures, where space is limited and radiation doses are high, placing high demands on the system's modularity and disassembly. 3. Single gas supply method and limited control flexibility: Most systems use a single gas source for overall drive, making it difficult to independently control different transport sections. If a problem occurs in a local section or component, the entire system often needs to be shut down for inspection or maintenance, affecting work efficiency. In high-irradiation environments, this hinders rapid problem location and segmented handling, resulting in high maintenance costs and operational risks. 4. Insufficient system reliability and recovery safety. When the irradiation capsule returns to the recovery point after irradiation, it still retains some kinetic energy. If the recovery point structure lacks sufficient buffering capacity, it can easily impact the capsule or recovery device, damaging the isotope target and affecting structural lifespan and operational safety. Some existing pneumatic irradiation capsule systems have insufficient consideration for buffering design at the recovery point, or use complex mechanical devices for recovery, making it difficult to maintain both recovery efficiency and structural simplicity.

[0005] In conclusion, in the production and application of medical isotopes, there is still an urgent need for a pneumatic rabbit-running system solution that is structurally sound, has flexible gas supply methods, is easy to assemble and maintain, has operational status monitoring capabilities, and offers high recovery safety, in order to improve the reliability, safety, and engineering applicability of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing pneumatic irradiation transport systems, such as limited gas supply control, difficulty in real-time monitoring of operational status, significant impact during recovery, and limited maintenance, this invention proposes a pneumatic irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation. This system achieves structural integration and functional synergy by segmenting the gas supply and exhaust pathways, introducing proximity sensors, and optimizing the recovery end structure. Furthermore, it incorporates materials suitable for the irradiation environment, thus meeting the safety, stability, and engineering applicability requirements of pneumatic irradiation transport systems in medical isotope preparation processes.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for the preparation of medical isotopes includes an exhaust control unit, a target loading and unloading assembly, several sections of transport pipes, several pipe connectors, several proximity sensors, a recovery buffer assembly, and an end structure. The recovery buffer assembly is detachably connected to the initial end of the target loading and unloading assembly. The end of the target loading and unloading assembly is rotatably connected to the transport pipe at the initial end via a rotating flange, and the target loading and unloading assembly is provided with pipe connectors. Each section of the transmission pipeline is connected by a pipeline connector. The transmission pipeline at the end is connected to the end structure through a pipeline connector. The end structure is located in the irradiation area of ​​the target. The end structure is equipped with an air supply channel, which is connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through an air delivery pipe. Each pipe connector is equipped with an air inlet and an air outlet that communicate with the transmission pipe. The air inlet and air outlet are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through the air delivery pipe. Each pipe connector is equipped with a proximity sensor that is electrically connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit. The air supply and exhaust control unit is used to control the air supply and exhaust of the transmission system in sections and to monitor the transmission status of the transmission system.

[0008] Furthermore, the target loading and unloading assembly includes a placement pipe, a pneumatic ball valve, and an arc-shaped pipe. The pneumatic ball valve is mounted on the placement pipe, which is connected to the initial end of the arc-shaped pipe via a pipe connector. The end of the arc-shaped pipe is connected to a rotating flange via a pipe connector, and the rotating flange is connected to the initial end of the transmission pipe via a pipe connector. The pneumatic ball valve is connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotating flange includes flange one, flange joint, and flange two. The end of the arc-shaped pipe is connected to flange one through a pipe connector. Flange one is fixedly connected to flange joint, flange joint is rotatably connected to flange two, and flange two is connected to the initial end of the transmission pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the pipeline connector includes a U-shaped connector one and a U-shaped connector two. Both U-shaped connector one and U-shaped connector two are provided with screw holes. After being combined, U-shaped connector one and U-shaped connector two are detachably connected to the screw holes by screws and are sleeved between the two transmission pipelines, forming a sealed connection with the two transmission pipelines located on both sides of the pipeline connector. After being combined, U-shaped connector one and U-shaped connector two form an annular air groove inside. The air groove is connected to the transmission pipelines on both sides of the pipeline connector to form a sealed air supply passage. U-shaped connector two is also provided with at least two air inlets, one air outlet, and one fixing hole. The air inlets, air outlet, and fixing hole are all connected to the air groove. Solenoid valves are provided on the air inlets and air outlets and are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through air supply pipes, respectively for supplying and exhausting air into each transmission pipeline. A proximity sensor is embedded in the fixing hole and is electrically connected to the control box for feedback on the transmission status of the rabbit capsule.

