Flexible Radiation Shield With Velcro Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation shields are not adaptable to various procedure or operating tables and hospital beds due to fixed mounting systems, lacking protection for limbs, head, and other patients in cramped spaces, and are cumbersome for continuous use with portable X-ray units.

Innovation Solution

A radiation shield with hook and loop fasteners, allowing separate parts to be easily attached and rearranged to fit different table sizes and shapes, using Velcro fasteners for flexibility and including radiation-permeable and impermeable zones with overlapping strips for efficient protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed mounting systems are used for radiation shields, then the shields can be securely mounted to rails, but they cannot be adapted to different table sizes, shapes, or types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tablesVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is divided into multiple separate parts that can be individually positioned and attached to different locations on procedure tables, operating tables, or hospital beds. This segmentation allows the shield to adapt to various table sizes, shapes, and types without requiring a complex universal mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation shield is designed with universal applicability across different medical furniture types (procedure tables, operating tables, hospital beds). The separate parts can be configured to work with various table configurations, making a single shield design suitable for multiple applications and eliminating the need for different mounting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If portable wall shields are used, then radiation protection is provided, but they are heavy and take up a lot of space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidshield weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is divided into multiple lightweight separate parts rather than a single heavy wall shield. Each part can be easily moved and repositioned, reducing the weight burden on staff while maintaining adequate radiation protection through the combined coverage of multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation shield uses thin, flexible radiation-permeable zone materials instead of heavy solid construction. This allows the shield to provide effective radiation protection while being lightweight and space-efficient, enabling easy movement and continuous use in cramped medical environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rail-mounted shields are used, then radiation protection is provided, but they cannot be used on hospital beds or narrow procedure tables without solid metal rails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestray radiation protectionVSAvoidcompatibility with different furniture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield consists of separate parts that can be attached directly to hospital beds, narrow procedure tables, or other furniture without requiring solid metal rails. Each part can be independently positioned and secured using alternative mounting methods suitable for different furniture types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield design is universally compatible with various medical furniture including hospital beds, procedure tables, and operating tables regardless of whether they have solid metal rails. The separate parts can be adapted to different mounting surfaces and configurations, expanding the range of applicable furniture types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If personal protective gear is used, then some radiation protection is provided, but the limbs, head, and other areas remain exposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation protection coverageVSAvoidprotective gear complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is divided into separate parts that can be strategically positioned to cover different body areas including limbs and head in addition to the torso. This segmented approach provides comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex all-encompassing protective suit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 shield provides improved radiation protection for staff and patients by being easily mountable, lightweight, and space-efficient, allowing use with portable X-ray units and effective reduction of stray radiation, while being easy to install and move between beds.

Implementation Method 1

hook and loop fasteners are attached to a side of the radiation-permeable zone section... the sides with hook and loop fasteners are against each other and are arranged to fix separate parts to one another non-permanently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

radiation shield formed by attaching the two or several separate parts of the radiation shield to each other... radiation-permeable zones sections on top of each other... efficient protection against scattered radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP1955334B1Radiation shield
Publication Date: 2012.04.11 AHONEN PAIVI
  • EP1955334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1955334B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a radiation shield and, in particular, a radiation shield made of a flexible material consisting of two or several parts (1, 2, 3) and used in x-ray imaging or other medical procedures involving a radiation hazard. In the radiation shield in accordance with the invention, one or several Velcro fasteners (4, 5) are provided in the radiation shield parts to make it possible to attach the parts (1, 2, 3) to one another non-permanently.