Description:RADIATION SHIELDING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to radiation shielding systems used in medical environments, specifically focusing on protective shielding mechanisms employed during interventional radiological procedures, including but not limited to catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs) and mobile C-arm systems.

BACKGROUND
Interventional radiology procedures typically require medical personnel, such as doctors and technicians, to remain in close proximity to X-ray imaging equipment, resulting in continuous exposure to scattered radiation. Repeated radiation exposure poses significant health risks, necessitating effective and ergonomically feasible shielding solutions.
Traditional protective garments—such as lead aprons, thyroid collars, and protective eyewear—are commonly employed to mitigate radiation risks. Although effective to a degree, these garments impose significant physical discomfort and fatigue due to their considerable weight, especially during prolonged medical procedures. Additionally, protective garments often fail to provide comprehensive protection to all exposed body regions, leaving potential gaps in shielding coverage.
Alternative solutions include floor-mounted mobile barriers. For instance, KR102351297B1 describes a radiation shielding apparatus comprising a transparent shield mounted on a wheeled cradle that provides vertical height adjustability. While enabling vertical adjustments, this device occupies valuable floor space, restricting movement around the patient area and limiting procedural accessibility. Furthermore, the device lacks overhead positional flexibility, thus complicating clinical workflows and workspace ergonomics.
US20230126167A1 describes a radiation protection system employing flexible hinged shielding panels that can articulate to conform around patient anatomy, and may be attached to tables or floor-mounted structures. Although offering adaptable shielding configurations, this system does not disclose a unified ceiling-mounted system capable of coordinated longitudinal, lateral, and vertical translations. Furthermore, it lacks integrated motorized vertical positioning, thus requiring manual repositioning which can disrupt workflow efficiency and ergonomic convenience.
Ceiling-mounted radiation shielding systems have been proposed to address these spatial and operational constraints. WO2024056637A1, for example, discloses a radiation shielding arrangement comprising modular panels that can fold, unfold, and slide to adjust coverage areas. This system, capable of mounting on ceilings or walls, allows rotational and tilt adjustments of individual panels. However, the arrangement does not provide a single optically transparent shield with fully integrated, simultaneous longitudinal, lateral, and vertical ceiling-mounted translational freedom. Additionally, this modular approach, requiring separate adjustment of multiple panels, complicates operator positioning and reduces procedural fluidity.
US20250032069A1 describes a radiation shielding assembly featuring planar shields supported via swinging arms or monorails mounted to ceilings or walls. Although capable of limited translation along a single-axis rail combined with rotational adjustments, the disclosed system lacks comprehensive three-dimensional positional control. Specifically, it does not provide simultaneous motorized vertical translation along with dedicated longitudinal and lateral ceiling-mounted track movements, thus restricting procedural flexibility and precision.
JP2013517064A discloses an overhead suspension system designed to support wearable protective garments. By transferring garment weight to an overhead suspension, it alleviates operator fatigue. Nevertheless, this design emphasizes personal wearable garments rather than stationary transparent shielding barriers, resulting in limited visibility, restricted patient accessibility, and insufficient integration into typical interventional clinical setups requiring stationary, adjustable shielding apparatuses.
Consequently, despite advancements presented in prior art, there remains a clear and ongoing need for an improved radiation shielding apparatus capable of delivering comprehensive radiation protection combined with seamless three-dimensional translational freedom, precise motorized vertical positioning, optical transparency for unobstructed operator visibility, ergonomic handling, and minimal interference with medical procedural workflows.

SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates generally to radiation protection in medical environments, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a radiation shielding apparatus providing selective three-dimensional positioning and improved ergonomic operation during interventional radiological procedures.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved radiation shielding apparatus comprising an optically transparent, unitary shield that is bent or curved in a single direction. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a support assembly configured to offer three degrees of translational freedom and rotational adjustability of the shield relative to an operator and a patient, enabling optimal positioning in a procedural environment.
This object is achieved by the features of the various aspects of the disclosure described herein. Further implementation forms are apparent from the description and the accompanying figures.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a radiation shielding apparatus comprising an optically transparent, unitary shield made of radiation-shielding material, supported by a support assembly that provides three degrees of translational freedom and rotational capability. The support assembly includes a vertical support shaft that supports the shield and permits vertical translation and rotation of the shield. The vertical translation is motorized via a linear actuator. The motor-assisted vertical translation provides precise, effortless height adjustment, enhancing operator comfort and procedural efficiency.
Preferably, the support assembly comprises a ceiling-mounted motion network defining longitudinal and lateral movement paths, along which a support structure supporting the shield moves. Preferably, the support structure comprises the vertical support shaft, the linear actuator, and a guide that engages with a complementing track network of the motion network via an extension arm. This arrangement enables smooth, ergonomic movement across the procedure area, improving flexibility and accessibility during procedures.