[0011] Furthermore, the end structure includes sleeve one, sleeve two, and sleeve three. The front end of sleeve one is connected to the end of the transmission pipe through a pipe connector. Sleeve two is fitted outside sleeve one, and sleeve three is fitted outside sleeve two. The end of sleeve three is sealed. An air supply channel one is formed inside sleeve one, an air supply channel two is formed between sleeve two and sleeve one, and an air supply channel three is formed between sleeve three and sleeve two. A through hole communicating with sleeve two is provided on the rear side wall of sleeve one, so that air supply channel one and air supply channel two are connected. A through hole communicating with sleeve three is provided at the end of sleeve one, so that air supply channel one and air supply channel three are connected. The front ends of air supply channel one, air supply channel two, and air supply channel three are each provided with several air inlet channels and air outlet channels. The air inlet channels and air outlet channels are all connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through an air supply pipe equipped with a solenoid valve for air supply and exhaust.

[0012] Furthermore, the recovery buffer assembly includes a buffer and a lead container. The buffer includes a buffer fixing component, a sliding component, and a buffer cavity. An opening is provided at the bottom of the buffer cavity, and the size of the opening is larger than the size of the rabbit capsule. One end of the buffer cavity is detachably connected to the initial end of the target mounting and unmounting assembly, and the other end is fixedly connected to the buffer fixing component. A groove is provided inside the buffer fixing component. The head size of the sliding component is larger than the rod size of the sliding component. The rod of the sliding component is located in the groove and can move along the groove. A spring is provided in the groove between the rod of the sliding component and the buffer fixing component. The lead container has an internal cavity for holding the rabbit capsules, and the lead container is placed below the buffer cavity; the lead container has a lid, and when the lid is closed, the lead container is in a sealed state.

[0013] The technical effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Improved system controllability and determinism: By introducing proximity sensors into the pneumatic rabbit irradiation transport system, the real-time monitoring and judgment of the rabbit capsule's transmission status can be achieved, enabling timely acquisition of the rabbit capsule's transmission information, reducing uncertainties during system operation, and improving the system's controllability and safety.

[0014] 2. Enhanced system operation and maintenance flexibility: By segmenting and independently controlling the gas supply path, the system has greater operational flexibility and fault isolation capabilities, which is different from the existing single gas source-driven rabbit racing system. It is easier to perform segmented maintenance and fault handling in strong irradiation environments, reduce overall downtime, and improve system operating efficiency.

[0015] 3. Improved the applicability and maintainability of the system engineering: The modular and detachable structural design makes the connection between the various functional units of the system clear and the assembly and disassembly convenient, which improves the efficiency of system assembly, maintenance and replacement, and adapts to engineering application environments with limited internal space and harsh maintenance conditions in the target chamber.

[0016] 4. Improved safety and reliability of the recycling process: A buffer with a buffer function is set at the recovery end to effectively reduce the impact load during the recovery of the rabbit capsule, reduce mechanical damage to the rabbit capsule and isotope target, and improve the recovery safety and long-term operational reliability of the system while maintaining the simplicity of the system structure.

[0017] 5. Improved the system's stable and continuous operation capability: Cold, dry compressed air is used as the power source to achieve stable round-trip transmission of the rabbit capsule within the system. Meanwhile, the rabbit capsule and transmission pipeline are made of aluminum alloy material that is radiation resistant, has low activation, and has good thermal conductivity, taking into account long-term reliability, heat dissipation performance, and engineering applicability, so as to meet the needs of continuous operation and remote control in the production process of medical isotopes. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic rabbit irradiation transport system for the preparation of medical isotopes according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air supply and exhaust control unit of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the target loading and unloading assembly of the present invention in the target loading state. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic ball valve of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating flange of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission pipeline of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe connector of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the target withdrawal state of the target withdrawal assembly of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the buffer of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer structure of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the lead container of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a comparison diagram of two states of the target loading and unloading assembly of the present invention; Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the front view of the end structure of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the end structure of the present invention; Figure 15 for Figure 14 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view of the end structure component of the present invention.

[0019] in: 1. Air supply and exhaust control unit; 101. Air compressor; 102. Cooling dryer; 103. Air tank; 104. Control box; 2. Target loading and unloading assembly; 201. Pneumatic ball valve; 2011. Valve; 2012. Air inlet; 2013. Push rod; 202. Rotary flange; 2021. Flange one; 2022. Flange joint; 2023. Flange two; 203. Arc-shaped pipe; 204. Pipe placement; 3. Shielding wall; 4. Target platform; 5. Transmission pipelines; 6. Pipe fittings; 601. U-shaped connector one; 602. U-shaped connector two; 603. Screw hole; 604. Fixing hole; 605. Air groove; 606. Air inlet; 607. Exhaust hole; 7. Proximity sensor; 8. Recycling buffer assembly; 801. Buffer; 8011. Buffer fixing component; 8012. Sliding component; 8013. Buffer cavity; 802. Lead container; 9. End structure components; 901. Sleeve 1; 9011. Outer interlayer sleeve; 9012. Inner interlayer sleeve; 902. Air supply channel 1; 903. Sleeve 2; 904. Air supply channel 2; 905. Sleeve 3; 906. Air supply channel 3; 907. Air inlet channel; 908. Exhaust channel; 909. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand the above-described objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention; however, the invention may be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] like Figures 1-16The pneumatic rabbit irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation shown includes: an exhaust control unit 1, a target loading and unloading assembly 2, a multi-segment transport pipe 5, multiple pipe connectors 6, multiple proximity sensors 7, a recovery buffer assembly 8, and an end structure 9.

