Modular Radioactive Particle Administration System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing administration systems for radioactive particles lack precision in delivering doses, requiring complete vial emptying to determine the administered dose, and pose safety concerns due to operator proximity to radioactive materials.

Innovation Solution

A modular administration system comprising an administration subsystem with movably mounted hydraulic elements for homogenizing mixtures and an actuation subsystem for precise control, allowing for remote operation and enhanced safety, including MRI compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a vial is completely emptied to determine the administered dose, then the total amount of activity is known, but precise dose administration to multiple locations is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose administration precisionVSAvoidmulti-location administration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the single vial content into multiple administrable portions using a Y-type connection. The splitter divides the flow from one vial into multiple output lines, allowing precise dose administration to multiple locations without needing to empty the entire vial at once. Each location receives a controlled portion of the total activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A suspension bag acts as an intermediary between the vial and the administration lines. The suspension bag receives the radioactive suspension from the vial and distributes it through multiple output lines to different locations, enabling precise control and multi-location administration while maintaining accurate dosing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an operator manually operates valves near the radioactive suspension, then the system can be controlled, but operator safety is compromised due to radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control capabilityVSAvoidradiation exposure to operator
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operator is extracted from the hazardous zone by implementing a remote operation capability. The system allows control of the administration process from a distance, removing the operator's hands and body from proximity to the radioactive material while maintaining full control over the administration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A remote operation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the radioactive suspension. This allows the operator to control the administration system without direct physical contact or close proximity to the radioactive material, minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rotating vial system is used to homogenize suspension, then mixing is achieved, but operation becomes cumbersome and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension homogeneityVSAvoidoperation simplicity and accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism is extracted from the vial itself and replaced with a stationary vial design. Instead of rotating the vial to achieve homogeneity, the system uses a separate suspension bag that can be agitated or mixed through other means, while the vial remains fixed and easier to handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating the vial to achieve mixing, the system inverts the approach by using a stationary vial connected to a suspension bag that can be mixed through alternative mechanisms. The homogenization function is separated from the vial rotation, allowing the vial to remain simple and the mixing to be achieved through other means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables accurate and predictable administration of radioactive particles, improving safety by allowing remote operation and reducing exposure to radioactive materials, while being compatible with MRI environments.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one administration hydraulic element is movably mounted for, when moving, homogenizing the mixture with the particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical agitation: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

the at least one actuation hydraulic element is operably connected to the at least one administration hydraulic element for actuating said administration hydraulic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20250065149A1Administration system
Publication Date: 2025.02.27 QUIREM MEDICAL BV
  • US20250065149A1 patent drawing
  • US20250065149A1 patent drawing
  • US20250065149A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system (1) for administration of a mixture of particles, the system comprising an administration subsystem (3) comprising at least one administration hydraulic element (14) for containing a mixture with the particles, wherein the at least one administration hydraulic element is movably mounted for, when moving, homogenizing the mixture, wherein said at least one administration hydraulic element is arranged for administering of the mixture to a further system (15), an actuation subsystem (2) comprising at least one actuation hydraulic element (4); wherein the at least one actuation hydraulic element is operably connected to the at least one administration hydraulic element for actuating said administration hydraulic element to administer mixture to the further system; wherein the at least one actuation hydraulic element is further fluidly connected with an operating element (5) to operate the at least one actuation hydraulic element.