Microirradiators With Electroplated Radioactive Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation devices are costly, produce high absolute levels of radioactivity, require sophisticated shielding, and are not suitable for small-scale applications due to large beam sizes and operational constraints, such as the need for a vacuum to irradiate wet biological samples.

Innovation Solution

Development of microirradiators comprising a non-radioactive conducting electrode, an insulating sheath, and a radioactive source, where the radioactive source is electroplated on the electrode, allowing for localized high-density radiation delivery without the need for extensive shielding or collimation, and can operate in various conditions, including those involving wet biological samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing radiation devices are used to deliver radiation beams, then radiation can be produced, but the devices are costly and require sophisticated shielding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation delivery capabilityVSAvoidshielding requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation device is segmented into a compact radioactive source element and separate shielding components. The source is positioned within a housing that includes selective shielding walls, allowing the radiation beam to be generated without requiring extensive sophisticated shielding throughout the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Shielding is applied locally only where necessary to contain and direct the radiation beam, rather than requiring comprehensive shielding throughout the entire device. The housing includes specific shielding walls positioned to contain the beam within the irradiation chamber, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If existing radiation devices are used, then radiation beams can be generated, but the beam size is large and requires collimation to match small target areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation beam generationVSAvoidcollimation requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a segmented approach with a compact radioactive source element positioned within a housing that includes an irradiation chamber. The source geometry and chamber configuration work together to naturally define the beam size, eliminating the need for separate collimation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of source containment, beam definition, and collimation are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The irradiation chamber walls and source positioning combine to produce a radiation beam with dimensions matching the target area, eliminating the need for separate optical or magnetic collimation lenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If existing radiation devices are used to irradiate small targets, then radiation can be delivered, but vacuum conditions are required which constrains the application to wet biological samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation delivery to small targetsVSAvoidsample condition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows changing the environmental parameters within the irradiation chamber, specifically the ability to maintain either vacuum or ambient conditions. This flexibility enables the same device to irradiate both dry samples requiring vacuum and wet biological samples that can tolerate ambient conditions, removing the constraint that previously required vacuum for small target irradiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 microirradiators provide low absolute radiation levels while achieving high radiation flux densities, are cost-effective, and can be used in diverse applications, including radiobiology and integrated circuit diagnostics, without imposing unworkable constraints on the target sample.

Implementation Method 1

a radioactive source in electrical communication with the non-radioactive conducting electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 2

an insulating sheath that is disposed about at least a portion of the non-radioactive conducting electrode along a longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS8058612B2Microirradiators and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA RES INST

AI summary

Improved radiation devices and their associated fabrication and applications are described herein. The microirradiators generally include a non-radioactive conducting electrode, an insulating sheath, a radioactive source, and, optionally, a contact electrode. The microirradiators generally produce low absolute radiation levels with high radiation flux densities.