Lead-impregnated rubber shielding for radiation scatter protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional radiation shielding garments for medical staff are heavy and ineffective against scattered radiation, which poses a significant hazard due to the reradiation of x-rays by lower atomic number heavy metals used as alternatives to lead.

Innovation Solution

A radiation scatter protection system comprising a Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) headboard with lead-impregnated rubber shielding components, including a frame and curtain shields, designed to attach to a procedure table to minimize exposure to both medical staff and patients during medical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lead shielding garments are used, then radiation protection is provided, but the garments are heavy and cause significant injury to the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidgarment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameter from pure lead to a composite material containing lead powder embedded in flexible rubber or polymer. This parameter change maintains the radiation shielding effectiveness while significantly reducing the weight and improving flexibility of the protective garment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite material structure where lead powder is embedded within a flexible rubber or polymer matrix. This composite approach combines the high density and radiation absorption properties of lead with the flexibility and reduced weight characteristics of the polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and wearer comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If lower atomic number heavy metals such as Antimony and Bismuth are used instead of lead, then reduced weight is achieved, but these materials reradiate absorbed x-rays leading to greater exposure to the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegarment weightVSAvoidreradiation of x-rays

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the atomic number parameter of the shielding material by using lead (atomic number 82) in powder form embedded in polymer, rather than lower atomic number alternatives. This parameter selection prevents reradiation issues while still allowing for reduced garment weight through the powder-in-matrix composite structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of reradiation from alternative materials into a benefit by selecting lead powder, which absorbs x-rays effectively without significant reradiation. The fine powder distribution in the polymer matrix maximizes absorption efficiency while minimizing any reradiation effects, turning the material selection into an advantageous solution.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If lead-impregnated rubber shielding is used, then radiation attenuation is improved, but the material may still cause some reradiation at lower energy levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation attenuationVSAvoidreradiation at lower energy levels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using lead powder distributed throughout the flexible rubber or polymer matrix rather than a solid lead structure. This localized distribution of lead particles provides effective radiation attenuation at the point of interaction while the surrounding polymer material absorbs some of the reradiated lower energy x-rays, reducing the overall reradiation hazard to the wearer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 by allowing more x-rays to pass through the headboard while providing adequate shielding, reducing the need for heavy lead garments and minimizing reradiation hazards, thus protecting medical staff and patients more efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

lead-impregnated rubber sheets... provide greater attenuation per unit weight than lead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a headboard of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) adapted to be disposed adjacent the patient's head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10912526B1Radiation scatter anesthesia protection system

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 BAIRD DAVID A

AI summary

A radiation scatter anesthesia protection system designed to attach to a procedure table to limit exposure to radiation for both medical staff and a patient. The radiation scatter anesthesia protection system includes a headboard adapted to be disposed adjacent the patient's head. Headboard shielding including a first sheet of shielding extending downward from the procedure table, a plurality of additional sheets of shielding removably mounted to the headboard, and a molded head shield extending from the headboard. A frame disposed adjacent the procedure table. First and second outer side curtain shields suspended from the frame. First and second central curtain shields disposed between the first and second outer side curtain shields and suspended from the frame.