Disposable Radiation-Resistant Gown with Thyroid Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation shields, such as x-ray aprons, are reusable, heavy, and bulky, leading to contamination risks and inadequate protection for the neck area, which is susceptible to radiation exposure, and they are not designed for single-use, sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A disposable radiation-resistant medical gown with a thyroid collar and a lightweight radiation-dissipating polymer material integrated into select portions, secured with Velcro fasteners to ensure proper fit and protection, is designed to protect the neck and lower body from radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional x-ray aprons are used for radiation protection, then radiation shielding is provided, but the aprons are heavy and bulky which restricts wearer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional lead to lead-free radiation-resistant materials (such as barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, or bismuth compounds) incorporated into a polymer matrix. This parameter change reduces the weight and bulk of the protective garment while maintaining radiation shielding effectiveness, thereby improving wearer mobility without sacrificing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining radiation-resistant fillers (barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, or bismuth compounds) with a polymer base material. This composite structure provides effective radiation shielding while achieving a lighter weight and more flexible garment compared to traditional solid lead aprons, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and mobility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reusable x-ray aprons are used, then radiation protection is provided, but they pose contamination risks and require sterilization in sterile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable surgical gown designed for single use only. After use, the gown is discarded rather than sterilized and reused. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between patients and surgical procedures, ensuring sterility reliability without the need for complex sterilization processes. The disposable nature addresses the contradiction by providing reliable sterility through single-use design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional x-ray aprons are used, then radiation shielding is provided, but they fail to protect the neck area and thyroid gland
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective garment into segmented components: a main surgical gown body and a separate detachable thyroid collar. The collar can be attached to provide additional neck protection when needed, or removed when not required. This segmentation allows the garment to adapt to different protection requirements, providing versatile coverage that includes the previously unprotected neck and thyroid area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamic design where the thyroid collar can be attached or detached based on the specific surgical procedure and radiation risk. This dynamic adaptability allows the protective system to adjust its coverage area, providing neck protection when needed while maintaining ease of use and versatility for different surgical contexts.
4Reliability
If disposable radiation-resistant gowns are used, then sterility and single-use protection are provided, but radiation resistance must be integrated without adding excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies radiation-resistant materials locally in strategic areas where radiation exposure is most likely to occur during surgical procedures, rather than uniformly throughout the entire gown. The radiation-resistant polymer composite is concentrated in the torso and neck protection areas, providing effective shielding while minimizing overall weight. This local quality approach balances sterility assurance with weight reduction.
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 gown provides effective, single-use, sterile radiation protection for healthcare workers and patients, minimizing contamination risks and improving mobility by being lightweight and specifically shielding the thyroid area.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation dissipating polymer material underneath of a sterile fabric
Implementation Method 2
an upstanding collar that protects the wearer's thyroid from radiation exposure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a radiation resistant medical gown. More specifically, the invention relates to a medical gown that incorporates a radiation resistant and/or dissipating material into select portions of the garment. The gown further includes an upstanding collar that protects the wearer's thyroid from radiation exposure. The collar includes a Velcro® type fastener that prevents the collar from sagging. The gown is both sterile and disposable.