Movable Radiation Shield with Radiopaque Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical personnel performing radiographic procedures are exposed to radiation due to secondary radiation sources, such as radiation transmitted through patients and their extremities, despite the use of traditional radiation shields like lead aprons. This cumulative exposure can lead to adverse health effects and the long-term use of heavy lead protective clothing can cause spinal disorders.
Innovation Solution
A radiation shield system comprising a movable barrier with a vertically-oriented lower section, a forwardly sloping intermediate section, and a vertically-oriented upper section, along with side sections and flexible radiopaque flaps. This shield is designed to be positioned transversely across a patient on a procedure table, reducing radiation exposure for medical personnel without the need for heavy protective clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If medical personnel wear heavy lead protective clothing to reduce radiation exposure, then radiation protection is improved, but spinal disorders and long-term adverse effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile radiation shield with lead-equivalent protective panels as an intermediary barrier between the radiation source and medical personnel. The shield includes a base with casters, a vertical support structure, and adjustable lead-equivalent panels that can be positioned between the C-arm x-ray equipment and the operator, eliminating the need for personnel to wear heavy lead clothing while still providing radiation protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of wearing heavy lead aprons and protective clothing with a stationary/mobile shield structure that provides radiation protection through fixed lead-equivalent panels. The shield uses a mechanical support framework with adjustable panel positioning instead of relying on flexible protective garments
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional lead aprons are used for radiation protection, then radiation shielding is provided, but mobility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is divided into multiple segments including a base with casters for mobility, a vertical support structure, and multiple adjustable lead-equivalent panels that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the shield to be easily moved and configured based on procedural needs while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates dynamic elements including casters on the base for easy movement, adjustable panels that can be repositioned to different heights and angles, and a collapsible or foldable support structure. These dynamic features enable the shield to adapt to different procedural configurations while maintaining radiation protection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lead plates on stands are used to shield personnel, then radiation transmission is reduced, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile radiation shield is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines radiation protection, mobility, and adjustability in a single integrated structure. The base with casters provides both support and mobility, the vertical support structure accommodates multiple panels at different positions, and the lead-equivalent panels can be adjusted to protect different body parts or areas, making the device universally applicable to various procedural configurations
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 radiation shield effectively reduces radiation exposure for medical personnel by blocking secondary radiation sources, thereby minimizing the risk of adverse health effects and eliminating the need for heavy lead protective clothing, which can cause spinal disorders.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation shields typically are constructed of materials such as lead that significantly reduce the transmission of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation shield is adapted to be disposed transversely across a subject supported on the surface of a procedure table to protect medical professionals working in front of the radiation shield from radiation being applied to the subject behind the radiation shield. The radiation shield includes a movable barrier positional to extend transversely across a subject supported on the surface of a procedure table. The barrier has a generally vertically-oriented lower section; a generally forwardly sloping intermediate section; and a generally vertically-oriented upper section, forwardly offset from the plane of the lower section. A side section extends outwardly and rearwardly from one side of the lower, intermediate, and upper sections of the barrier. There is a recess in the lower edge of the lower section for accommodating a portion of the body of the subject on the surface of the procedure table, with portions of the lower section on each side of the recess projecting downwardly below the surface of the procedure table. A plurality of flexible radiopaque flaps depending from the perimeter of the recess block radiation from penetrating the gap between the subject and the perimeter of the recess.