[0022] The exhaust control unit 1, the recovery buffer assembly 8, and the target mounting and dismounting assembly 2 are located outside the shielding wall 3. The recovery buffer assembly 8 is detachably connected to the initial end of the target mounting and dismounting assembly 2. The end of the target mounting and dismounting assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the transmission pipe 5 at the initial end via a rotating flange 202, and the target mounting and dismounting assembly 2 is provided with a pipe connector 6. Multiple transmission pipes 5 are connected to each other via pipe connectors 6. The transmission pipe 5 at the end is connected to the end structure 9. The end part of the end structure 9 extends into the target platform 4 used for target irradiation. The end structure 9 is provided with an air supply channel, and the air supply channel in the end structure 9 is connected to the exhaust control unit 1 via an air supply pipe.

[0023] Each pipe connector 6 is provided with an air inlet 606 and an air outlet 607 that communicate with the transmission pipe 5. The air inlet 606 and the air outlet 607 are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 through the air supply pipe. Each pipe connector 6 is embedded with a proximity sensor 7. The proximity sensor 7 is electrically connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit 1. The air supply and exhaust control unit 1 supplies air to the transmission pipe 5 through the pipe connector 6. At the same time, the air supply and exhaust control unit 1, together with the proximity sensor 7, monitors the transmission status of the rabbit capsule in the transmission pipe 5 and the air supply and exhaust status in the transmission pipe 5.

