Adjustable X-ray Shielding Rail with Detent Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray shielding systems fail to provide predictable and adjustable protection for technicians and patients across varying table orientations, as traditional radiation protection materials like lead curtains require secure and flexible suspension mechanisms to ensure effective isolation from X-radiation.
Innovation Solution
A customizable X-ray shielding system featuring a foundational block with an angled rail, where the rail has a proximal, intermediate, and distal section, allowing for adjustable suspension of radio-opaque curtains through a detent and lug mechanism, ensuring secure and flexible positioning regardless of table orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lead curtains are suspended from a fixed rail, then shielding effectiveness is maintained, but adaptability to different table orientations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rail assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a multi-section design with rotatable joints. The proximal section connects to the foundational block, the intermediate section extends orthogonally, and the distal section extends orthogonally from the intermediate section, allowing the entire assembly to be rotated and repositioned to match different table orientations while maintaining reliable shielding coverage.
2Ease of operation
If the rail structure is simplified to a single section, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning flexibility and spacing adjustment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is divided into three distinct sections: a proximal section that interfaces with the foundational block, an intermediate section that extends orthogonally from the proximal section, and a distal section that extends orthogonally from the intermediate section. This segmentation allows each section to be independently positioned and adjusted, providing flexible spacing and orientation control for the shielding curtain while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rail allows free rotation, then adaptability to different orientations is improved, but stability and predictable positioning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is pre-configured with multiple engagement positions along the arcuate aperture path. When the rail is rotated to the desired orientation, the lug automatically engages with the corresponding detent, locking the rail in that position before the shielding procedure begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures both adaptability to different orientations and stability during use.
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 provides reliable and adaptable X-ray shielding, enhancing operator and patient safety by allowing customizable placement of shielding materials, maintaining effective protection across different examination orientations and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation protection material or shielding device such as lead or other radio-opaque curtains are often used
Implementation Method 2
a radio-opaque curtain can be suspended if desired under the influence of gravity in a vertical plane
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a shielding system for customized shielding of a patient or an operator from X-rays generated across a patient-supporting table. The shielding system includes a foundational block which is mounted on the patient-supporting table. The shielding system has a rail with proximal, intermediate and distal sections. The proximal section of the rail is twistable within an aperture of the foundational block and is arcuately movable in relation to patient-supporting table. One or more protective curtains are suspended from the rail.