In preferred embodiments, the shield comprises opposed concave and convex surfaces, with either a curved profile of uniform radius or a faceted profile, wherein the concave surface faces the operator and the convex surface faces the patient. . If faceted, the angle between connecting facets preferably ranges from 15° to 45°, with the number of facets ranging between 3 & 10. Preferably, the shield is wide enough to protect multiple users, including the operator. These design options ensure effective coverage and optimal visibility for operators while accommodating a range of procedural needs.
According to another preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of lead flaps attached along the bottom edge of the shield, configured to flexibly conform around patient body contours or medical equipment, thereby providing enhanced radiation protection coverage. The flexible lead flaps significantly reduce radiation leakage at the shield's lower edge, improving safety for medical staff.
Preferably, the shield comprises a polymer matrix within which a radiation-shielding substance is uniformly distributed, ensuring effective radiation attenuation while maintaining optical transparency. The transparent polymer matrix preserves clear visibility, allowing continuous monitoring without compromising radiation safety.
Preferably, the shield is held by the vertical support shaft via a holding bracket. The holding bracket ensures secure and stable attachment of the shield, facilitating reliable and safe operation during procedures.
The radiation shielding apparatus described herein provides several benefits due to its innovative structure and technical principles, addressing limitations of existing radiation protection solutions. The apparatus provides superior ergonomic operation and precise, intuitive control over shield positioning, significantly enhancing procedural efficiency and user comfort. The integrated motorized vertical adjustment and ceiling-mounted, three-dimensional translation system enable seamless integration within procedural workflows.
A key advantage of the disclosed apparatus is the maintenance of operator visibility through the optically transparent shield, facilitating continuous visual monitoring of medical procedures without compromising safety. The incorporation of flexible lead flaps further enhances radiation protection effectiveness by conforming closely to various procedural and anatomical requirements.
Therefore, in contradistinction to existing radiation protection systems, which either limit operator mobility, obstruct visibility, or fail to provide comprehensive ergonomic adjustment, the described apparatus provides an effective, comfortable, and safe solution for radiation shielding in interventional radiological environments, leading to enhanced procedural outcomes and operator well-being.
These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from the implementation(s) described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Implementations of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 provides a view of the radiation shielding apparatus within a Cath Lab, illustrating the shield positioned between the operator and patient, with the X-ray machine in the background.
FIG. 2 offers an alternate viewpoint of the Cath Lab layout, emphasizing the shield’s integration into the procedural environment.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the curved shield profile, with opposed concave & convex surfaces.
FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the faceted shield profile with multiple facets, offering an alternative configuration for specific procedural needs.
FIG. 5 details the apparatus, showcasing its components, viz., shield, guide, extension arm, linear actuator, support shaft, connecting arm, and holding bracket.
FIG. 6 shows the vertical adjustment of the shield in order to accommodate various operator heights, etc.
FIG. 7 illustrates the 360° rotation of the shield about the support shaft’s vertical axis.
FIG. 8 demonstrates the longitudinal and lateral movement along the tracks, facilitated by the guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Implementations of the present disclosure provide an improved radiation shielding apparatus for interventional radiological procedures, integrating an optically transparent, unitary shield with flexible lead flaps, supported by a ceiling-mounted support assembly that enables precise three-dimensional positioning. The apparatus includes a shield designed to attenuate scattered radiation, a support assembly with a motion network and support structure for longitudinal, lateral, vertical, and rotational adjustments, and an intuitive operating handle to enhance procedural efficiency. The design ensures comprehensive radiation protection, ergonomic operation, and unobstructed visibility for medical personnel during procedures in catheterization laboratories Cath Labs or with mobile C-arm systems, or the like. To make the details of the present disclosure more comprehensible for a person skilled in the art, the following embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Terms such as “a first,” “a second,” “a third,” and “a fourth” if any in the summary, claims, and foregoing accompanying drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish between similar components or features and are not necessarily used to describe a specific sequence or order. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the implementations of the present disclosure described herein are, for example, capable of being implemented in configurations other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” “comprise,” and “have” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a device, a system, a method, or a component that includes a series of elements or steps is not necessarily limited to expressly listed elements or steps but may include other elements or steps that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such device, system, method, or component.