[0024] By rotating flange 202, the target loading and unloading assembly 2 can be switched between a vertical and a horizontal state. During the target loading process, the recovery buffer assembly 8 can be disassembled, and the target loading and unloading assembly 2 can be rotated to a vertical state, with the rabbit capsule placed from the initial end of the target loading and unloading assembly 2. During the target unloading process, the target loading and unloading assembly 2 needs to be rotated to a horizontal state, and the recovery buffer assembly 8 needs to be installed at the initial end of the target loading and unloading assembly 2. The recovery buffer assembly 8 includes a buffer 801 and a lead container 802. The buffer 801 is installed at the initial end of the target loading and unloading assembly 2 to buffer the rabbit capsules that are being recovered at high speed from the transmission pipeline 5. The lead container 802 is placed below the buffer 801 to receive the rabbit capsules after unloading.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, due to the strong radiation environment of the target during the preparation of medical isotopes, the pneumatic running rabbit irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation of the present invention is deployed in sections inside and outside the shielded room composed of shielding walls 3. The shielded room is used to shield radiation. The initial ends of the air supply and exhaust control unit 1, the recovery buffer assembly 8, the target loading and unloading assembly 2, and the transmission pipe 5 are located outside the shielded room composed of shielding walls 3, which facilitates remote operation of the pneumatic running rabbit irradiation transport system and remote installation and retrieval of the running rabbit capsules. The multi-segment transmission pipe 5 extends from underground into the shielded wall 3 and is fixed inside the shielded room composed of shielding walls 3 by steel frames. It rises and winds along the internal path of the shielded room, extending around the shielded wall 3 to the target platform 4. The end of the transmission pipe 5 is connected to the end structure 9. The end part of the end structure 9 extends into the target platform 4 for positioning the running rabbit capsule. The end structure 9 is also provided with an air supply channel for buffering and heat dissipation of the running rabbit capsule. The target platform 4 is used to irradiate the running rabbit capsule.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 includes an air compressor 101, a cooling dryer 102, an air tank 103, and a control box 104. The air compressor 101 is connected to the air tank 103, and the air tank 103 is connected to the cooling dryer 102. The output pipe of the cooling dryer 102 is connected to each pipe connector 6 through multiple air supply pipes equipped with solenoid valves. The air compressor 101 and the cooling dryer 102 are both electrically connected to the control box 104. The proximity sensor 7 is also electrically connected to the control box 104 in the air supply and exhaust control unit 1. Air compressor 101 compresses air at atmospheric pressure and stores it in air tank 103. Air tank 103 is equipped with a pressure detector and a pressure relief valve. The pressure detector is electrically connected to the pressure relief valve and air compressor 101. When the pressure detector detects that the pressure in air tank 103 is lower than the threshold, air compressor 101 will automatically run to charge air tank 103. When the pressure detector detects that the pressure in air tank 103 exceeds the threshold, pressure relief valve will automatically open to release air and relieve pressure in air tank 103. Cooling dryer 102 dries the stored gas and further cools it to reduce the temperature and improve heat dissipation. Control box 104 remotely operates the air path distribution, air supply and exhaust of the segmented control system through a built-in PLC controller. It obtains the running status of the rabbit capsule based on the electrical signal returned by proximity sensor 7. Control box 104 has an operation display panel that can manually perform air supply, exhaust and pressure holding operations of each pipe connection 6, and display the trigger status of proximity sensor 7 and the air supply and exhaust status of pipe connection 6. The air supply and exhaust control unit 1 is connected to the pipe connector 6 through the air supply pipe, thereby supplying air to the transmission pipe 5. The air supply and exhaust control unit 1 is connected to the proximity sensor 7 through the wire to obtain the transmission status of the rabbit capsule.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the target loading and unloading assembly 2 includes a pneumatic ball valve 201, a rotary flange 202, an arc-shaped pipe 203, and a placement pipe 204. The pneumatic ball valve 201 is mounted on the placement pipe 204. The placement pipe 204 and the initial end of the arc-shaped pipe 203 are sealed together by a pipe connector 6. The end of the arc-shaped pipe 203 and the rotary flange 202 are sealed together by a pipe connector 6. The rotary flange 202 and the initial end of the transmission pipe 5 are sealed together by a pipe connector 6. The pneumatic ball valve 201 is a conventional pneumatic ball valve capable of opening and closing the channel, used to switch the open and closed states of the channel within the placement pipe 204; for example... Figure 4 As shown, the pneumatic ball valve 201 includes a valve 2011, an air inlet 2012, and a push rod 2013. The valve 2011 is initially in a sealed, closed state. The air supply and exhaust control unit 1 is connected to the air inlet 2012 of the pneumatic ball valve 201 via an air supply pipe. The control box 104 can control the cooling dryer 102 to supply air to the air inlet 2012. When the supplied air pressure reaches the rated air pressure of the pneumatic ball valve 201, the push rod 2013 opens the valve 2011, thereby opening the passage within the placement pipe 204. Figure 5 As shown, the rotating flange 202 includes flange one 2021, flange joint 2022, and flange two 2023. The end of the arc-shaped pipe 203 is fixedly connected to flange one 2021 through pipe connector 6. Flange one 2021 is fixedly connected to flange joint 2022. Flange joint 2022 is rotatably connected to flange two 2023. Flange two 2023 is connected to the initial end of the transmission pipe 5 through pipe connector 6.

[0028] Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of pipe connector 6 at two angles. (Example) Figure 7As shown, the pipe connector 6 includes a first U-shaped connector 601 and a second U-shaped connector 602. Both the first U-shaped connector 601 and the second U-shaped connector 602 are provided with screw holes 603. After being assembled, the first U-shaped connector 601 and the second U-shaped connector 602 are detachably fixed to the screw holes 603 by screws, and are fitted between the two sections of the transmission pipe 5. That is, after the first U-shaped connector 601 and the second U-shaped connector 602 are assembled, they are connected to the two sections located on both sides of the pipe connector 6. All transmission pipes 5 are sealed connections; after the U-shaped connector 1 601 and U-shaped connector 2 602 are combined, an annular air groove 605 is formed inside, and the air groove 605 is connected to both sections of the transmission pipes 5 on both sides of the pipe connector 6, forming a sealed air supply passage; U-shaped connector 2 602 is also provided with at least two air inlets 606, one exhaust port 607 and one fixing hole 604, and the air inlets 606, exhaust ports 607 and fixing holes 604 are all connected to the air groove 605; Both the air inlet 606 and the exhaust 607 are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 via air supply pipes equipped with solenoid valves, and are used to supply and exhaust air into each transmission pipeline 5, respectively. Specifically, the air inlet 606 is connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 via an air supply pipe equipped with a solenoid valve for supplying air; the exhaust 607 is connected to a separate air storage tank separately provided in the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 via an air supply pipe equipped with a solenoid valve, or directly delivers gas to the shielded chamber via an air supply pipe equipped with a solenoid valve for exhaust. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve on the air supply pipe connected to the air inlet 606 is located at one end near the air supply and exhaust control unit 1, and the solenoid valve on the air supply pipe connected to the exhaust 607 is located at one end near the exhaust 607. In other embodiments, solenoid valves may be provided at both ends of the air supply pipe. The proximity sensor 7 is embedded in the fixing hole 604 and is electrically connected to the control box 104 for feedback on the transmission status of the rabbit-running capsule.

