Mobile X-ray Unit with Integrated Transparent Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile x-ray imaging systems require technicians to wear heavy and inconvenient lead aprons for radiation protection, leading to discomfort, hygiene issues, and potential exposure to harmful radiation due to apron damage or misuse, while also increasing imaging time and affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A mobile x-ray unit with an integrated x-ray shield made of optically transparent materials, such as leaded glass or acrylic, that provides radiation protection to technicians without the need for aprons, allowing them to operate in close proximity to patients and maintain better control over imaging procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If technicians wear lead aprons for radiation protection, then radiation shielding is provided, but technician comfort and hygiene are deteriorated due to heavy weight and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the radiation shielding function from the technician's body (apron) and relocates it to the x-ray unit itself through an integrated shield. This removes the burden of wearing heavy lead aprons while maintaining radiation protection, directly resolving the contradiction between radiation shielding and technician comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated x-ray shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the radiation source and the technician. Instead of the technician wearing protective gear, the shield provides protection as a separate component, eliminating the need for aprons and their associated comfort issues.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If technicians wear lead aprons for radiation protection, then radiation shielding is provided, but long-term health effects and hygiene maintenance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the shielding function from the wearable apron and integrating it into the fixed unit, the invention eliminates the reliability issues associated with apron damage, wear-and-tear, and hygiene maintenance. The integrated shield remains in a controlled environment where its integrity can be ensured.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shield provides continuous, passive radiation protection without requiring technician intervention for maintenance or hygiene management, unlike aprons that need regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If technicians move away from the unit for exposure, then radiation protection is achieved, but imaging time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated shield serves as a fixed intermediary that protects the technician without requiring them to physically distance themselves from the unit. This allows the technician to remain in close proximity during imaging, reducing imaging time and patient discomfort while maintaining radiation protection.
4Productivity
If technicians stay close to the unit for imaging, then workflow efficiency is improved, but radiation exposure risk increases without adequate shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the radiation shielding function directly into the x-ray unit structure, creating an integrated system where protection is built-in. This allows technicians to work closely with the unit for improved workflow efficiency while the integrated shield simultaneously provides the necessary radiation protection.
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 integrated x-ray shield effectively attenuates radiation, reducing technician exposure, improving workflow efficiency, and enhancing image quality by allowing technicians to stay close to the patient and unit, while eliminating the need for cumbersome apron management and hygiene protocols.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source and being configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile x-ray imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield is disclosed. The mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure, and an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm, with the x-ray source configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image. The mobile x-ray imaging unit also includes an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source that is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.