Linear-Rotary Capsule Actuator for Compact Gamma Source Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary shutter source holders for gamma radiation become excessively large when accommodating higher activity sources, requiring greater shielding and range of motion, leading to an undesirably large structure.
Innovation Solution
A radiation source holder utilizing a combination of rotary and linear cams, where rotation of the rotary cam induces linear motion of the source carrier within the shielding, allowing for a more compact design by converting rotary motion into linear positioning between ON and OFF positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rotary shutter source holder is used to accommodate higher activity gamma radiation sources, then greater shielding and range of motion are required, but the overall size of the source holder becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a conventional rotary shutter mechanism to a linearly actuated shutter system. The linear actuator moves the shutter along the central axis of the source holder, enabling the shutter to achieve the required shielding position with a more compact travel distance compared to rotary motion. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same radiation shielding effectiveness to be achieved within a smaller overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dimensionality change by converting the rotational motion (one-dimensional angular displacement) of conventional shutters into linear motion (one-dimensional translational displacement) along the central axis. This dimensional transformation allows the shutter to achieve effective shielding with a shorter travel path, thereby reducing the overall size of the source holder while maintaining the required shielding performance.
2Ease of operation
If a rotary shutter mechanism is used for on/off selection of the source, then the source can be positioned to emit or block radiation, but the structure becomes larger when greater range of motion is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rotary shutter mechanism with a linearly actuated shutter system. The linear actuator provides controlled linear motion to move the shutter between the retracted position (allowing radiation emission) and the extended position (blocking radiation). This dynamic linear actuation system achieves the same operational functionality with a more compact structure, eliminating the need for the larger rotary mechanism and its associated range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical rotary shutter system with a linear actuation mechanism. This replacement eliminates the rotational components and large angular displacements required by conventional shutters, using instead a linear actuator that provides precise control over shutter position with minimal travel distance. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces the overall volume of the source holder while maintaining ease of operation for source on/off selection.
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 compact design effectively contains and directs gamma radiation while maintaining safety standards, reducing the overall size of the source holder compared to conventional rotary shutter designs.
Implementation Method 1
source carrier includes cam followers that engage with rotary and linear cams included in the holder, such that rotation of the rotary cam causes linear positioning of the source carrier inside of the shielding
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation source holder holds a source carrier in a passageway such that a capsule in the source carrier it may be linearly positioned in an ON or OFF position to control emission of gamma radiation from the source holder. Linear and rotary cams having linear and rotary cam surfaces interact with cam guides on the source carrier so that linear movement of the source carrier and capsule between said ON and OFF positions can be effected by rotation of the rotary cam.