[0029] like Figure 12As shown, during target loading, the target loading and unloading assembly 2 is rotated to a vertical position by rotating flange 202, and fixed in this vertical position by a preset steel frame. Simultaneously, the pneumatic ball valve 201 controls the opening and closing of the placement pipe 204 via air pressure. After the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 supplies air to the pneumatic ball valve 201 and reaches the calibrated air pressure, valve 2011 of the pneumatic ball valve 201 automatically opens. At this time, the rabbit-running capsule is placed into the placement pipe 204. Under the action of gravity, the rabbit-running capsule naturally slides down along the placement pipe 204 and the arc-shaped pipe 203. Then, the control box 104 is operated to connect via pipe... The connector 6 sequentially supplies air to the initial end of the arc-shaped pipe 203 and the transmission pipe 5 (i.e., the operation control box 104 opens the solenoid valve on the air inlet 606 of the pipe connector 6 and closes the solenoid valve on the exhaust port 607, and the air supply and exhaust control unit 1 starts supplying air), and sets the pipe connector 6 between the transmission pipes 5 in the middle section of the transportation system to the exhaust state (i.e., the operation control box 104 closes the solenoid valve on the air inlet 606 of the pipe connector 6 and opens the solenoid valve on the exhaust port 607), so that a pressure difference is formed at both ends of each section of the transmission pipe 5, thereby driving the rabbit capsule to move quickly along the transmission pipe 5.

[0030] like Figure 6As shown, each section of the transmission pipe 5 is equipped with a pipe connector 6 at both ends to achieve segmented air supply and exhaust and independent control. A proximity sensor 7 is installed on the pipe connector 6 to detect the position of the running rabbit capsule. The proximity sensor 7 can be a photoelectric proximity sensor or an electromagnetic proximity sensor. A photoelectric proximity sensor triggers sensing by emitting and receiving changes in infrared reflected signals, while an electromagnetic proximity sensor triggers sensing by changes in magnetic fields and circuit signals. In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 7 is an electromagnetic proximity sensor. The electromagnetic proximity sensor contains an oscillation circuit and a coil, which can form a magnetic field region that generates eddy currents on a metal surface inside the air groove 605 through the fixing hole 604 on the pipe connector 6. When the running rabbit capsule passes through the magnetic field region generated by the proximity sensor 7, the running rabbit... Eddy currents are generated on the surface of the rabbit capsule, consuming magnetic field energy and weakening the amplitude of the oscillation circuit. Proximity sensor 7 senses the change in the oscillation signal and transmits the signal back to control box 104 via a wire. At this time, the display panel of control box 104 will show that proximity sensor 7 has been triggered. After the rabbit capsule passes through, the eddy currents disappear, the oscillation circuit recovers, and the display panel of control box 104 will show that proximity sensor 7 on the corresponding transmission pipe 5 has been disconnected. Thus, it can be inferred that the rabbit capsule is located in the transmission pipe 5 section where the triggered proximity sensor 7 is located. Based on the transmission pipe 5 section where the rabbit capsule is located, control box 104 sets the pipe connector 6 on both sides of the section, with the pipe connector 6 near the initial end set to air supply mode and the pipe connector 6 near the end set to air exhaust mode, thus maintaining the rabbit capsule's rapid movement along the transmission pipe 5. In case of malfunction, the trigger records of each proximity sensor 7 can also be used to accurately determine the section of transmission pipe 5 where the rabbit capsule is located, and then the pipe connector 6 at both ends of the corresponding transmission pipe 5 can be disconnected to safely and quickly remove the rabbit capsule.

