Pneumatic Target Transport System for Particle Accelerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual and semi-automatic systems for reloading and transporting solid targets in particle accelerators are time-consuming, expose operators to activated targets, and cannot efficiently meet the growing demand for radioisotopes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic reloading and transport system using a capsule, pneumatic tube transport system, and handling mechanism to dock, undock, and position solid targets for irradiation and processing, enabling efficient and safe handling of solid targets between particle accelerators and processing points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or semi-automatic handling of solid targets is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator exposure to activated targets increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A pneumatic tube transport system acts as an intermediary between the target processing point and the particle accelerator. The system uses sealed capsules that are pneumatically transported through tubes, eliminating the need for direct manual handling of activated targets while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling mechanism extracts the solid target from the capsule and transfers it to the target positioning device. This separation of functions allows the transport system to remain simple while enabling automated target handling and positioning.
2Loss of time
If manual transport of shielding box is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but time consumption increases and operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic tube system serves as a mediator that transports sealed capsules containing activated targets without requiring operator intervention during transit. The system provides both speed and radiation protection simultaneously through automated pneumatic transport of closed containers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated handling mechanism is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling mechanism automatically opens the capsule, extracts the target, and positions it without requiring operator intervention. The system performs self-service operations that eliminate radiation exposure risks while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures.
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 system significantly reduces operator exposure, increases efficiency in target handling and radioisotope production, and supports the production of radioisotopes for various scientific and medical applications by automating the reloading and transport of solid targets.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic tube transport system comprising at least two end stations each configured to dock and undock the capsule
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic reloading and transport system for solid targets for a particle accelerator using a pneumatic tube transport system from the point of target activation by a particle accelerator to a target processing point and back, comprising a pneumatic tube transport system with end stations for receipt and dispatch of a capsule accommodating the target, a handling mechanism for both manipulating the solid target and handling the capsule and a target positioning system.