Conductive Composite X-Ray Shielding Element Without Lead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielding materials for X-ray radiation, such as lead substitutes, face issues with oil resistance, electrical conductivity, and ease of machining, while also posing health risks, making them unsuitable for many applications, especially in medical technology.
Innovation Solution
A shielding element with a base body composed of a composite material containing a high percentage of refractory metal powder in a plastic matrix, coated with a conductive layer that forms a Faraday cage, allowing for easy electrical connection and oil resistance, and capable of absorbing X-ray radiation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead substitutes are used for X-ray shielding, then X-ray absorption capacity is improved, but health safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of a polymer matrix combined with metal powder (such as tungsten, molybdenum, or tungsten carbide) to create a shielding element that provides effective X-ray absorption without using toxic lead. The composite structure allows the metal powder particles to absorb X-rays while the polymer matrix provides structural integrity and safety, eliminating the health hazards associated with lead substitutes.
2Ease of manufacture
If lead substitutes are embedded in polymer matrix, then ease of machining is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive layer as an intermediary between the polymer matrix composite and the electrical contact requirements. This conductive coating on the surface of the shielding element provides the necessary electrical conductivity for use in high-voltage environments, while the bulk composite material maintains its ease of machining properties through injection molding or extrusion processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If lead substitutes are embedded in polymer matrix, then ease of machining is improved, but oil resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective coating layer on the surface of the composite material as an intermediary barrier. This coating provides oil resistance and chemical protection to the polymer matrix composite, preventing oil penetration while maintaining the ease of machining characteristics of the composite structure. The coating acts as a protective interface between the composite material and the oil environment.
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 shielding element provides effective X-ray absorption comparable to lead, is easily processable, and ensures safe electrical grounding, addressing the limitations of prior materials by enhancing oil resistance and conductivity without health hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a powder of a metal is contained, via which the X-ray radiation can be absorbed
Implementation Method 2
a powder of a metal is contained, via which the X-ray radiation can be absorbed
Implementation Method 3
the base body is coated via a closed layer of conductive material, such that the base body is completely encased by the layer of conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A shielding element for shielding X-ray radiation has a base body. The base body includes a composite material which contains a plastic containing a powder of a metal to absorb the X-ray radiation, the base body is coated via a closed layer of a conductive material such that the base body is completely encased by the layer of conductive material.