Lead Suit Suspension Arm for Therapist Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation therapists experience discomfort and occupational injuries due to the weight of lead suits, which are conventionally worn during radiation therapy to protect against harmful radiation, leading to shoulder and waist strain from prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A suspensory lifting apparatus comprising a suit hanger, mechanical arm set, adjustable portion, and shoulder protection to suspend the lead suit, reducing the load on the therapist and allowing adjustable height and secure hanging, along with a lead glass mask for face protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation therapists wear lead suits to protect themselves during radiation therapy, then radiation protection is improved, but the weight burden on therapists increases causing discomfort and occupational injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspensory lifting apparatus as an intermediary system between the lead suit and the therapist. The apparatus includes a support structure with bearing arms that pivotally connect to the lead suit, transferring the weight burden from the therapist's body to an external support system. This mediator (suspensory apparatus) carries the heavy lead suit while allowing the therapist to maintain mobility and protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspensory lifting apparatus functions as a counterweight system by providing external support structure that bears the weight of the lead suit. The bearing arms and support framework create a mechanical system that counteracts the gravitational force on the lead suit, preventing this weight from being imposed on the therapist's shoulders and waist.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lead suits are made heavy to provide adequate radiation protection, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but therapist mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lead suit system into two independent components: the protective lead suit itself and the suspensory lifting apparatus. This segmentation allows the lead suit to maintain its full weight and protective properties while the separate support structure handles the mobility and comfort requirements. The lead suit can be designed for optimal radiation shielding without compromise to therapist ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspensory lifting apparatus acts as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between lead suit weight and therapist mobility. The bearing arms and support structure mediate between the heavy lead suit and the therapist's body, allowing the therapist to move freely while the apparatus carries the protective equipment.
3Reliability
If lead suits are worn for long periods to ensure continuous protection, then radiation safety is improved, but occupational injuries to shoulders and waist increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspensory lifting apparatus provides continuous counterweight support throughout the therapy period, preventing the lead suit weight from accumulating on the therapist's body. The bearing arms and support structure continuously bear the load, allowing prolonged wear without progressive injury to shoulders and waist.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus serves as a continuous intermediary that distributes and transfers the weight burden away from vulnerable body parts during extended wear periods. This mediator system maintains radiation protection reliability while preventing occupational injuries through continuous load management.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspensory lifting apparatus for lead suits in radiation therapy is an apparatus to suspend a lead suit for radiation therapists. A radiation therapist puts on the lead suit under the apparatus. A load of the lead suit imposing on the therapist is reduced by the apparatus. Thus, a radiation therapist is able to take actions comfortably as far as the mechanical arm's reach of the apparatus.