Magnetic Polymer Radiation Shield for Quick Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation shielding methods, such as lead and traditional polymer-based shields, are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to install and remove, posing challenges for quick and effective protection against radiation exposure in environments like nuclear power plants.

Innovation Solution

A radiation attenuation shield composed of a polymer, a radiation attenuating material, and a magnetic material, where the attenuating and magnetic materials are dispersed within the polymer to form an attenuation layer, allowing for easy installation and removal due to magnetic attraction, and can be customized for flexibility and radiation attenuation needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lead shields or polymer-based radiation shields are used, then radiation attenuation is achieved, but installation and removal become cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation attenuationVSAvoidinstallation and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (clamps, hooks, ties) with magnetic attraction forces. The shield incorporates magnetic materials that enable secure attachment to ferrous structures through magnetic force, allowing quick and easy installation and removal without complex mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the attachment mechanism parameter from mechanical connection to magnetic connection. By incorporating magnetic materials into the shield composition, the attachment method transitions from requiring physical fasteners to utilizing magnetic fields for secure mounting, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If lead shields are used for radiation protection, then effective attenuation is provided, but environmental disposal becomes difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation attenuationVSAvoidenvironmental disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs polymer-based shields with magnetic and attenuating materials that are more environmentally friendly and easier to dispose of compared to lead. These polymer shields can be safely discarded or recycled without the environmental hazards associated with lead, aligning with the principle of using less harmful materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining polymer, magnetic materials, and radiation-attenuating materials. This composite structure provides effective radiation protection while eliminating the environmental disposal problems of pure lead shields, as the polymer matrix and accompanying materials are more environmentally benign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If polymer-based radiation shields are used, then flexibility and ease of handling are improved, but attachment security becomes insufficient without additional fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and handlingVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical fastening components with magnetic attachment mechanisms. The polymer shield incorporates magnetic materials that provide secure attachment to ferrous structures through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for additional clamps, hooks, or ties while maintaining both flexibility and attachment security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 shield effectively limits radiation exposure, provides quick and secure attachment to structures, and reduces material and time requirements for installation and removal, while offering additional benefits like vibration damping and thermal insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic material... the attenuating and magnetic materials are dispersed within the polymer to form an attenuation layer, allowing for easy installation and removal due to magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a radiation attenuating material... the radiation shield limits radiation exposure surrounding the system by limiting radiation from exiting the shield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9666317B2Radiation shield with magnetic properties

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 AMERICAN CERAMIC TECH

AI summary

A radiation attenuation shield, method, and system are disclosed. The shield includes a polymer, a radiation attenuating material, and a magnetic material. The radiation attenuating material and the magnetic material may be dispersed within the polymer to form an attenuation layer. Further, a magnetic material layer may be positioned adjacent to the attenuation layer or encase the attenuation layer. The radiation attenuation shield may be made by combining the components to create a mixture and then inserting the mixture in a mold until a solidified shape is formed. Moreover, the radiation attenuation shield of the present invention may be mechanically secured to a structure to contain radiation. Further, the shield may be secured to a structure by using the magnetic properties of the shield.