Segmented Radiation Shield Flap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation systems face issues with radiation leakage and object jamming due to the inertia of lead flaps, which hinder the movement of light or small objects entering or exiting the system, leading to system shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
The energy shield is designed with flaps that define apertures providing demarcation between segments, allowing for independent movement, reducing the force required for object passage by using flexible members to couple and reinforce the segments, facilitating easier entry and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are constructed of radiation attenuating material such as lead, then radiation leakage is mitigated, but the force required to move the flaps becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is divided into multiple segments (first flap segment and second flap segment) separated by an aperture. This segmentation allows each segment to be moved independently, reducing the force required to move the flap while maintaining radiation attenuation capability through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap structure is made dynamic by introducing an aperture that allows relative movement between flap segments. The flexible member enables the flap to adapt its configuration, transitioning from a rigid single-piece structure to a dynamic segmented structure that can move more easily.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are made with significant inertia to attenuate radiation, then radiation shielding is effective, but light objects and small objects have difficulty moving through the system
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flap into multiple sections connected by flexible members, the effective moving mass that objects must displace is reduced. Objects only need to move individual segments rather than the entire flap, facilitating easier passage while maintaining overall shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the flap structure are changed by introducing apertures and flexible members, transforming it from a rigid high-inertia structure to a segmented structure with reduced effective inertia. This allows the flap to respond more easily to forces from light objects while still providing radiation attenuation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are made heavy for radiation attenuation, then radiation leakage is prevented, but objects become jammed within the radiation system
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the flap reduces the likelihood of jamming by allowing individual segments to move independently. If one segment encounters resistance, other segments can still move, preventing complete system jamming and maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic segmented structure allows the flap to adapt to objects of various sizes and shapes, reducing jamming incidents. The flexible connections enable the flap to conform to passing objects more easily, preventing the rigid jamming issues associated with heavy single-piece flaps.
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
This design reduces the force needed for objects to pass through the radiation system, minimizing jamming and system shutdowns, especially for smaller objects, while maintaining effective radiation leakage mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
The first flap comprises a flexible member configured to physically couple the first flap segment to the second flap segment and to provide for movement of the second flap segment relative to the first flap segment
Implementation Method 2
an energy shield configured to mitigate radiation leakage from the radiation system
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, an energy shield (212) for a radiation system, such as a security imaging system, is provided. The energy shield is comprised of one or more flaps (300). At least one flap defines an aperture (320) providing a demarcation between a first flap segment (322) of the flap and a second flap segment (324) of the flap. The aperture (e.g., and a flexible member (326) positioned spatially proximate the aperture) provide for (e.g., facilitate) movement of the second flap segment relative to the first flap segment. In this manner, an amount of force required to be applied by an object to pass by the flap may be reduced when the object is small and merely contacts the second flap segment, for example. In this manner, baggage jams may be mitigated, for example, by reducing the likelihood that certain objects will be impeded from passing through the energy shield.