Flexible Neck Radiation Shield for Multi-Directional Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Healthcare practitioners are exposed to significant levels of radiation during medical procedures, particularly when working near radiation sources like fluoroscopes or X-ray machines, leading to cumulative exposure and potential health risks.

Innovation Solution

A portable radiation shielding device with an elongate flexible neck that can be positioned to shield healthcare practitioners from radiation, featuring a radiation shield that can be adjusted in orientation and shape to provide protection in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid radiation shield is used to provide stable shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different positions and orientations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidpositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shielding device is divided into multiple segments: a base portion, an elongate neck portion, and a shield portion. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and oriented, enabling the device to adapt to various shielding requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity and shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongate neck portion is designed with flexible characteristics, allowing it to be manipulated into different configurations and positions. This dynamic element connects the rigid base and shield portions, enabling the shield to be positioned at various orientations relative to the radiation source and healthcare practitioner, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity for stability and flexibility for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible radiation shield is used to improve positioning adaptability, then positioning flexibility is improved, but shielding stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidshielding stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into a stable base portion and a flexible shield portion connected by an elongate neck, the design allows the shield to be flexible for positioning while the base provides stability. The segmented structure enables different parts to have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the device have different mechanical properties: the base portion is designed to be stable and rigid for consistent support, while the shield portion and elongate neck are designed to be flexible for positioning adaptability. This local differentiation of material and structural properties resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the radiation shield provides protection in multiple directions, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional shielding effectivenessVSAvoidshield configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elongate neck and shield portion can be dynamically positioned and oriented to provide shielding in multiple directions as needed. The healthcare practitioner can manipulate the flexible components to create various shielding configurations without requiring multiple separate rigid shields, thus achieving multi-directional protection while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single radiation shielding device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be positioned to shield from radiation sources in different orientations, and the flexible components allow the same device to adapt to various shielding scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized shields, effectively managing complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 radiation shielding device effectively reduces the level of radiation exposure for healthcare practitioners and patients by providing a high level of attenuation, maintaining sterility, and facilitating efficient workflow and positioning during medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The radiation shielding device effectively reduces the level of radiation exposure for healthcare practitioners and patients by providing a high level of attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250174370A1Radiation shielding devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 RADUX DEVICES LLC

AI summary

In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a radiation shielding device is provided, including a radiation shield, an elongate neck having a first end and a second end, the elongated neck configured to attach to the radiation shield at the first end, and a base including a structure for engaging the second end of the elongated neck.