Radio Opaque Textiles for Radiation Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio opaque materials for shielding against high energy radiation, such as lead-based aprons, are heavy, inflexible, non-breathable, and pose health and environmental hazards, making them unsuitable for prolonged use and disposal, while existing non-lead alternatives are also inflexible and uncomfortable due to their multiple layers.
Innovation Solution
Development of flexible, breathable, and washable radio opaque textiles made from fibers or filaments with radio opaque elements of atomic numbers greater than or equal to 29, combined with a carrier polymer, allowing for the creation of lightweight, multi-layered garments that provide effective shielding against various radiation frequencies without the drawbacks of traditional materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead-based materials are used for radiation shielding, then effective radiation protection is achieved, but the material becomes heavy and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using non-lead elements (barium, strontium, calcium, zinc, aluminum) with specific atomic numbers and abundances to achieve radiation shielding effectiveness while reducing weight and improving flexibility compared to traditional lead-based materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining multiple elements (barium, strontium, calcium, zinc, aluminum) in specific proportions within a polymer matrix, achieving synergistic radiation shielding properties while maintaining flexibility and reducing weight
2Reliability
If lead-based materials are used for radiation shielding, then effective radiation protection is achieved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters by incorporating flexible polymer matrices and controlling element concentrations to achieve both radiation shielding effectiveness and improved flexibility, allowing the material to conform to body contours and enhance wearer comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite structure combining radiation-absorbing elements with flexible polymer binders, creating a material that maintains structural integrity for shielding while providing the flexibility needed for comfortable prolonged wear
3Reliability
If conventional radio opaque materials are used, then radiation shielding is provided, but breathability and washability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using polymer-based matrices and controlling pore structures to enable breathability and washability while maintaining radiation shielding properties through appropriate element selection and concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining radiation-absorbing elements with breathable polymer matrices that allow moisture vapor transmission and withstand washing, providing both protective and comfort functions
4Reliability
If lead-based shielding materials are used, then radiation protection is effective, but health and environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of lead toxicity into a benefit by replacing it with non-toxic elements (barium, strontium, calcium, zinc, aluminum) that provide equivalent or superior radiation shielding without health or environmental hazards, maintaining protection effectiveness while eliminating harm
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 solution provides effective radiation shielding that is comfortable, washable, and can be sterilized, offering protection against both direct and scattered radiation while being environmentally friendly and economically viable, with the ability to be tailored into various forms like gloves and shirts for comprehensive body coverage.
Implementation Method 1
radio opaque elements of atomic numbers greater than or equal to 29, combined with a carrier polymer, allowing for the creation of lightweight, multi-layered garments that provide effective shielding against various radiation frequencies
Data Source
Figure 1~2(a)(2)
Figure 2(b)(1)~2(c)(2)
Figure 2(d)(1)~2(f)(2)
AI summary
A radio opaque fiber, filament, and yarn is disclosed herein. The radio opaque fiber, filament, or yarn comprises a matrix (102) comprising a plurality of radio opaque material (104) and a first polymer (106), where the radio opaque material (104) is at least one of a radio opaque element, an alloy of the radio opaque element, and a compound of the radio opaque element, or a combination thereof, wherein the radio opaque element if of an atomic number greater than or equal to 29, and wherein the matrix (102) forms a unified flexible structure. The radio opaque fiber, filament, or yarn further comprises a carrier polymer (108) which binds the plurality of the matrix (102) and imparts spinnability to form the fiber, filament, and yarn.