Radiation Needle Shielding via Segmented Cylindrical Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for shipping radioactive seeds for brachytherapy treatments are costly due to the need for extensive lead shielding, which can lead to radiation leakage and is inefficient in terms of material usage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A needle package apparatus with a cylindrical coil made of stainless steel or lead, designed to encase multiple needles with radioactive seeds, featuring a hinge mechanism for adjustable positioning and minimal material usage to enhance shielding and ease of access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive lead shielding is used to prevent radiation leakage, then radiation safety is improved, but shipment cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding is segmented into multiple components: a lead-lined container for external shielding, and individual lead shields placed at specific locations around each needle. This segmentation allows optimized shielding placement that prevents radiation leakage while minimizing overall material usage compared to complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Lead shielding is applied locally at specific critical locations around each needle rather than uniformly throughout the entire container. The shielding concentration is placed where radiation leakage is most likely to occur, providing effective protection with minimal material quantity.
2Reliability
If extensive lead shielding is used to prevent radiation leakage, then radiation safety is improved, but shipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding system is divided into modular components: a standard container and separate lead shielding elements that can be selectively placed. This modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs while maintaining radiation safety through targeted shielding at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing complete shielding coverage, the invention applies partial shielding at the most critical locations where radiation leakage is most likely to occur. This partial action approach achieves adequate radiation safety while significantly reducing material usage and shipment costs.
3Reliability
If needles are shipped in big containers with lead covering, then radiation leakage is prevented, but handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding is segmented into individual needle-level components rather than a single large lead covering. Each needle has its own lead shield positioned at critical locations, which maintains radiation leakage prevention while allowing for more flexible and efficient handling during medical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead shielding components are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed in a rigid large container. This dynamic design allows medical personnel to easily access, position, and remove shielding elements as needed during treatment, significantly improving handling efficiency while maintaining radiation protection.
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 solution reduces shipment costs by minimizing material usage while effectively preventing radiation leakage and improving handling efficiency for medical personnel, making brachytherapy treatments more affordable and safer.
Implementation Method 1
A needle package apparatus with a cylindrical coil made of stainless steel or lead, designed to encase multiple needles with radioactive seeds
Data Source
AI summary
According to one general aspect there is a needle package apparatus that comprises a top portion and a bottom portion; a plurality of needle slots exact distance apart that allows to place a plurality of needles that contain radioactive seeds; a cylindrical coil that is inserted to the plurality of needle slots to hold said plurality of needles, wherein said cylindrical coil prevents the leakage of the radiation from the radioactive seeds; a set of hinges located at the end of said needle package within the outer most said plurality of needle slots; wherein the hinges can be bend to change the angle of said top portion of said needle package by a medical personnel to create a stand; and a single end enclosure located at the distal end of said cylindrical coil to provide an enclosed cylinder.