The present disclosure pertains to an improved radiation shielding apparatus designed for interventional radiological procedures, particularly in Cath Labs and with mobile C-arm systems, or the like, to protect medical personnel, including an operator, from scattered radiation emitted by an X-ray machine while maintaining clear visibility and operational flexibility. The radiation shielding apparatus integrates an optically transparent, unitary shield with flexible lead flaps, supported by a ceiling-mounted support assembly that enables precise positioning through longitudinal, lateral, vertical, and rotational movements. The apparatus ensures effective radiation attenuation, ergonomic operation, and seamless integration into procedural workflows, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Referring to FIGs. 1 & 2, the radiation shielding apparatus 10 (ref. FIG. 5) comprises a unitary shield 12 formed from a radiation-shielding material, such as a polymer matrix embedded with a radiation-attenuating substance (e.g., lead or lead-equivalent compounds), and a support assembly 14 that facilitates precise three-dimensional positioning of the shield 12. The shield 12 is designed to intercept scattered radiation during procedures involving a patient 16, protecting the operator 18 and other medical personnel. The shield 12, which is curved or bent in a single direction, features a concave surface 42 facing the patient 16 and a convex surface 44 facing the operator 18, configured either as a smoothly curved profile with a radius of curvature selected based on procedural and spatial requirements, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, or as a faceted profile with multiple planar facets 46, where the angle between connecting facets ranges between 15° to 45°, and the number of facets ranges between 3 & 10, as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For instance, a smaller radius of curvature (for example 1200 mm) may be selected for compact procedural environments where the operator is positioned closer to the patient such as in mobile C-arm setups or bedside radiological procedures—where a more sharply curved shield enhances localized protection while conserving space. Conversely, a larger radius of curvature (for example 1800 mm) may be more suitable for open Cath Labs or hybrid operating rooms, where operators frequently reposition around the patient table. A broader curve ensures wider lateral coverage, accommodating multiple personnel without obstructing access or visibility across a wider field. Hence, this tailored range of radius of curvature allows the apparatus to provide optimal ergonomic performance and radiation attenuation across diverse clinical configurations. Further, the shield 12 is wide enough to cover multiple personnel simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive protection in busy procedural environments. The transparent polymer matrix maintains optical clarity, allowing the operator 18 to monitor the patient 16 and X-ray machine 20 without compromising safety. In other embodiments, the shield material may include transparent glass-polymer laminates, or doped transparent ceramics such as barium-strontium-aluminosilicate glass systems, embedded with radiation-shielding agents like tungsten or bismuth oxides. Flexible lead flaps 22 are affixed along the bottom edge of the shield 12, designed to conform to the patient’s body contours or medical equipment, minimizing radiation leakage and enhancing shielding effectiveness. The lead flaps may be removably attached to facilitate cleaning or replacement, and in some configurations, may include embedded magnets or adhesive strips to attach securely to the procedure table or patient drapes for enhanced conformance.
Referring to FIGs. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the support assembly 14 is divided into a ceiling-mounted motion network and a support structure that directly supports the shield 12. The motion network comprises one or more longitudinal tracks 26 and one or more lateral tracks 28, as illustrated in FIG. 5, which define movement paths along two orthogonal axes (longitudinal and lateral). The number of tracks may vary based on the size of the procedural room, ensuring adaptability to diverse medical environments. The support structure includes, from top to bottom, a guide 40 that slidably engages with the tracks 26 & 28, an extension arm 38, a linear actuator 36, a support shaft 30, a connecting arm 34, and a holding bracket 32 that secures the shield 12. The guide 40 facilitates smooth translation along the tracks, enabling the shield 12 to traverse the procedural area. The extension arm 38 extends between the linear actuator 36 and the guide 40, with its length tailored to the ceiling height at the installation site for compatibility with various setups.
In alternate embodiments, the radiation shielding apparatus 10 may be configured for deployment in a variety of Cath Lab layouts, including but not limited to corner ceiling mounts, sidewall-mounted support systems, and oblique ceiling drops where support structures descend at an angle relative to the procedure table. These configurations provide flexibility to accommodate different room geometries and clinical workflows, ensuring effective shielding even in challenging spatial arrangements. In addition, in some implementations, a dual-shield setup may be provided where two radiation shields 12 are supported independently or in tandem, allowing for expanded coverage areas and the ability to protect multiple operators simultaneously or to address multiple angles of scattered radiation during complex procedures.
The support assembly 14 is therefore configured to enable the shield 12 with three degrees of translational freedom. As used herein, the term "three degrees of translational freedom" refers to the shield 12 being configured for independent movement along longitudinal (X), lateral (Y), and vertical (Z) axes, thereby allowing positioning anywhere within a three-dimensional space relative to the operator 18 and the patient 16. The motion network may alternatively employ other types of movement systems including, but not limited to, rail systems, cantilever systems, swinging arm systems (such as wall-mounted swinging arm assemblies), boom systems (including ceiling-hung telescopic booms), monorail systems, or other ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or overhead movement systems (such as robotic gantry arms) capable of facilitating movement of the support assembly (and thereby, the shield) along the X, Y, and Z axes. Additionally, the motion paths for these systems are not limited to rail-type tracks but may also include pivot joints or suspension-based gliders to provide equivalent degrees of freedom.
