Recessed Electron Beam Collimator for Sensitive-Part Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron beam sterilization methods often expose radiation-sensitive parts of medical devices to doses higher than their tolerance, necessitating separation which is economically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A collimator system with absorbers and recesses, such as truncated cones or pyramids, is used to control and focus electron beam radiation, minimizing dose to sensitive parts by optimizing dose ratios and material interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electron beam radiation is applied to sterilize medical devices, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but radiation damage to sensitive parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different radiation dose levels in different spatial regions. The collimator structure with varying thickness creates a steep dose gradient, allowing high dose in the sterilization region while maintaining low dose in regions containing sensitive parts. This spatial differentiation of dose quality resolves the contradiction between effective sterilization and protection of sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator acts as an intermediary element between the electron beam source and the medical device. It mediates the radiation interaction by selectively transmitting and attenuating electron beams, creating the desired dose gradient pattern. The collimator structure with its specific thickness variation serves as the intermediary that enables both sterilization effectiveness and protection of sensitive parts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation-sensitive parts are separated from medical devices during sterilization, then radiation damage to sensitive parts is reduced, but economic loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically separating sensitive parts from the sterilization process, the patent applies local quality by creating spatially differentiated dose levels. The collimator structure enables high dose regions for sterilization and low dose regions for sensitive parts to coexist in the same device assembly, eliminating the need for separation while protecting sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator serves as an intermediary that enables simultaneous sterilization and protection without physical separation. It mediates the electron beam interaction to create the necessary dose gradient, allowing sensitive parts to remain integrated with the medical device while still receiving protective dose levels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a collimator with varying thickness is used to create steep dose gradient, then protection of sensitive parts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the thickness parameter of the collimator material along the electron beam path. This single parameter variation (thickness) creates the complex dose gradient pattern needed for protection. The collimator thickness transitions from thicker regions (lower dose) near sensitive parts to thinner regions (higher dose) for sterilization, achieving protection without complex multi-component 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 effectively reduces radiation damage to sensitive parts by creating a steep electron dose gradient, ensuring secure sterilization of necessary parts while protecting sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
Materials reduce at least the kinetic energy of electrons by scattering and absorption processes
Implementation Method 2
Materials reduce at least the kinetic energy of electrons by scattering and absorption processes
Implementation Method 3
A collimator system with absorbers and recesses, such as truncated cones or pyramids, is used to control and focus electron beam radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A collimator to control and/or focus radiation originating from an electron beam source, comprising at least a first absorber comprising a first side configured to allow the beam entry and a second side opposite to the first side; and at least one recess in the first absorber wherein a first contour of the recess at the first side is larger than a second contour of the recess at the second side. Further, a to control and/or focus radiation originating from an electron beam source, comprising the steps of providing at least a first collimator according to any of the preceding collimator claims; providing a product to be sterilized; arranging or assembling the collimator with the respect to the product so that the collimated electrons are oriented towards at least one part of the product to be sterilized and electrons are absorbed towards at least another part of the product that to be not harmed by those electrons.