X-ray Shielded Connector Housing with Doped Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray shielding mechanisms in connectors require complex and costly manufacturing processes, leading to increased production time and potential X-ray leakage due to seams in separate shielding assemblies, and often use toxic or expensive high-attenuation materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an X-ray shielding liner made from a moldable synthetic material doped with attenuating materials, such as tungsten, tantalum, or lead, directly into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate shielding assemblies and seams by gluing or pouring the material into the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate X-ray shielding assemblies are used in connectors, then X-ray shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the X-ray shielding function with the connector housing by doping the housing material itself with X-ray attenuating materials (tungsten, tantalum, or lead). This eliminates the need for separate shielding assemblies and their associated complex manufacturing processes, while maintaining effective X-ray shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is made from a composite material that combines a base material (such as polyether ether ketone or other high-attenuation materials) with X-ray attenuating materials (tungsten, tantalum, or lead). This composite structure provides both mechanical strength and effective X-ray shielding in a single integrated component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate X-ray shielding assemblies are used in connectors, then X-ray shielding is provided, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the X-ray shielding function into the connector housing material itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for installing shielding components. The shielding is inherent to the housing structure, significantly reducing production time and simplifying manufacturing processes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate X-ray shielding assemblies are used in connectors, then shielding coverage is improved, but seams and potential X-ray leakage points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a seamless integrated shielding structure by incorporating X-ray attenuating materials directly into the connector housing material. This eliminates seams, joints, and interfaces that would otherwise exist between separate shielding components and the housing, removing potential pathways for X-ray leakage and improving overall shielding reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If high density materials like tungsten or lead are used in separate shielding assemblies, then X-ray attenuation is improved, but toxicity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where X-ray attenuating materials (tungsten, tantalum, or lead) are doped into or combined with a structural polymer matrix (such as polyether ether ketone). This approach maintains effective X-ray attenuation while distributing the toxic heavy metals within a stable, contained composite structure, reducing handling and manufacturing concerns compared to pure metal assemblies.
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
This approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces production costs and X-ray leakage, and provides a non-toxic, seamless shielding solution with reduced complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The liner is formed from a moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within a connector. In one embodiment, a connector X-ray shielding capabilities is provided. The connector includes a housing with openings for an electrical cable as well as an electrical connection. The connector further includes an X-ray shielding liner made of moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material. The X-ray shielding liner is disposed within the housing, and also includes openings for the electrical cable and electrical connection.