Angled Radiation Shield Tray for Scatter Exposure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation shielding technologies fail to adequately protect patients and healthcare providers from scatter radiation during medical procedures, leading to unnecessary exposure and potential health risks.
Innovation Solution
A radiation shield assembly comprising a tray with angled sides and connectors for securing radiation attenuating materials, such as lead curtains, that surround the radiation source to minimize scatter radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation shielding materials are added to protect healthcare providers from scatter radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield assembly is divided into multiple independent components including a tray positioned under the patient, side shields extending from the sides of the tray, and a back shield positioned at the rear. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted to provide comprehensive scatter radiation protection while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray serves as an intermediary structure positioned between the radiation source and the healthcare providers. It supports and positions the side shields and back shield, creating an organized barrier system that effectively blocks scatter radiation without requiring complex direct shielding arrangements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a comprehensive radiation shield is implemented around the radiation source, then radiation protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield assembly provides localized protection where scatter radiation is most problematic (sides and rear of the patient) while leaving the anterior aspect relatively open. This allows healthcare providers to maintain unobstructed access to the patient's front for procedural work while still receiving comprehensive protection from scatter radiation originating from all other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The side shields are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be adjusted or repositioned as needed during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables the shield to adapt to different procedural requirements and provider positions, maintaining ease of operation while providing necessary radiation protection.
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 assembly effectively reduces scatter radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare providers by creating a comprehensive shield around the radiation source, thereby decreasing overall radiation dosage.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiation attenuating material that shields radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation shield assembly, including a tray therefor, are disclosed. The tray has a base portion configured to be positioned underneath at least a portion of a patient, a first side coupled to the base portion at a first non-zero angle, a second side positioned opposite the first side and coupled to the base portion at a second non-zero angle, and a cranial side coupled to the base portion at a third non-zero angle. The radiation shield assembly further includes a first radiation attenuating material that shields radiation, a plurality of connectors for connecting the radiation attenuating material to the first side, the second side, and the cranial side, a second radiation attenuating material that shields radiation, and a plurality of second connectors for removably coupling the second radiation attenuating material to the tray.