Multilayer Electromagnetic Shielding with Air Gap and Composite Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic shielding technologies are bulky, costly, and limited in portability, making them unsuitable for widespread use in healthcare and research settings where space and mobility are constrained.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer electromagnetic shield system comprising two electromagnetic shield stacks spaced apart by an air gap, with each stack consisting of an electric field attenuator layer and a magnetic field attenuator layer, utilizing copper mesh and Mu-Metal, respectively, along with inert plastic layers for structural integrity and portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If large shielded rooms are used for electromagnetic shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but space requirements and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidshielded room space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shielding system into multiple discrete layers (conductive layer, magnetic shielding layer, dielectric layer) that can be stacked and configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows the shielding function to be achieved in a compact form factor without requiring a large enclosed space, directly resolving the contradiction between shielding effectiveness and space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining different types of shielding layers (conductive, magnetic, dielectric) to achieve enhanced shielding effectiveness in a thin profile. This composite approach allows high shielding performance without increasing the overall thickness or space occupied, addressing the contradiction between shielding quality and spatial footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If complex liquid-cooled devices are used for electromagnetic shielding, then shielding performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidshielding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes passive shielding layers that function without requiring external power sources, cooling systems, or active control mechanisms. The shielding is achieved through the inherent properties of the material layers themselves, eliminating the need for complex liquid-cooled devices and significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive material layers (conductive meshes, magnetic shielding sheets, dielectric materials) that can be mass-produced and replaced if needed, replacing complex expensive active shielding systems. This approach reduces both manufacturing cost and device complexity while achieving the required shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielded rooms are constructed in fixed locations, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shielding system into separate, modular layers that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported. This segmented structure enables the shielding system to be moved between different locations and adapted to various settings, directly resolving the contradiction between shielding effectiveness and portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes a shielding system that can be applied to multiple different devices and settings (portable sensors, imaging devices, medical equipment) through a universal multi-layer configuration. This universality allows the same shielding principles to provide effective protection across diverse applications and locations, enhancing adaptability without compromising shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If smaller sized shielding devices are created, then portability is improved, but shielding effectiveness may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structures where multiple specialized layers (conductive, magnetic, dielectric) work together to achieve high shielding effectiveness in a compact thickness. Each layer contributes a specific shielding mechanism, allowing the overall system to maintain high performance while occupying minimal space, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multi-layer stacking in the thickness dimension to achieve shielding functionality without increasing the planar footprint. By utilizing the vertical dimension for layering, the system provides comprehensive shielding while maintaining a small overall profile that enhances portability, directly addressing the contradiction between size reduction and shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 excludes external electromagnetic noise, allowing for precise measurement of target fields in various settings without the need for large shielded rooms, offering a lightweight, cost-effective, and portable solution for electromagnetic field sensing applications.

Implementation Method 1

an electric field attenuator layer adhered to a magnetic field attenuator layer, wherein the electric field attenuator layers comprise a copper mesh

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic field attenuator layers comprise a MU-metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

two electromagnetic shield stacks spaced apart by an airgap, wherein air gap is directly bounded by a respective magnetic field attenuator layer of the two electromagnetic shield stacks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS12029020B2Multi-layer system for shielding from electromagnetic fields
Publication Date: 2024.07.02 MIULLI DAN
  • US12029020B2 patent drawing
  • US12029020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multilayer electromagnetic shielding system providing two stacks spaced apart by an air gap, wherein each stack has an electric-field-attenuating layer adhered to a magnetic-field-attenuating layer. An electromagnetically inert material may sandwich the spaced apart stacks for insulative and structural purposes.