Radiation Protective Material with Composite Filaments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation protective garments, both lead-based and non-lead based, are heavy, uncomfortable, and environmentally unfriendly, with non-lead materials experiencing rapid aging, cracking, and embrittlement, and existing solutions compromise breathability and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous radiation protective material with composite filaments structured in a regular pattern, incorporating a radiopaque substance in elemental, oxidized, or alloy form, combined with an organic polymer, providing improved breathability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance, allowing for air permeability and foldability without compromising radiation protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead-based materials are used for radiation protection, then radiation protection effectiveness is improved, but weight increases and breathability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of polymer matrix combined with radiopaque substances (barium sulfate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) to achieve radiation protection. This composite approach provides the necessary radiation shielding effectiveness while significantly reducing the weight compared to pure lead-based materials, and maintains breathability through the fibrous non-woven structure.
2Weight of moving object
If non-lead materials are used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but material durability deteriorates due to rapid ageing and embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters by incorporating stabilizers and antioxidants into the polymer matrix, and by optimizing the composition and distribution of radiopaque substances. These parameter changes enhance the durability and resistance to ageing and embrittlement of non-lead materials while maintaining their lightweight advantage.
3Ease of operation
If breathable fabric structure is used, then comfort is improved, but radiation protection effectiveness is reduced due to spaces between filaments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating radiopaque substances at specific locations within the fabric structure - particularly at fiber intersections and within the polymer matrix - rather than requiring complete solid coverage. This localized enhancement of radiopacity allows the fabric to maintain its breathable open structure while still providing effective radiation protection where most needed.
4Reliability
If impregnation process is used to enhance radiation protection, then radiation protection is improved, but fabric breathability is reduced and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radiopaque substances from liquid impregnation solutions and transforms them into solid particulate form that is integrated into the polymer matrix during the fiber formation process. This extraction from liquid phase to solid integrated structure maintains radiation protection effectiveness while preserving fabric breathability and enabling easy maintenance through machine-washability.
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 is lightweight, breathable, and easy to maintain, offering enhanced comfort and effectiveness in radiation protection while maintaining radiation safety, even when folded or washed repeatedly.
Implementation Method 1
medical staff may be exposed to secondary X-rays with photon energies ranging from 30 to 140 keV... radiation protective material comprising a fibrous material with filaments including a radiopaque substance
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a radiation protective material, which comprises a fibrous material with composite filaments including a radiopaque substance. The filaments are structured in a regular pattern to form the radiation shielding material.