Radiation Shielding Vial Holder for Radioisotope Elution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radioisotope elution systems lack effective radiation shielding and efficient handling mechanisms for vials and needles, posing risks to technicians and complicating the administration of radiopharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a radiation shielding lid with depleted uranium or tungsten impregnated plastic for vials, a holder for sterile liquids, and a re-covering tool for needles, ensuring proper alignment and protection during the elution process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation shielding materials (depleted uranium, tungsten) are used for the lid and vial holder, then radiation protection is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies radiation shielding materials selectively only where radiation exposure is most critical - specifically in the lid and vial holder components that are most exposed to radiation during handling. The holder body can be made of lighter material while the cap and lid incorporate shielding materials, providing localized protection without requiring the entire system to be heavy shielding material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - radiation shielding materials (depleted uranium, tungsten, or tungsten impregnated plastic) are combined with lighter structural materials to create components that provide both mechanical support and radiation protection. This allows optimization of the weight-to-protection ratio.
2Ease of operation
If the holder body is made of plastic with lower density than the cap, then ease of handling is improved, but radiation shielding capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into different functional parts made of different materials: the holder body uses lightweight plastic for ease of handling and structural integrity, while the cap uses radiation shielding materials for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the holder have different material properties - the holder body is made of low-density plastic for maneuverability, while the cap is made of high-density shielding material for radiation protection. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between handling ease and shielding capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap is made of depleted uranium or tungsten for radiation shielding, then radiation protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radiation shielding through its high-density material, acts as a closure for the vial chamber, and interfaces with the holder body through a simple snap-fit or screw connection. By making the cap multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate shielding components that would increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials (depleted uranium, tungsten, or tungsten impregnated plastic) that combine radiation shielding properties with structural integrity in a single component. This eliminates the need for separate shielding layers or complex multi-component assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining protection.
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
Enhances safety by providing robust radiation shielding and efficient handling of vials and needles, reducing exposure risks and simplifying the elution process.
Implementation Method 1
The cap includes at least one of depleted uranium, tungsten, tungsten impregnated plastic
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for a vial containing a sterile liquid for use with a radiopharmaceutical elution system includes a holder body. The body has a top, an opposing bottom, an opening in the top and a vial chamber. The vial chamber extends from the opening in the top toward the bottom and is sized and shaped for receiving the vial therein. An access opening extends through the bottom to the vial chamber and is aligned with a septum of the elution vial when the sterile vial is received in the vial chamber. A cap is removably secured to the top of the holder body for selectively opening and closing the vial chamber. The holder body includes plastic and has a density less than the density of the cap.