[0031] like Figures 13-16As shown, the end structure 9 includes a first sleeve 901, a second sleeve 903, and a third sleeve 905. The front end of the first sleeve 901 is connected to the end of the transmission pipe 5 via a pipe connector 6. The second sleeve 903 is fitted over the first sleeve 901, and its end is connected to the rear end of the first sleeve 901. The third sleeve 905 is fitted over the second sleeve 903, and its end is sealed to the end of the first sleeve 901. An air supply passage is formed inside the first sleeve 901. A second air supply channel 904 is formed between the first sleeve 902 and the second sleeve 903, and a third air supply channel 906 is formed between the third sleeve 905 and the second sleeve 903; a through hole 909 communicating with the second sleeve 903 is provided on the rear side wall of the first sleeve 901, so that the first air supply channel 902 and the second air supply channel 904 are connected; a through hole 909 communicating with the third sleeve 905 is provided at the end of the first sleeve 901, so that the first air supply channel 902 and the third air supply channel 906 are connected. In this embodiment, the rear end of sleeve 1 901 is configured as a double-layered sleeve, namely an outer layered sleeve 9011 and an inner layered sleeve 9012; the outer layered sleeve 9011 is connected to the end of sleeve 2 903, and the end of the inner layered sleeve 9012 is connected to the end of sleeve 3 905; the end of the inner layered sleeve 9012 is provided with a through hole 909 communicating with sleeve 3 905, so that the first air supply channel 902 is connected with the third air supply channel 906; both the outer layered sleeve 9011 and the inner layered sleeve 9012 are provided with through holes 909, so that an airflow channel is formed between the outer layered sleeve 9011 and the inner layered sleeve 9012, thereby communicating the first air supply channel 902 with the second air supply channel 904.

[0032] In the end structure component 9, the front ends of air supply channels 1 (902), 2 (904), and 3 (906) are each provided with several air inlet channels 907 and exhaust channels 908. In this embodiment, the front ends of sleeves 1 (901), 2 (903), and 3 (905) are each provided with air passage seals. The air passage seals are used to make the connection between the front ends of the three sleeves tighter and prevent air leakage at the connection points of the front ends of sleeves 1 (901), 2 (903), and 3 (905). The air inlet channels 907 and exhaust channels 908 are provided on the air passage seals and communicate with the corresponding air supply channels. Among them, the air inlet channels 907 are provided with... The solenoid valve's gas supply pipe is connected to the gas supply and exhaust control unit 1 for gas supply; the exhaust port 908 is connected to a separate gas storage tank in the gas supply and exhaust control unit 1 via the gas supply pipe equipped with the solenoid valve, or the gas is directly delivered to the shielded chamber via the gas supply pipe equipped with the solenoid valve for exhaust; similarly, in this embodiment, the solenoid valve on the gas supply pipe connected to the inlet port 907 is located at one end close to the gas supply and exhaust control unit 1, and the solenoid valve on the gas supply pipe connected to the exhaust port 908 is located at one end close to the exhaust port 908; in other embodiments, solenoid valves may be installed at both ends of the gas supply pipe.

[0033] When the running rabbit capsule is transported into the end structure 9, air is supplied by the pipe connector 6 between the transport pipe 5 and the end structure 9. At the same time, the third air supply channel 906 is set to the air intake state, so that the front and rear ends of the first air supply channel 902 form opposing pressure, reducing the pressure difference between the front and rear of the running rabbit capsule, reducing the speed of the running rabbit capsule, and allowing the running rabbit capsule to slowly reach the end of the end structure 9, thereby reducing the kinetic energy of the running rabbit capsule when it reaches the end and reducing impact damage. After the target placement work is completed, when firing, the first air supply channel 902 and the third air supply channel 906 in the end structure 9 are set to the air supply state, and the second air supply channel 904 in the end structure 9 is set to the exhaust state, so that the gas can circulate for heat dissipation. At the same time, since the volume of the first air supply channel 902 is larger than that of the third air supply channel 906, the air supply volume of the first air supply channel 902 is greater than that of the third air supply channel 906, which can keep the running rabbit capsule at the end of the end structure 9, and the front and rear parts of the running rabbit capsule are cooled by airflow, thus improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0034] like Figure 12 As shown, during target withdrawal, the target withdrawal assembly 2 is placed horizontally via the rotating flange 202, and a recovery buffer assembly 8 is installed at the initial end of the placement pipe 204 of the target withdrawal assembly 2. Figures 8-11 As shown, the recovery buffer assembly 8 includes a buffer 801 and a lead container 802. The buffer 801 includes a buffer fixing member 8011, a sliding member 8012, and a buffer cavity 8013. The buffer cavity 8013 has an opening at the bottom, the size of which is slightly larger than the size of the rabbit capsule. One end of the buffer cavity 8013 is connected to the initial end of the placement pipe 204 of the target retraction assembly 2 via a coaxial positioning clamp, and the other end is fixedly connected to the buffer fixing member 8011. The buffer fixing member 8011 has a groove inside. The head size of the sliding member 8012 is larger than the rod size of the sliding member 8012. The rod of the sliding member 8012 is located in the groove and can move along the groove. A spring is provided in the groove between the rod of the sliding member 8012 and the buffer fixing member 8011 to buffer and reduce the kinetic energy of the rabbit capsule when it retracts. The lead container 802 has an internal cavity for holding the rabbit capsule. The lead container 802 is equipped with a lid, which has a protrusion that couples with the cavity. When the lid is closed, the lead container 802 is in a sealed state.

