Composite Shielding Box and Table for Omnidirectional X-Ray Attenuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation protection equipment for medical workers and patients in the medical field is inadequate in reducing exposure to scattered X-rays, as it primarily shields only specific directions and imposes a physical burden due to its mass and structure, failing to effectively protect against X-rays scattered from all directions.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a high-performance medical table and additional shield box, along with patient hanging cloths and garments, is used to reduce the intensity of scattered X-rays in all directions, employing composite absorption materials that attenuate and absorb X-rays through linear energy absorption, thereby reducing radiation exposure and physical burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional radiation protection equipment is used to shield medical workers and patients, then specific directions are protected, but scattered X-rays from all directions are not effectively reduced and physical burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple functional components: a table with shielding capabilities, a box structure positioned around the patient, and composite absorption materials with specific layer configurations. Each segment addresses radiation from different directions, collectively providing omnidirectional protection without requiring a single heavy protective garment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite absorption materials consisting of multiple layers with different atomic numbers (e.g., high-Z materials like lead or tungsten combined with low-Z materials like aluminum or plastic). This composite structure efficiently attenuates scattered X-rays through photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering while maintaining a manageable weight compared to conventional solid lead aprons
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional protective equipment shields specific directions, then those directions are protected, but protection against scattered X-rays from all directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is designed to perform multiple functions: the table provides base shielding, the box structure adds lateral and upper protection, and the composite materials address scattered radiation from various angles. This multi-functional arrangement provides comprehensive directional coverage without requiring multiple separate protective devices
Solution Approach 2:
The protection extends from conventional two-dimensional apron coverage to three-dimensional shielding by positioning the box structure around the patient and configuring the table and box to address radiation from above, below, and lateral directions, creating omnidirectional protection coverage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy protective equipment is used to reduce radiation exposure, then radiation protection is improved, but the physical burden on medical workers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly distributing heavy shielding material throughout the protective equipment, the patent places high-Z composite absorption materials strategically in locations where scattered X-rays are most intense (e.g., around the patient's body, at the table surface, and on the box structure). This localized approach maintains protection effectiveness while reducing overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate shielding structures (the table and box) that absorb and scatter X-rays before they reach the medical worker, reducing the need for heavy personal protective equipment on the worker themselves. The composite materials act as intermediaries that convert harmful radiation into less harmful forms through photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering
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
This solution effectively transmits primary X-rays while significantly reducing scattered X-rays in all directions, including the periphery of the irradiation field, thereby lowering the exposure dose for medical personnel and patients and reducing the protective burden on medical workers.
Implementation Method 1
employing composite absorption materials that attenuate and absorb X-rays through linear energy absorption
Implementation Method 2
This solution effectively transmits primary X-rays while significantly reducing scattered X-rays in all directions
Data Source
AI summary
By combining a plurality of protective devices (PD), the present invention makes it possible to allow good transmission of primary X-rays and to reduce the strength of scattered X-rays in all directions. The scattered X-rays to be reduced are: those from above and from the sides for an additional shield box 1, which is a PD; and those from below for a high-performance table 2. Furthermore, by combining protective instruments in addition to PDs, it is possible to reduce the strength of scattered X-rays that leak to the sides from a pass-through port of a box due to human body movements during a surgery. Further using composite absorption material in various locations enables lineal energy absorption, with scattered X-rays being weakened. Thus, it is possible to reduce the radiation exposure of the patient and the medical worker and reduce the burden of protection for the medical worker.