Removable Target Assembly Mounting Platform for Isotope Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing isotope production systems require lengthy and complex procedures for assembling and maintaining the target assembly, exposing technicians to radioactive materials for extended periods and increasing the risk of reducing production efficiency or damaging the system.
Innovation Solution
A production assembly with a mounting platform and removable target assembly that allows for quick and secure mounting and demounting, establishing fluidic, electrical, and vacuum-sealed connections with a single step, reducing exposure time and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step mechanical, fluidic, and electrical connections are used to secure the target assembly, then the connections are secure and reliable, but the assembly time increases and technician exposure to radioactive material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical, fluidic, and electrical connections into a single integrated interface between the target assembly and the cyclotron. The interface includes a flange with integrated ports for fluid coupling and electrical contacts, allowing all connections to be established simultaneously in one mounting operation rather than through separate sequential steps, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The target assembly interface is designed as a universal multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, fluid delivery, and electrical connectivity. This multi-functional interface allows a single component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing the overall assembly time and complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate connection steps are performed for mechanical, fluidic, and electrical coupling, then each connection can be optimized independently, but the complexity of the assembly procedure increases and the risk of incorrect assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection procedures into a single integrated mounting operation. The interface design combines mechanical fastening, fluid port alignment, and electrical contact engagement into one unified process, reducing procedural complexity and the risk of incorrect assembly while maintaining the ability to optimize each connection type through integrated design
3Reliability
If the target assembly is secured with multiple connection steps, then the assembly is securely fixed, but the technician's exposure time to radioactive material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all necessary connection steps into a single rapid mounting operation, minimizing the time technicians must spend in proximity to radioactive materials. The integrated interface allows mechanical, fluidic, and electrical connections to be established simultaneously, reducing exposure time while maintaining assembly security through the integrated design
Data Source
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AI summary
Production assembly for an isotope production system. The production assembly includes a mounting platform including a receiving stage that faces an exterior of the mounting platform. The mounting platform includes a beam passage that opens to the receiving stage and a stage port that is positioned along the receiving stage. A particle beam is configured to project through the beam passage and through the receiving stage during operation of the isotope production system. The stage port is configured to provide or receive a fluid through the receiving stage during operation of the isotope production system. The production assembly also includes a target assembly having a production chamber configured to hold a target material for isotope production. The target assembly includes a mating side that is configured to removably engage the receiving stage during a mounting operation.