[0035] When retracting the target, the buffer cavity 8013 of the buffer 801 is fixedly connected to the initial end of the placement pipe 204 of the target retraction assembly 2 (keeping the opening of the buffer cavity 8013 facing downwards), and the lead canister 802 is placed below the buffer cavity 8013 of the buffer 801. In other embodiments, a funnel can also be placed on the lead canister 802 to more accurately introduce the rabbit-running capsule into the lead canister 802; then, the air supply channel 3 906 of the end structure 9 is set to the air supply state, the air supply channel 2 904 of the end structure 9 is set to the closed state, and the air supply channel 1 902 of the end structure 9 is set to the exhaust state, and the air supply channel 3 906 is set to the air supply state. High-speed gas is transported within 06, propelling the running rabbit capsule out of the end structure 9 and into the transmission pipe 5. Then, the end transmission pipe 5 is set to the gas supply state, and the middle transmission pipe 5 is set to the exhaust state, forming a reverse pressure difference. This drives the running rabbit capsule to quickly return to the initial end of the target ejection assembly 2. When the running rabbit capsule reaches the initial end of the target ejection assembly 2, it still has a large kinetic energy. Under high-speed movement, it impacts the sliding part 8012 and the spring structure inside the buffer 801. After losing most of its kinetic energy, it rebounds and falls into the lead container 802 along the funnel. After sealing, the lead container 802 containing the isotope target can be transferred to the hot chamber for subsequent separation of the target isotope.

[0036] The advantages of this invention are: 1. Pneumatic Drive and Reciprocating Transport: The pneumatic running-rabbit irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation of this invention uses cold, dry compressed air as the power source. The airflow within the channels is controlled by the number of inlet and outlet channels, establishing a controllable airflow pressure difference within the transport pipe 5, driving the running-rabbit capsule carrying the isotope target to achieve reciprocating transport. By changing the direction of the pressure difference within the transport pipe 5 through the supply and exhaust control unit 1, the running-rabbit capsule can complete forward transport, stable irradiation, and target retrieval operations under different working conditions, meeting the requirements for long-distance, continuous transport in the medical isotope preparation process.

[0037] 2. Segmented Gas Supply and Modular Assembly / Disassembly: Along the transport path of the "Running Rabbit" capsule, the transmission pipeline is divided into several segments of a certain length. Each segment's transmission pipeline 5 is sealed and coupled via pipeline connectors 6. Each segment's transmission pipeline 5 corresponds to an independent gas supply interface and proximity sensor 7. The various modules, including the transmission pipeline 5 and pipeline connectors 6, can be quickly assembled and disassembled while ensuring airtightness and structural stability. The gas supply and exhaust control unit 1, in conjunction with the modular pipeline structure, can provide independent gas supply and control for different transport segments. When a local segment experiences an anomaly or requires maintenance, the corresponding pipeline module can be isolated or disassembled without dismantling the entire system. This improves the system's operational flexibility and maintenance efficiency, and reduces operational risks in high-irradiation environments.

[0038] 3. Operational Status Monitoring: Proximity sensors 7 are installed on the pipe connectors 6 at both ends of the transmission pipeline 5 in each section. By collecting and analyzing the signals generated by the proximity sensors 7 when the rabbit capsule passes through a specific position, the interval positioning and judgment of the rabbit capsule can be realized, providing a basis for system operation control and abnormal condition handling, thereby reducing the uncertainty in the transportation process of the rabbit capsule.

[0039] 4. Target Retrieval and Buffering Principle: After the rabbit capsule completes the irradiation, it can be vented through the segmented gas supply transmission pipe 5, with air entering at the end and exiting at the front, to achieve a reverse pressure difference. This drives the rabbit capsule back to the initial end of the target retrieval assembly 2 to achieve target retrieval. During target retrieval, the buffer 801 is installed at the initial end of the target retrieval assembly 2 and the assembly 2 is placed horizontally. The lead canister 802 is placed below the buffer 801. When the rabbit capsule is transported at high speed to the initial end of the target retrieval assembly 2, it still has a certain kinetic energy. It impacts the buffer 801, which contains a spring structure, and after losing kinetic energy, it falls into the lead canister 802 through the funnel, completing the recovery process.

[0040] 5. Material Selection and System Reliability: All structural components in the system that come into direct contact with the target capsule are made of aluminum alloy, including the arc-shaped pipe 203, transmission pipe 5, pipe connector 6, and end structure 9 in the target loading and unloading assembly 2. All modules are sealed and coupled together. Aluminum alloy possesses excellent thermal conductivity, radiation resistance, and a low neutron activation level, making it suitable for medical isotope preparation environments under photonuclear reaction conditions. Through the synergistic design of materials and structure, the long-term stability and engineering applicability of the system under high-irradiation conditions are improved.

