Micromagnet Wafer Deflects Radiation for Space Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation shielding devices are cumbersome and require significant mass, particularly problematic for space applications where transport and assembly are challenging due to the high energy needed to manage lead shielding for high-energy ionizing radiation.
Innovation Solution
A device using a wafer with multiple micro magnets, particularly made from Fe16N2 and neodymium, which generates a strong magnetic field to deflect high-energy charged particles, allowing for lightweight and flexible radiation protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead shielding is used for high-energy ionizing radiation, then radiation protection effectiveness is improved, but device mass and transport complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical shielding system (lead layers) with a magnetic field-based system. Micromagnets generate magnetic fields that deflect charged particles through the Lorentz force, eliminating the need for massive physical barriers while maintaining radiation protection effectiveness against high-energy ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of radiation shielding from material density and thickness to magnetic field strength and configuration. By using micromagnets with specific magnetic moments and arrangements, the system achieves particle deflection through magnetic field parameters rather than physical dimensions, dramatically reducing mass.
2Reliability
If lead shielding is used for high-energy ionizing radiation, then radiation protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of assembly and positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cumbersome mechanical assembly of thick lead layers with a magnetic field system based on micromagnets. These micromagnets can be positioned on surfaces and generate protective fields without requiring complex structural support or precise mechanical alignment, greatly simplifying assembly and positioning processes.
3Reliability
If multiple layers of different materials are used for radiation shielding, then comprehensive radiation protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex multi-layer material structure with a unified magnetic field-based shielding system. Instead of stacking different materials (paper for alpha, wood for beta, lead for gamma), the micromagnet array provides comprehensive protection against all types of ionizing radiation through magnetic field deflection, significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field shielding system performs multiple radiation protection functions simultaneously. A single micromagnet array provides protection against alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays without requiring separate specialized layers for each radiation type, achieving universal radiation protection with a single 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 solution provides effective and permanent passive protection against high-energy moving charges like protons and alpha particles, reducing radiation interactions with electronic components, and is suitable for space applications due to its thin and light design.
Implementation Method 1
The speed and direction of high-energy charged particles such as protons, deuterons or alpha particles are influenced by the Lorentz force in magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 2
a wafer with a plurality of micro magnets... generates a strong magnetic field to deflect high-energy charged particles
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device for protecting objects, in particular electronic components of a space application, from radiation is disclosed. The device comprises a wafer (11, 12) with a plurality of micromagnets (13, 14). The micromagnets may consist at least partially of Fe16N2 and/or neodymium. A method for protecting an object (1) from radiation is also disclosed. The method comprises covering at least a portion of a surface of the object to be protected with a device (10) comprising a wafer (11, 12) and a plurality of micromagnets (13, 14).