Shielded Capsule Filling Device for Radioactive Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of filling radioactive capsules for oral administration is prone to variations in accuracy and uniformity of patient doses, poses a high radiation burden on operators, and is susceptible to spills and needle stick injuries due to lack of shielding around the capsules.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a radiation-shielding capsule holder and shielded needle positioner, which includes a solid base and a well for the lower capsule half and a bore for the upper capsule half, respectively, allowing for secure and shielded filling of capsules with a radioactive solution using a shielded syringe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual capsule filling process is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but accuracy and uniformity of patient doses deteriorate due to operator variation
Solution Approach 1:
A shielded needle positioner device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the capsule filling process. This positioner ensures consistent needle placement and depth across all capsules, eliminating operator variation while maintaining the simplicity of manual operation. The device acts as a mediator that standardizes the filling process without requiring complex automation.
2Device complexity
If shielding is only provided around the syringe, then the filling process remains simple, but radiation burden on operator's hands deteriorates due to lack of capsule shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged into the needle positioner device itself, which is formed from radiation-shielding material. This combines the positioning function and radiation protection function into a single integrated tool, reducing radiation exposure to the operator's hands without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual capsule handling is used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but risk of spills and needle stick injuries deteriorates due to lack of containment
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule holder includes a well designed to receive and contain the capsule, providing a containment structure that prevents spills. The holder is formed from radiation-shielding material and provides physical containment without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or additional equipment.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated capsule filling system is implemented, then accuracy and uniformity of dosing are improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The needle positioner is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning within the capsule holder. The operator simply places the positioner over the capsule holder, and the geometry of the components ensures proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, sensors, or control systems.
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 ensures improved accuracy and uniformity of patient doses, reduces radiation exposure and the risk of spills and needle stick injuries, and facilitates faster filling, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in preparing oral capsules with radioactive solutions.
Implementation Method 1
said capsule holder (2) is formed from a radiation-shielding material; said shielded needle positioner (4) is formed from a radiation-shielding material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of radioactive substances and in particular to a method to facilitate handling of radioactive solutions. Provided by the present invention is a device that enables preparation of capsules filled with radioactivity. More particularly, the radioactivity is suitable for use in certain radiopharmaceutical procedures. The present invention provides improved accuracy and uniformity of patient doses. Furthermore, the potential for spills and needle stick injuries is reduced and the radiation burden is reduced.