Claims

1. A pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for the preparation of medical isotopes, characterized in that, It includes an exhaust control unit, a target loading and unloading assembly, several sections of transmission pipes, several pipe connectors, several proximity sensors, a recovery buffer assembly, and an end structure. The recovery buffer assembly is detachably connected to the initial end of the target loading and unloading assembly. The end of the target loading and unloading assembly is rotatably connected to the transmission pipe at the initial end via a rotating flange, and the target loading and unloading assembly is provided with pipe connectors. Each section of the transmission pipeline is connected by a pipeline connector. The transmission pipeline at the end is connected to the end structure through a pipeline connector. The end structure is located in the irradiation area of ​​the target. The end structure is equipped with an air supply channel, which is connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through an air delivery pipe. Each pipe connector is equipped with an air inlet and an air outlet that communicate with the transmission pipe. The air inlet and air outlet are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through the air delivery pipe. Each pipe connector is equipped with a proximity sensor that is electrically connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit. The pipe connector includes a U-shaped connector one and a U-shaped connector two. When combined, the U-shaped connector one and U-shaped connector two form an annular air groove inside. The air groove is connected to the transmission pipes on both sides of the pipe connector, forming a sealed air supply passage. The U-shaped connector two also has at least two air inlets, one air outlet, and one fixing hole. All three air inlets, air outlets, and fixing holes are connected to the air groove. A proximity sensor is embedded in the fixing hole. The gas supply and exhaust control unit is used to control the gas supply and exhaust of the transportation system in sections, and to monitor the transmission status of the transportation system. The target loading and unloading assembly includes a placement pipe, a pneumatic ball valve, and an arc-shaped pipe. The pneumatic ball valve is installed on the placement pipe, which is connected to the initial end of the arc-shaped pipe via a pipe connector. The end of the arc-shaped pipe is connected to a rotating flange via a pipe connector, and the rotating flange is connected to the initial end of the transmission pipe via a pipe connector. The pneumatic ball valve is connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit.

2. The pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating flange includes flange one, flange joint, and flange two. The end of the arc-shaped pipe is connected to flange one through a pipe connector. Flange one is fixedly connected to flange joint, flange joint is rotatably connected to flange two, and flange two is connected to the initial end of the transmission pipe.

3. The pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both U-shaped connector one and U-shaped connector two are provided with screw holes. After being combined, U-shaped connector one and U-shaped connector two are detachably connected to the screw holes by screws and are sleeved between the two transmission pipes, and are sealed to the two transmission pipes located on both sides of the pipe connector. Solenoid valves are provided on the air inlet and air outlet, and are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through the air supply pipe, which are used to supply air to and exhaust air to each transmission pipe respectively. The proximity sensor is electrically connected to the control box to provide feedback on the transmission status of the rabbit capsule.

4. The pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end structure includes sleeve one, sleeve two, and sleeve three. The front end of sleeve one is connected to the end of the transmission pipe through a pipe connector. Sleeve two is fitted outside sleeve one, and sleeve three is fitted outside sleeve two. The end of sleeve three is sealed. An air supply channel one is formed inside sleeve one, an air supply channel two is formed between sleeve two and sleeve one, and an air supply channel three is formed between sleeve three and sleeve two. A through hole communicating with sleeve two is provided on the rear side wall of sleeve one, so that air supply channel one and air supply channel two are connected. A through hole communicating with sleeve three is provided at the end of sleeve one, so that air supply channel one and air supply channel three are connected. The front ends of air supply channels one, two, and three are each provided with several air inlet and exhaust channels. The air inlet and exhaust channels are connected to the air supply and exhaust control unit through an air supply pipe equipped with a solenoid valve for air supply and exhaust.

5. The pneumatic rabbit-running irradiation transport system for medical isotope preparation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The recovery buffer assembly includes a buffer and a lead container. The buffer includes a buffer fixing component, a sliding component, and a buffer cavity. The buffer cavity has an opening at the bottom, the size of which is larger than the size of the rabbit capsule. One end of the buffer cavity is detachably connected to the initial end of the target mounting and unmounting assembly, and the other end is fixedly connected to the buffer fixing component. The buffer fixing component has a groove inside. The head size of the sliding component is larger than the rod size of the sliding component. The rod of the sliding component is located in the groove and can move along the groove. A spring is provided in the groove between the rod of the sliding component and the buffer fixing component. The lead container has an internal cavity for holding the rabbit capsules, and the lead container is placed below the buffer cavity; the lead container has a lid, and when the lid is closed, the lead container is in a sealed state.

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