Topical Radiation Shielding Cream for Medical Staff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation shielding methods, such as lead aprons and gloves, provide limited protection for medical staff's hands and can be cumbersome, toxic, or inflexible, leading to excessive radiation exposure during fluoroscopic procedures.

Innovation Solution

A topically applied cream or gel containing inorganic compounds like barium sulfate, bismuth oxide, or lanthanum oxide, which are non-toxic and offer effective radiation attenuation without restricting dexterity or tactile sensation, is used to protect human tissue from x-ray radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If lead aprons and gloves are used for radiation protection, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but flexibility and dexterity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoiddexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of radiation shielding materials from solid (lead aprons/gloves) to topical cream formulation, allowing the shielding material to be applied in a flexible, non-restrictive manner while maintaining radiation protection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining radiation-shielding inorganic compounds (barium sulfate, bismuth oxide, lanthanum oxide) with organic carrier substances to create a topical cream that provides both radiation protection and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lead aprons are used for radiation protection, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable topical cream application that can be easily applied and removed without the need for heavy, cumbersome lead aprons, providing comfort and ease of use while maintaining protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If lead compounds are used in gloves for radiation protection, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but toxicity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the delivery method of radiation shielding materials from contact-glove form to topical cream application, allowing controlled application only where needed without the toxicity issues of lead compounds in gloves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an organic carrier as an intermediary substance that delivers radiation-shielding inorganic compounds safely through topical application, preventing direct contact with harmful lead compounds while maintaining shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional radiation shielding methods are used, then radiation protection is provided, but cumulative exposure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidcumulative exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies radiation shielding locally to specific body parts at risk (hands, arms, face) rather than requiring full-body lead aprons, providing targeted protection that reduces unnecessary cumulative exposure while maintaining adequate shielding where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces radiation exposure for medical staff and patients by providing significant attenuation of x-ray radiation while allowing for full dexterity and maintaining tactile sensation, thus minimizing the risk of cumulative radiation damage.

Implementation Method 1

The active ingredient includes an inorganic compound suitable for attenuating radiation... providing significant attenuation of x-ray radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

x-rays so that the medical staff can carry out the procedures... blocking radiation incident to one side of the apron from going through the apron

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9452115B2Radiation protection system

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 BLOXR SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shield for radiation attenuation. The shield includes a carrier suitable for topical application on human tissue, such as skin. The carrier includes an active ingredient that is homogenously dispersed throughout the carrier. The active ingredient includes an element suitable for attenuating radiation and having a high atomic number.