Superconductive Magnetic Shield for Isotropic Space Radiation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation shielding technologies for spacecraft and other applications are either too heavy due to the need for thick absorbing materials or energy-intensive for creating artificial magnetospheres, and they fail to provide effective isotropic protection against charged particle radiation from coronal mass ejections.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field generator using superconductive material, such as Niobium-Titanium embedded in copper wire, generates a magnetic field with a flux density of 0.5 to 10 Tesla, combined with a thermal control system and a magnetic shield device, to deflect radiation while minimizing weight and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If thick absorbing materials are used to shield radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation shielding from material thickness to magnetic field strength. By using superconductive coils to generate a magnetic field with flux density of 0.5 to 10 Tesla, the system deflects charged particles through electromagnetic force rather than relying on physical absorption, thereby achieving radiation protection without the prohibitive weight of thick shielding materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of material absorption with an electromagnetic field-based system. Instead of using massive physical barriers to stop radiation, the invention uses magnetic fields generated by superconductive coils to deflect charged particles, substituting a lightweight electromagnetic mechanism for a heavy mechanical shielding structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If artificial magnetosphere is created to deflect particles, then radiation deflection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from continuous high-energy magnetic field generation to pulsed or activated-field generation. The system uses superconductive materials that can maintain magnetic fields with minimal energy input once established, and the field can be activated only when radiation threat is detected, significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand activation of the magnetic field rather than continuous operation. The system can be triggered by radiation detection systems to activate the magnetic shield only when coronal mass ejection or radiation threat is detected, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective radiation deflection when needed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional magnetic shielding is used, then particle deflection is improved, but isotropic protection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic shielding system into multiple independent coil segments arranged in specific geometric configurations (such as hexagonal or octagonal arrangements). Each coil segment generates a magnetic field component that contributes to the overall isotropic shield, allowing the system to deflect particles from multiple directions simultaneously and achieve comprehensive 360-degree protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite magnetic field configurations generated by multiple coils with different orientations and current directions. By combining the magnetic field vectors from multiple segmented coils arranged in specific patterns, the system creates a composite isotropic magnetic shield that can deflect charged particles regardless of their approach direction
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 lightweight, energy-efficient isotropic radiation protection, effectively deflecting charged particles and reducing exposure to indirect radiation forms like gamma rays and X-rays, while also shielding against the magnetic field generated by the radiation shield.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field generator of superconductive material provides a magnetic field around an area to shield the area from radiation
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field generated preferably has a magnetic flux density between 0.5 to 10 Tesla
Implementation Method 3
To cool the superconductive material to a desired temperature, the radiation shield device also comprises a thermal control system, which in some embodiments of the invention may be either an open loop system including a coolant of liquid helium or liquid neon
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a radiation shield device (10) for providing radiation protection to an area (36), such as a manned vehicle. The radiation shield device comprises a magnetic field generator (30), such as a solenoid, of superconductive material (32) that provides a magnetic field (34) around the area to shield the area from radiation. The magnetic field generator preferably comprises at least one trapezoidal portion (330a-330d) to provide substantially isotropic protection to the area. A thermal control system (250), comprising a limited amount of coolant or a refrigeration cycle, is included to control a temperature of the superconductive material during operation of the magnetic field generator. A magnetic shield device (412) may also be provided between the magnetic field generator and the area to be shielded from radiation to substantially shield the area from the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.