Rotating Syringe Shield Locking for Stable Radiopharmaceutical Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringe shielding devices for radioactive solutions are unstable, difficult to handle, and lack secure locking mechanisms, exposing operators to radiation during filling, transport, and injection processes.
Innovation Solution
A syringe shielding device with a cylindrical body, a conical end for syringe tip, and a rotating locking system using grooves and arched protrusions to secure the syringe, made of radiation-resistant materials like lead or tungsten, allowing horizontal positioning and easy handling with a shielded reading window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-part syringe shield with sliding parts is used, then the syringe can be inserted and removed, but the device lacks secure locking mechanism and parts can easily separate
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe shield incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the plunger itself serves as the locking element. When the plunger is pushed forward, its tip engages with the internal shoulder of the shield, automatically securing the syringe in place without requiring separate locking actions or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the syringe holding function and the locking function into a single integrated structure. The plunger and shield are designed to work together as a unified system, where the plunger's movement simultaneously advances the syringe and triggers the locking engagement, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the syringe plunger is used to secure the syringe, then the syringe can be positioned, but considerable force is required and the plunger may break
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to perform dual functions: advancing the syringe piston and simultaneously engaging the locking mechanism. The plunger's own structural features (its tip geometry) enable it to lock onto the shield's internal shoulder, eliminating the need for external locking actions that could compromise the plunger.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield's internal shoulder is pre-positioned to engage with the plunger tip at the appropriate moment during insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that as the plunger is pushed forward, the locking engagement occurs automatically at the correct position, preventing excessive force application.
3Device complexity
If the syringe holder is designed for vertical placement, then the structure is simplified, but stability is compromised and connection to transfer devices is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical orientation to horizontal orientation of the syringe shield. This dimensional change allows the shield to be stabilized on a horizontal surface, improving stability and enabling easy connection to transfer devices while maintaining structural simplicity through the cylindrical design.
4Reliability
If the syringe is secured by pivoting latches acting on the syringe fins, then the syringe can be held in place, but handling for filling and emptying becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to perform dual functions: advancing the syringe piston and simultaneously engaging the locking mechanism. The plunger's own structural features (its tip geometry) enable it to lock onto the shield's internal shoulder, eliminating the need for external locking actions that could compromise the plunger.
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
Provides stable, radiation-protected handling and secure positioning of syringes, reducing operator exposure during aspiration, expulsion, and transport of radioactive solutions.
Implementation Method 1
it is therefore essential that these syringes, during filling, subsequent transport to the patient or dispensing site, and during the injection of the radiopharmaceutical preparation, be covered with a shielded syringe handling and retention device made from a material that prevents excessive radioactivity from escaping from the syringe into the immediate environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radiation protection device (1) for a syringe containing a radioactive solution comprising: - a cylindrical shielding body (2) made of a radioprotective material, open at each of its ends (3, 5), an upstream end (5) comprising a section of cylinder with an outside diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical shielding body (2), said section of cylinder having grooves (6) and having at its summit two arched protuberances (7) adapted to fit the shape of the fins (22) of the syringe; and a downstream end (3) of conical shape adapted to receive the tip of the syringe;- a rotating system for securing the position of the syringe in the cylindrical shielding body (2) capable of cooperating with said upstream end (5) to place the rotating system for securing (10) in a plurality of defined positions, including at least one position for releasing the syringe and at least one position for locking the syringe via its fins (22) relative to the cylindrical shielding body (2).