Radionuclide Container with Offset Stopper for Safe Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of radioactive materials with short half-lives in nuclear medicine is challenging due to the need for complex separation procedures to isolate desired radionuclides from other materials, requiring improved methods for efficient and safe access for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable device system for separating parent and daughter radionuclides using a forward or reverse COW process, incorporating separation columns filled with chromatographic materials, and a controller to manage the separation and purification of radionuclides, along with a radiation-resistant storage container to ensure safety and sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex separation procedures are used to isolate desired radionuclides from parent materials, then the purity of the separated radionuclide is improved, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the separation process into distinct functional modules: a parent radionuclide container, a separation column with chromatographic material, and a daughter radionuclide collection vial. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall handling while maintaining high purity separation through the chromatographic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The chromatographic material in the separation column acts as an intermediary between the parent radionuclide solution and the daughter radionuclide collection. It facilitates the separation process by selectively retaining and eluting different radionuclides, enabling high purity separation without requiring complex mechanical separation devices.
2Loss of time
If rapid separation is performed to accommodate short half-life radionuclides, then the loss of time is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of separation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation by pre-filling the separation column with chromatographic material and pre-positioning the collection vial before the actual separation begins. This allows the separation process to proceed rapidly without setup delays, accommodating short half-life radionuclides while maintaining purity through the pre-configured chromatographic separation pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous separation operation where the parent radionuclide continuously decays and the daughter radionuclide continuously elutes through the chromatographic column. This continuous process minimizes idle time and ensures rapid separation completion while maintaining consistent purity through the ongoing chromatographic mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation shielding is enhanced to protect personnel, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container system employs nested shielding structures where an inner lead shield is positioned within an outer container, and the stopper with central bore is nested within the shield structure. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive radiation protection while maintaining a compact, manageable form factor that does not significantly increase handling difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead shield is designed with curved surfaces and a rounded configuration rather than sharp edges or flat planes. This curved geometry provides effective radiation shielding while improving ergonomics and ease of handling, allowing the container to be more comfortably manipulated despite the added shielding mass.
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 the efficient separation and purification of radionuclides, reducing radiation exposure and simplifying the handling process, making it suitable for both diagnostic and therapeutic uses while maintaining sterility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
separation columns filled with chromatographic materials
Implementation Method 2
separation columns filled with chromatographic materials
Implementation Method 3
The stopper and case define a sterile venting channel that couples an interior of the case to the exterior of the case through a filter disposing through a first aperture in the stopper
Implementation Method 4
a sterile venting channel that couples an interior of the case to the exterior of the case through a filter disposing through a first aperture in the stopper
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for using a parent radionuclide. The apparatus includes a radiation impervious case, a vial disposed within the case, a stopper with a central bore, the central bore aligned at an oblique angle with respect to the case so that a straight line through the central bore does not pass through any part of the vial and a curved tube that connects the central bore of the stopper and a cap of the vial.