Mobile Support Block for Radiopharmaceutical Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing radiopharmaceuticals expose operators to high radioactive dose rates during handling, as traditional shielded enclosures compromise agility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mobile support block, shielded yoke, and syringe actuation system that allows for automated preparation of radioactive solutions, minimizing operator radiation exposure by aligning cells with an opening for access and using a shielded element to block radiation when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional shielded enclosures with thick gloves are used, then radiation protection is improved, but operator agility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe holder and syringe actuating means are extracted from the shielded enclosure environment and positioned externally, allowing operators to perform syringe manipulations outside the high-radiation zone while the mobile support block remains shielded. This separation enables thin-glove operation for syringe handling while maintaining radiation shielding for the radioactive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support block with its shielded element acts as an intermediary between the radioactive source and the operator. By rotating the support block to align cells with the opening, it mediates the transfer of materials while maintaining radiation protection, eliminating the need for operators to wear thick protective gloves during critical manipulations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of syringes is performed during labeling and fractionation, then preparation flexibility is improved, but operator radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe holder with automated actuating means performs syringe manipulations autonomously through rotation of the mobile support block. The system serves itself by mechanically controlling syringe positioning and piston actuation without requiring manual intervention during high-radiation procedures, thereby maintaining preparation flexibility while eliminating operator exposure during critical steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation of syringes by operators is replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of the syringe holder and actuating means. This substitution eliminates direct operator contact with radioactive materials during labeling and fractionation while preserving the flexibility to perform various preparation procedures through automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple preparation steps are performed manually, then process adaptability is improved, but preparation time and operator exposure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support block enables continuous automated performance of multiple preparation steps including reconstitution, labeling, and fractionation without requiring operator intervention between steps. The rotation mechanism allows seamless transition between different cells and syringes, maintaining continuous useful action while reducing total preparation time and operator exposure duration.
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
Enables safe and efficient preparation of radiopharmaceuticals by reducing operator radiation exposure and allowing for automated processes like reconstitution, marking, and fractionation while maintaining operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
a shielded element carried by the support block... the opening is closed off by a shielded element... the radiation emitted by the isotopes is also blocked
Implementation Method 2
The shielded yoke is made of any material making it possible to attenuate or block the passage of radiation emitted by the isotopes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for preparing radioactive solutions, in particular radiopharmaceutical solutions, which comprises: a mobile supporting block (12) with at least two cells (14) capable of receiving a bottle (112); and a shielded cap (16), comprising a side wall (18) surrounding the periphery of the supporting block and an upper wall (20) covering the upper surface of the supporting block (12), an opening (24) being provided in the upper wall (20) of the cap. A means for driving the supporting block (12) is configured to selectively move the supporting block into positions, referred to as working positions, in which a given cell (14) is aligned with the opening (24) to allow access to said cell (14) from the outside of the cap (16). The supporting block (12) is configured so that it can also be brought into a position, referred to as closed position, wherein the opening (24) is sealed by a shielded element (17) supported by the supporting block.