Remote Controlled Radioactive Source Handling Tooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing radioactive sources in radiotherapy equipment are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose a radiation risk due to the need for manual handling and construction of a hot chamber, which increases the risk of radiation leakage during maintenance and source replacement.
Innovation Solution
A radioactive source removing and introducing tooling system, combined with a smart cart, allows for remote control and automated movement of shield doors and storage tanks to safely load and unload radioactive sources, eliminating the need for manual operation and hot chamber construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and hot chamber construction are used for radioactive source replacement, then the source can be loaded and unloaded, but labor intensity and radiation risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the operator and the radioactive source handling system. The remote control device includes a control unit and an operation unit that allows operators to control the shield door and lifting device from a safe distance, eliminating direct manual handling of radioactive sources and significantly reducing radiation exposure risk while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hot chamber into functional modules: a shield door for radiation protection, a lifting device for source manipulation, and a remote control system for safe operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling automated or remote operation that reduces labor intensity and radiation risk
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shield blocks are constructed to form a hot chamber for radioactive source handling, then radiation shielding is provided, but construction and removal become time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static shield blocks with a dynamic shield door that can move between open and closed positions. The shield door is integrated with a lifting device that can automatically open, close, and position itself, eliminating the need for manual construction and removal of hot chambers. This dynamic system maintains radiation shielding when needed while allowing rapid access when not in use, significantly reducing construction and removal time
Solution Approach 2:
The shield door serves multiple functions: it provides radiation shielding when closed, acts as an access point when open, and integrates with the lifting device for automated source handling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate construction and removal operations, reducing both time and labor requirements while maintaining effective radiation protection
3Ease of operation
If maintenance personnel enter the treatment room for maintenance, then direct access to equipment is enabled, but radiation leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device acts as an intermediary that allows maintenance personnel to operate equipment from outside the treatment room. The control unit and operation unit enable full control of the shield door and lifting device without requiring personnel to physically enter the radiation zone, maintaining equipment accessibility while eliminating radiation exposure risk during maintenance operations
Data Source
AI summary
A radioactive source removing and introducing tooling includes a first support frame, a shield door disposed on the first support frame, a shield cover located on the shield door, and a first pull rod device. The shield door includes a movable first shield block. The shield cover is able to be separated from the shield door, and the shield cover includes one opening and one accommodation space. The first pull rod device includes a pull rod and a first connection portion disposed on the pull rod, and the pull rod is able to extend into the shield cover and drive the first connection portion to move inside the accommodation space of the shield cover.