Magnetic Radiation Shield Deflecting Ionizing Particles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronics are vulnerable to radiation damage from sources like cosmic rays and nuclear reactors, with smaller electronics being particularly susceptible to rapid radiation-induced failure due to single event effects and ionizing radiation exposure.

Innovation Solution

A radiation shielding system utilizing a housing element with a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in arrays to generate tapered magnetic fields, deflecting incoming radiation away from protected elements through magnetic confinement and deflection, potentially creating a magnetic bottle to contain radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional radiation shielding methods (physical barriers, thick housing) are used, then radiation protection is provided, but device size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidshielding structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical radiation shielding (thick housing, physical barriers) with a magnetic field-based system. Arrays of magnetic elements generate magnetic fields that deflect charged particles (ionizing radiation) away from protected electronics, eliminating the need for heavy physical shielding materials while maintaining radiation protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional radiation shielding methods are used, then radiation protection is provided, but the overall device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidshielding structure volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generation system replaces bulky physical shielding structures. The magnetic elements can be arranged in compact arrays that generate extended magnetic fields, providing radiation protection without occupying the same volume as traditional shielding materials would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If smaller electronic components are used to reduce device size, then device compactness improves, but susceptibility to radiation damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidradiation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary protective layer between the small electronic components and incoming radiation. The magnetic elements generate fields that intercept and deflect charged particles before they can reach the vulnerable small-scale electronics, enabling compact device design without sacrificing radiation hardness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If magnetic elements are arranged in arrays to generate magnetic fields, then radiation deflection capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation deflection capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic shielding system is segmented into multiple discrete magnetic elements arranged in arrays. Each element contributes to the overall magnetic field generation, and the segmented approach allows for modular design, easier manufacturing, and flexible configuration to achieve the desired radiation deflection capability while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 protects electronic components by deflecting and containing radiation, reducing the risk of damage from ionizing radiation, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of electronics in radiation-exposed environments.

Implementation Method 1

The first array is configured to generate a first tapered magnetic field and, using the first tapered magnetic field, deflect incoming radiation away from a protected element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

using the first tapered magnetic field, deflect incoming radiation away from a protected element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10755827B1Radiation shield

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for radiation shielding is provided. The apparatus includes a first housing element and a first plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a first array on the first housing element. The first array is configured to generate a first tapered magnetic field and, using the first tapered magnetic field, deflect incoming radiation away from a protected element.