Lead Vinyl Eye Mask for Dental X-Ray Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation shielding methods for dental x-ray imaging, such as lead aprons and goggles, are either cumbersome, fail to protect the eyes adequately, or interfere with the x-ray process, leading to potential eye damage from scattered radiation.
Innovation Solution
A radiation shielding eye mask made from a lead vinyl sheet with a retaining band and trim portion, designed to completely cover the eyes without obstructing the x-ray imaging process, offering varying levels of protection through different thicknesses and lead equivalent values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lead aprons are used for radiation protection, then body protection is improved, but weight and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation protection system is divided into separate components: a lightweight lead vinyl sheet for eye protection and a separate retaining band for securing. This segmentation allows the heavy lead material to be used only where necessary (eyes) rather than covering the entire body, significantly reducing overall weight while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Radiation shielding material (lead vinyl) is applied locally only to the eye region where protection is most critical, rather than uniformly across the entire body. The lead vinyl sheet is positioned specifically over the eyes and secured with a retaining band, concentrating the heavy protective material only where needed to reduce overall weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If goggles or glasses-type shields are used for eye protection, then eye protection is improved, but they interfere with x-ray imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protective function from traditional goggle structures and implements it through a flat lead vinyl sheet that conforms to the eye area. This extracted approach removes the protruding elements that interfere with x-ray equipment while maintaining the essential radiation shielding function through the lead vinyl material secured by a retaining band.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If two-layer shields are used for scattered radiation protection, then radiation protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials (lead vinyl) that combine the radiation-shielding properties of lead with the flexibility and comfort of vinyl. This single composite material provides effective protection against both direct and scattered radiation without requiring multiple separate layers, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining protective effectiveness.
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 eye mask provides effective ocular protection from dental x-rays while being comfortable and non-intrusive, ensuring proper imaging without hindrance, thus reducing the risk of radiation damage to the eyes.
Implementation Method 1
an eye mask apparatus for covering a patient's eyes to attenuate electromagnetic radiation flux across a patient's eyes relative to a radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
An eye mask apparatus and method of use for protecting a patient's eyes during radiography has a lead vinyl sheet with a perimeter configured to completely cover the patient's eyes. The lead vinyl sheet has a first side and second side with a trim portion extending around the perimeter. The trim portion extends inward over the first and second sides. A retaining band coupled at a first attachment point and a second attachment point is configured to hold the eye covering portion against the patient's eyes when the mask is worn. To protect a patient's eyes during radiography, a lead vinyl sheet having at least 0.87 mm thickness, 0.125 mm lead equivalent value, and 2.18 kg/m2 weight is provided and formed into a shape with the width at least twice the height to cover both eyes. The lead vinyl sheet is placed over the patient's eyes prior to radiography.