Flexible Water Radiation Shield for Spacecraft

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation shielding solutions for manned spacecraft, such as Lead and Hydrogen, are either economically inefficient or pose secondary radiation risks, and existing shields are not adaptable to varying exposure conditions or mission requirements, necessitating a flexible and efficient shielding system.

Innovation Solution

A modular radiation shield system with a puncture-resistant, flexible container filled with a radiation-absorbing material like water, equipped with Velcro-type attachment members for easy placement and repositioning within the spacecraft, allowing crew members to strategically position shields based on mission parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Lead is used for radiation shielding, then radiation protection effectiveness is improved, but spacecraft mass increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protection effectivenessVSAvoidspacecraft mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from high-density metal (Lead) to water-based radiation absorbing material. This parameter change maintains radiation shielding effectiveness through hydrogen content while dramatically reducing the mass penalty associated with traditional lead shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite approach by combining water (radiation absorbing medium) with a flexible puncture-resistant container material. This composite structure achieves both radiation protection and mechanical durability without requiring heavy metallic shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If Lead is used for radiation shielding, then radiation protection is improved, but secondary radiation generation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protection effectivenessVSAvoidsecondary radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of using water (flammability) into a benefit by containing it in a puncture-resistant flexible container. The water becomes a beneficial radiation-absorbing medium rather than a hazard, as the container prevents leakage and fire risks while enabling effective shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If water is used for radiation shielding, then radiation protection and safety are improved, but spacecraft mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protection effectivenessVSAvoidspacecraft mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial shielding rather than complete enclosure. By positioning radiation shields only at critical locations where crew members need protection during specific mission phases, the system achieves necessary radiation protection with minimal water mass, rather than surrounding the entire spacecraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If fixed radiation shields are installed before launch, then radiation protection is ensured, but adaptability to varying exposure conditions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protection effectivenessVSAvoidshield positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the radiation shielding system from static (fixed before launch) to dynamic (movable after deployment). The flexible container with attachment members enables crew members to reposition shields dynamically based on changing radiation exposure conditions, spacecraft orientation, and mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the radiation shielding into multiple independent movable units rather than a single fixed structure. Each flexible container can be independently positioned and repositioned, allowing selective placement at different locations within the spacecraft to address varying radiation hazards.

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

This solution provides adaptable and efficient radiation protection, minimizing mass and cost while preventing secondary radiation, allowing for optimized shielding placement based on changing exposure conditions and mission needs.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the concentration of Hydrogen in water, the water tends to disperse and break down radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7780118B2Radiation shield

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 BIGELOW AEROSPACE LLC

AI summary

A radiation shield for use with a manned spacecraft is claimed. The shield has a container that is substantially filled with a substantially radiation absorbing material. The container has attachment members that cooperate with corresponding attachment members on the inner surface of a spacecraft. The radiation absorbing material provides a measure of protection to crewmembers and equipment against particle radiation that is present in space.