Localized Radiation Shielding Assembly for Spacecraft PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic components in spacecraft are vulnerable to ionic radiation, including Total Ionizing Dose (TID), charge build-up, displacement damage, and single-event effects, leading to premature failure and jeopardizing mission success.
Innovation Solution
A radiation shielding assembly comprising an upper and lower cover with aligned lips and walls, formed from high-density materials like copper or plastic, that encapsulates electronic components on printed wiring boards, minimizing radiation penetration through fasteners and lip alignment, providing 360° coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are mounted on printed wiring boards in spacecraft, then the spacecraft can function properly, but the electronic components are exposed to ionic radiation causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
A radiation shield assembly acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic components and the harmful ionic radiation in space. The shield includes a radiation shield member with a cavity that receives the electronic component, and a cover member that seals the cavity, creating a protected intermediate space that filters radiation while allowing the component to function
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shield assembly is segmented into distinct functional parts: a radiation shield member with a cavity, a cover member with sealing features, and a gasket. This segmentation allows for modular assembly, proper sealing, and effective radiation protection while maintaining electronic component functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shield is added to protect electronic components, then radiation protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield member and cover member are designed to work together as an integrated assembly. The cover member combines sealing functionality (via the gasket) and radiation protection in a single component that attaches directly to the shield member, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective 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 shields electronic components from radiation, mitigating degradation and failure, ensuring the reliability and longevity of spacecraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of first cover walls and the plurality of second cover walls are formed from any high-density material such as one of copper or plastic
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation shielding assembly for an electronic component is provided. The assembly includes a printed wiring board and a radiation shield having first and second covers on the printed wiring board. The first cover has first cover walls and the second cover has second cover walls. The first cover walls define a housing and have first cover cavities. The second cover walls have second cover thru passages. The assembly has the electronic component disposed on the printed wiring board and within the housing. The electronic component has a perimeter on the printed wiring board where the printed wiring board has passages at the electronic component perimeter. The first walls are located at the electronic component perimeter to enclose the electronic component.