Elastomeric Floor Mat for Scatter Radiation Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological procedures face challenges in reducing scattered radiation exposure for both patients and medical personnel, which can interfere with the clarity and accuracy of imaging and pose a risk to health, while existing solutions are often costly and not adaptable to various procedures.
Innovation Solution
A radiation attenuation system utilizing a floor mat made of elastomeric radiation material positioned beneath the patient table during radiological procedures, which extends laterally to cover the floor area and provides a soft surface for operators, effectively reducing scattered radiation by attenuating the flux of electromagnetic radiation across a broad wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional radiation shields are placed directly on the patient, then radiation exposure to secondary areas is reduced, but the clarity and accuracy of the radiological image may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding function is segmented into two separate components: (1) a floor mat positioned beneath the patient table to attenuate scattered radiation from the floor, and (2) traditional shields that can be applied to the patient's body. This segmentation allows the floor mat to handle floor scatter without interfering with the primary beam path to the patient, thereby maintaining image quality while still providing radiation protection to secondary areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor mat acts as an intermediary element between the floor and the scattered radiation. By positioning the mat beneath the patient table, it intercepts and attenuates scattered radiation before it can reflect off the floor and reach medical personnel or equipment, without directly contacting the patient or the primary radiation beam path.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive radiation shielding systems are implemented, then scattered radiation exposure is reduced, but the cost of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat is designed as a cost-effective, disposable or easily replaceable component. Rather than implementing expensive, permanent radiation shielding infrastructure, the system uses relatively inexpensive mat materials that can be placed and removed as needed. This approach provides effective scattered radiation attenuation while keeping the overall system cost low and adaptable to various procedural needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of radiation attenuation parameters by selecting different mat materials and thicknesses based on the specific radiological procedure being performed. This flexibility enables optimization of protection levels without requiring expensive fixed installations, allowing cost-effective adaptation to different radiation energies and procedural requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex radiation attenuation systems are used, then scattered radiation is effectively reduced, but the ease of operation and adaptability to various procedures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat system is designed to be dynamically adaptable to different radiological procedures. The mat can be easily positioned, repositioned, or removed depending on the specific procedural needs. This dynamic approach allows the same basic system to serve multiple functions across different procedures without requiring complex reconfiguration or specialized training, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing effective scattered radiation reduction.
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 significantly reduces scattered radiation exposure by up to 98% at various positions around the radiological procedure area, maintaining the clarity and accuracy of imaging while providing a low-cost, adaptable solution for diverse radiological procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation attenuation system utilizing a floor mat made of elastomeric radiation material positioned beneath the patient table during radiological procedures to absorb scattered radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system attenuates scatter radiation during a radiological procedure. The radiological procedure using a radiation machine including an emitter, a receiver, a base, and a table for a patient. The base is supported by a floor. The system includes a barrier formed of a radiation attenuation material and positioned over an area on the floor. The barrier is comprised of an elastomeric material and disposed beneath the table. The barrier on the floor can reduce substantial amounts of scatter radiation.