Shielded Radioactive Material Transfer for Low-Exposure Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators at radioactive sites face significant health risks due to high radiation exposure during the transfer and storage of radioactive materials, particularly in neutron capture therapy systems, necessitating a safe and efficient transfer method.

Innovation Solution

A radioactive material transfer system comprising a first and second radiation shielding device, along with a transfer device, is designed to automate the transfer of radioactive materials, utilizing actuators and movable members to minimize direct human exposure, and includes radiation isolators for enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual transfer of radioactive materials is performed by operators, then the transfer process is simple and direct, but operators suffer high radiation exposure and health damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer operation simplicityVSAvoidoperator radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transfer device as an intermediary mechanism between the first radiation shielding device and the second radiation shielding device. This transfer device automatically transports radioactive materials without requiring operators to manually handle the materials, thereby eliminating direct radiation exposure to operators while maintaining efficient transfer operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of operators with an automated transfer device system. The transfer device uses mechanical automation to perform the transfer task, substituting human operators who would otherwise be directly exposed to radiation during the transfer process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If operators work in close range without adequate protective measures, then the transfer process is quick and direct, but operators receive high radiation doses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidradiation dose to operators
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device serves as an intermediary that enables rapid transfer of radioactive materials without requiring operators to be in close proximity. The automated system maintains speed efficiency while eliminating the need for operators to work in high-radiation zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the transfer system into distinct components: the first radiation shielding device, the transfer device, and the second radiation shielding device. This segmentation allows the transfer process to be automated and separated from operator presence, maintaining productivity while protecting operators from radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4730362A1Radioactive material transfer system and transfer method
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 NEUBORON THERAPY SYST LTD
  • EP4730362A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4730362A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4730362A1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The present application relates to a radioactive material transfer system and transfer method. The radioactive material transfer system includes: a first radiation shielding device at least configured to accommodate a radioactive material; a second radiation shielding device at least configured to store the radioactive material; and a transfer device configured to transfer the radioactive material located in the first radiation shielding device into the second radiation shielding device. By transferring the radioactive material from the first radiation shielding device to the second radiation shielding device by the transfer device for storage, the personnel are protected from radiation contamination, thereby improving the safety of transfer operations.