Conformable Radiation Shield with Movable Flap for Lateral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
During lateral radiographic imaging procedures, medical personnel and patients are exposed to primary and scatter radiation, which existing shielding methods inadequately protect, particularly due to the horizontal orientation of the radiation beam, necessitating a more effective and adaptable radiation attenuation system.
Innovation Solution
A radiation attenuation system comprising a conformable drape with a fenestration area and a selectively movable flap that can be positioned upright to shield both patients and medical personnel from primary and scatter radiation, offering flexibility and adaptability for various imaging techniques and procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If standard patient shields or table drapes are used during lateral radiographic imaging, then some radiation attenuation is provided, but the medical personnel are not adequately protected from scatter radiation due to the horizontal orientation of the primary radiation beam
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is divided into multiple segments including a base portion that contacts the patient's body and an extensible flap portion that can be selectively extended. This segmentation allows the shield to provide targeted protection for medical personnel while maintaining flexibility in deployment and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates an extensible flap that can be selectively extended and retracted based on the procedural needs. This dynamic configuration allows the shield to adapt to different imaging angles and provide optimal protection against scatter radiation while not interfering with the procedure when not needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid radiation shield is used, then adequate radiation protection is provided, but the shield cannot be easily stored or shipped due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible flap is configured to nest within or alongside the base portion when not in use. This nesting arrangement allows the entire radiation shield to be compacted to a minimal size for efficient storage and shipping, while still providing full protection when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield transitions from a compact, space-efficient configuration during storage and shipping to an extended, protection-providing configuration during use. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need for large storage spaces while maintaining adequate radiation protection capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed radiation shield configuration is used, then simple structure is maintained, but the shield cannot accommodate different procedures and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible flap can be selectively extended to different positions and angles to accommodate various imaging techniques and procedural requirements. This dynamic adjustability allows a single shield design to provide effective radiation protection across multiple different procedures and patient positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shield is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be configured for different imaging angles, protect various body regions, and adapt to different procedural needs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized shields while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities.
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 effectively reduces radiation exposure for both patients and medical personnel by providing targeted shielding that can be reconfigured to accommodate different procedures and positions, enhancing safety and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiation attenuating barrier that is substantially conformable to the patient and configured to at least partially cover the patient
Implementation Method 2
Scatter radiation is a secondary radiation generated when the primary radiation interacts with the object being impinged
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation attenuation system for attenuating radiation during lateral radiographic imaging of an object is provided. The system includes a first radiation attenuating barrier that is substantially conformable to the object and configured to at least partially cover the object. The first radiation attenuating barrier has a fenestration area defining at least one opening. The system further includes a second radiation attenuating barrier coupled to the first radiation attenuation barrier. The second radiation attenuating barrier is selectively movable between a collapsed position and a generally upright position relative to the first radiation attenuating member.