Switchable Magnetic Coupling for Removable Radiation Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation shielding in environments with space limitations faces challenges in secure attachment due to heavy weight, difficulty in repositioning or replacement, and insufficient magnetic force to withstand external forces like seismic activity.

Innovation Solution

Integration of switchable magnet devices within the radiation shielding material, allowing for adjustable magnetic force to securely attach and easily remove the shielding, with multiple magnets and reinforcement layers to manage weight and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If strong magnets are embedded within the radiation shielding material to support the heavy weight, then the attachment strength is improved, but it becomes difficult to remove the shielding for repositioning or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnetic attachment strength可调 (adjustable). The magnetic attachment device can be configured to provide different levels of magnetic force, allowing it to strongly hold the radiation shielding in place during normal operation yet be easily released when removal is needed. This resolves the contradiction between strong attachment and ease of removal by making the attachment strength dynamic rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If very strong magnets are used to support the heavy weight of the radiation shielding, then the attachment strength is improved, but the magnetic force becomes difficult to overcome for removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic attractive forceVSAvoidmagnetic material quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the magnetic attachment function into multiple magnetic attachment devices distributed across the radiation shielding. Instead of using one or two extremely strong magnets, the total magnetic force is distributed across multiple devices. This allows the shielding to be securely held while enabling easier removal, as the force from individual magnets is less concentrated and can be more effectively overcome.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastomers are used to form the radiation shielding, then flexibility is improved, but the elastomers may degrade at areas proximate the magnets

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmaterial degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing a barrier layer between the magnets and the elastomer material in areas where the magnets are embedded. This barrier layer protects the elastomer from degradation caused by proximity to the magnets while allowing the elastomer to maintain its flexibility in other areas. The solution addresses the local degradation issue without compromising the overall flexibility of the radiation shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Force

If ferrous powder is incorporated into the polymer material and magnetized, then magnetic attachment is achieved, but the attractive force is insufficient to withstand external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic attractive forceVSAvoidresistance to external forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple materials with different properties to create the magnetic attachment device. The device includes a magnetic material (such as ferrite or rare-earth magnets), a barrier layer (such as epoxy or polyester), and optionally a flexible material (such as rubber or silicone). This composite structure provides both strong magnetic attractive force and sufficient resistance to external forces like seismic activity, while also protecting the elastomer from degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Provides strong and adjustable attachment for radiation shielding, enabling easy repositioning, replacement, and enhanced resistance to external forces, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of decontamination.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic device that generates a magnetic field and that is at least partially disposed within the radiation shielding material layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

utilize magnetic devices that can be switched on and off, allowing the radiation shield devices to be easily removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12046383B2Magnetic coupling for radiation shielding
Publication Date: 2024.07.23 FRY BYRON DOUGLAS
  • US12046383B2 patent drawing
  • US12046383B2 patent drawing
  • US12046383B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiation shielding device comprising of radiation shielding material and a switchable magnet device that is at least partially disposed within the radiation shielding material. The switchable magnet device may include a plurality of permanent magnets and an actuator that adjusts an orientation of at least one of the polarities of permanent magnets to switch the switchable magnet device between an on configuration in which the switchable magnet device produces a net attractive force and an off configuration in which the switchable magnet device produces substantially reduced magnetic force.