Composite Radiation Shield Vault for Small Satellites
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation shielding methods are inadequate for applications where increasing the thickness of structures is not feasible due to design constraints, and they fail to effectively protect against both protons and low-energy photons and electrons.
Innovation Solution
A radiation shielded vault structure composed of layers of materials with higher and lower atomic numbers, where a lower Z material like aluminum alloy is combined with higher Z materials such as titanium or tantalum, providing radiation shielding while minimizing thickness and maximizing interior volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of aluminum structures is increased to provide radiation shielding, then radiation protection capability is improved, but the overall dimensions and volume of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum alloy (lower Z) with titanium or tantalum (higher Z) layers to create a multi-layered shielding structure. This composite approach provides effective radiation shielding against both protons and photons/electrons while maintaining thinner overall wall thickness compared to using aluminum alone, thus reducing the volume occupied by shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different material layers at specific locations and orientations. The aluminum alloy provides baseline shielding, while higher Z materials (titanium/tantalum) are strategically positioned to address specific radiation types. This localized material differentiation optimizes shielding effectiveness without uniformly increasing the entire structure's volume.
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 vault structure effectively shields against protons, low-energy single event effects, electrons, and low-energy photons, offering a lightweight and compact solution for radiation protection in various applications without requiring excessive wall thickness.
Implementation Method 1
A lower Z material such as aluminum absorbs protons and some low energy single event effects
Implementation Method 2
The use of one or more layers of higher Z material such as titanium 51 or tantalum 52 provides radiation shielding against electrons and low energy photons
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation shielded vault structure includes a rigid outer structure comprising a plurality of rigid structural components that are interconnected at elongated joints to define an interior space. The structural components include a layer of lower atomic number (Z) material such as aluminum alloy and one or more layers of higher atomic number (Z) material titanium and/or tantalum. The vault structure may include radiation shield members extending along the elongated joints to provide radiation shielding at the elongated joints. The shield members comprise a higher atomic number (Z) material such as titanium or tantalum. The rigid structural components may comprise plate members that are interconnected along side edges thereof. End plates may be attached to the plate members to close off the interior space.