Two-Part X-Ray Protective Garment for Lower Weight Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray protective garments are heavy, uncomfortable to wear, and cause physical stress due to high static load, while existing solutions with partial protection do not adequately address the need for sufficient protection at reduced weight.
Innovation Solution
A two-part X-ray protective garment system comprising an inner and outer apron, where the inner apron provides localized high protection for sensitive areas and the outer apron offers additional coverage with a lower lead equivalent value, optimizing weight distribution and reducing overall weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional uniform coverage garments are used, then protection level is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different lead equivalent values in different body regions. The front apron has higher lead equivalent (0.35-0.50 mm) for maximum protection against frontal X-ray exposure, while the back apron has lower lead equivalent (0.10-0.25 mm) since back scattering is less significant. This regional differentiation maintains adequate protection where needed while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective garment is segmented into multiple independent parts: a front apron, a back apron, and optionally arm protectors. Each part can be independently designed with appropriate lead equivalent values and worn separately or combined. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific protective function while minimizing total weight compared to a single uniform garment.
2Reliability
If higher lead equivalent value is used, then protection level is improved, but wearing comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating higher lead equivalent values (0.35-0.50 mm) only in the front apron where maximum protection is most critical, and using lower lead equivalent values (0.10-0.25 mm) in the back apron, the patent achieves adequate overall protection while minimizing total weight and associated discomfort. This local optimization directly improves wearing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides excessive protection in the front region (using higher lead equivalent values) where X-ray exposure is most significant, while providing adequate but not excessive protection in the back region. This partial over-protection where most needed, combined with optimized protection elsewhere, achieves sufficient overall protection at reduced weight.
3Reliability
If vapor impermeable protective garment is worn, then protection level is improved, but physical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the protective garment into separate front and back aprons that can be worn independently or combined, the patent reduces the total fabric area covering the body compared to a single continuous garment. This segmentation allows for better breathability and reduces the vapor impermeability burden, thereby decreasing physical stress while maintaining protection levels.
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 system provides enhanced protection for radiation-sensitive organs while significantly reducing the weight and improving wearing comfort by distributing the weight more evenly across the body.
Implementation Method 1
The lead equivalent value is determined according to the 'International Electrotechnical Commission IEC. Protective devices against diagnostic medical X-radiation. IEC 61331 Part 1: Determination of attenuation properties of materials (2014)' standard.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray protective garment for protecting a user against X-rays emitted by an X-ray source, wherein the X-ray protective garment comprises: a first X-ray protective garment with a first X-ray protective material having a first lead equivalent value; and a second X-ray protective garment with a second X-ray protective material having a second lead equivalent value. The second X-ray protective garment overlaps the first X-ray protective garment in a predetermined area. The first and second lead equivalent values in addition provide a predetermined protection against X-rays in the predetermined overlapping area.