Shielding Assembly Segmentation for Radiopharmaceutical Infusion Line Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiopharmaceutical infusion systems pose challenges in routing infusion circuit tubing lines due to the bulk and weight of shielding assemblies, which can kink or crush the lines, making it difficult for personnel to set up and maintain these systems safely.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shielding assembly with strategically positioned passageways and a framework that allows for easy routing of tubing lines, including grommet-type seals to prevent leakage and a latch component to prevent doors from closing and pinching the lines, along with a computer-facilitated interface for operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding assemblies with lead sidewalls are used to protect personnel from radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but the bulk and weight of the shielding assembly make it difficult to route tubing lines without kinking or crushing them
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding assembly is divided into multiple sections with passageways integrated into the structure. The tubing lines are routed through dedicated passageways that are segmented from the main shielding body, allowing the lines to pass through without being crushed by the bulk lead sidewalls. This segmentation maintains radiation protection while creating clear pathways for tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
Grommet-type seals are introduced as intermediary components within the passageways. These grommets act as mediators between the rigid lead shielding and the flexible tubing lines, preventing the hard shielding material from crushing the soft tubing while maintaining the radiation barrier. The grommets provide a compliant interface that protects the tubing from damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding assemblies are designed with sufficient bulk to stop radiation, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but the weight and bulk create ergonomic difficulties for personnel setting up and maintaining the system
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding assembly is segmented into modular sections with integrated passageways. This segmentation allows personnel to access different areas of the system more easily while maintaining adequate shielding bulk in each section. The passageways are built into the segmented structure, providing clear routes for tubing without requiring personnel to maneuver around bulky monolithic shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
Passageways are incorporated into the shielding assembly that extend in multiple dimensions, providing three-dimensional routing paths for tubing lines. This dimensional approach allows tubing to pass through the shielding structure in optimized paths that avoid areas of greatest bulk, making setup and maintenance more ergonomic while preserving radiation protection.
3Ease of operation
If passageways are added to the shielding assembly to facilitate tubing routing, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passageways are merged into the shielding assembly structure itself rather than being added as separate components. The passageways are formed as integral parts of the lead sidewalls, combining the radiation shielding function with the tubing routing function in a single unified structure. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate shielding and routing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as radiation protection and as a structural framework for tubing routing. The passageways provide dual functionality by both shielding radiation and guiding tubing lines. This universality reduces the need for additional dedicated routing components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Shielding assemblies for systems that generate and infuse radiopharmaceuticals. The shielding assemblies include a sidewall that defines several compartments and provides a radiation barrier for the compartments and provides a passageway sized to accommodate routing of an eluate line from a radioisotope generator. One compartment is sized to contain the radioisotope generator. A second compartment is sized to hold a portion of an infusion circuit that may be an extension of the eluate line and may include a waste line and a patient line.