Multilayer Radiation Shield Material for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft crew and passengers are exposed to high levels of cosmic ionizing radiation during flights, leading to potential health risks such as cancer and reproductive problems, with no established safe exposure limits, necessitating a material to reduce radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer material comprising a felt layer, a foil layer, adhesive film layers, a radiation shield layer, and a foam layer, optionally coated with a composition including lycopene, selenium, glutathione peroxidase, progesterone, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, designed for installation in aircraft, flight suits, and other protective gear to mitigate ionizing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shield layer is added to reduce ionizing radiation exposure, then radiation protection is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation protection system is divided into multiple functional layers: a felt layer for sound absorption, a foil layer for barrier protection, adhesive film layers for bonding, a radiation shield layer for radiation protection, and a foam layer for cushioning. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive protection while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material structure combining different materials with complementary properties: natural fibers in the felt layer, metallic foil for barrier properties, radiation-shielding materials in the shield layer, and foam for mechanical cushioning. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its specific advantage while working together as an integrated system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shield layer is added to reduce ionizing radiation exposure, then radiation protection is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight burden is distributed across multiple lightweight layers rather than relying on a single heavy shield. The felt layer, foil layer, adhesive films, radiation shield layer, and foam layer each contribute minimally to the total weight while collectively providing effective radiation protection. This segmented approach allows adequate shielding with reduced overall weight compared to a single thick lead or concrete barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure uses materials selected for their high protection-to-weight ratio: the radiation shield layer incorporates high-density materials for effective radiation blocking, while the felt, foil, and foam layers provide additional protection and comfort with minimal weight addition. This optimized material selection minimizes total weight while maintaining adequate radiation protection.
3Reliability
If multiple layers are added to provide comprehensive protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multilayer protection system is designed as separate, modular components that can be installed independently and then secured together using adhesive film layers. The felt layer, foil layer, radiation shield layer, and foam layer can be positioned and attached to the aircraft interior surfaces in a systematic manner, with each layer serving as a discrete unit that simplifies the installation process despite the multiple components involved.
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive film layers are used as intermediaries between the different protection layers and the aircraft interior surfaces. These adhesive layers facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the multiple protective layers, allowing the system to be installed and removed without permanent modification to the aircraft structure, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the complex multilayer configuration.
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 material effectively reduces exposure to ionizing radiation, providing protection for aircraft occupants and potentially other radiation-exposed individuals by combining sound wave reduction with radiation shielding, with the composition enhancing the radiation shielding properties.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation shield layer; a second adhesive film layer disposed between the foil layer and radiation shield layer
Implementation Method 2
a radiation shield layer coated in a composition comprising at least one of lycopene, selenium, glutathione peroxidase, progesterone, B6, vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, ASC), vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol), zinc, and/or any combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A material for reducing exposure to ionizing radiation. One exemplary embodiment comprises a felt layer; a foil layer; a first adhesive film layer disposed between the outer felt layer and the foil layer; a radiation shield layer; a second adhesive film layer disposed between the foil layer and radiation shield layer; and a foam layer disposed on the surface of the radiation shield layer opposite the second adhesive film layer. The material may be installed in commercial aircraft, corporate aircraft, flight suits, helmets, military uniforms, rotary aircraft, spacecraft, and the like. For example, the material disclosed herein may be provided as a headliner in an aircraft, or alternatively may be used to line the entire interior of an aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the material may be secured to a surface using a hook and loop attachment mechanism.