The linear actuator 36, a motorized component shown in FIG. 5, provides electronically controlled axial translation of the support shaft 30, allowing precise vertical adjustment of the shield 12 (as indicated by the arrow 48 in FIG. 6) to accommodate different operator heights and procedural requirements. In some embodiments, the radiation shielding apparatus 10 further includes safety and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure reliable operation under various conditions. Specifically, the support assembly 14 may incorporate a manual override system that enables the operator to raise or lower the shield 12 in the event of a power failure, ensuring continued protection and avoiding interruptions in procedure safety. An emergency stop function may also be provided, allowing immediate deactivation of all motorized movement when activated by the operator or by automatic sensing of a hazardous condition. Moreover, the linear actuator 36 and motion network may be integrated with control algorithms designed to ensure safe positioning, which may include slow-start/slow-stop behavior, collision avoidance based on sensor input, and automatic return-to-safe-position protocols when the system detects an error or power loss. These safety features enhance operator confidence, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure that the shield 12 maintains a safe configuration even in adverse operating conditions.
Referring to FIGs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, the support shaft 30 is both axially-translatable and axially-rotatable, enabling the shield 12 to rotate 360° about its vertical axis, as depicted by arrow 50 in FIG. 7. The shield 12 is mounted to the support shaft 30 via the holding bracket 32, which is connected to the support shaft 30 by the connecting arm 34. In some embodiments, the vertical support shaft 30 incorporates detents or clutch mechanisms to permit indexed rotational locking at defined angular intervals (e.g., 45°, 90°, etc.), ensuring stable positioning during high-precision procedures. In some embodiments, the holding bracket may be modular, allowing quick detachment for shield cleaning or replacement, and may include angular adjustment knobs to finely control the tilt of the shield relative to the vertical support shaft. The connecting arm 34 ensures structural integrity and stable attachment, allowing rotational adjustments without compromising stability.
In addition, in some embodiments, the radiation shielding apparatus 10 is configured for modularity to facilitate field deployments or use in mobile labs. For example, the unitary shield 12 may be manufactured in interlocking segments or panels that can be quickly assembled and disassembled at the point of use, enabling compact transport and easy installation. The support structure 14 and motion network components, including the guide 40, extension arm 38, and support shaft 30, may be designed with quick-connect couplings or collapsible elements to allow rapid setup and breakdown. Furthermore, the entire system may be packaged with portable stands or mobile base units that allow temporary installation in non-permanent locations such as field hospitals or temporary medical facilities. These modular and transportable features enhance versatility and make the apparatus suitable for a wider range of clinical settings beyond fixed Cath labs.
Referring to FIGs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, an operating handle 24 is attached to the shield 12, enabling the operator 18 to manually adjust the shield’s position along the motion network and rotate it as needed, enhancing ease of use and operational efficiency. The operating handle 24 may be manually actuated or comprise electronic control elements such as joystick-style controllers or capacitive touch pads to initiate motorized shield 12 repositioning. Additionally, the handle may include a locking mechanism to secure the shield’s position when idle. The linear actuator 36 provides a stroke length sufficient to raise or lower the shield 12, as shown in FIG. 6, ensuring alignment with the operator’s height or procedural needs. The combination of the motion network’s tracks 26, 28, guide 40, extension arm 38, linear actuator 36, support shaft 30, connecting arm 34, and holding bracket 32 enables three-dimensional adjustability, allowing precise positioning of the shield 12 during procedures.
In operation, the radiation shielding apparatus 10 is deployed in a Cath Lab or similar environment, with the shield 12 positioned to intercept scattered radiation from the X-ray machine 20. The longitudinal and lateral tracks 26 & 28 allow the guide 40 to slide, enabling the shield 12 to traverse the procedural area, as shown in FIG. 8. The electronically controlled linear actuator 36 adjusts the support shaft 30 vertically, raising or lowering the shield 12 to align with the operator’s 18 height, as depicted in FIG. 6. The 360° rotation of the holding bracket 32, as shown in FIG. 7, allows precise angling of the shield 12, optimizing protection while preserving visibility. The flexible lead flaps 22 conform to the patient’s 16 body or equipment, ensuring continuous shielding during procedures with multiple X-ray angles. The operating handle 24 provides intuitive control, allowing the operator 18 to adjust the shield’s position and orientation effortlessly.
The radiation shielding apparatus 10 overcomes the limitations of conventional systems by offering several advantages. The optically transparent shield 12 ensures continuous visual monitoring of the patient 16 and X-ray machine 20 without compromising safety. The three-dimensional adjustability, enabled by longitudinal, lateral, vertical, and rotational movements (FIGs. 6 through 8), addresses the inflexibility of traditional shields. The ceiling-mounted design eliminates the physical strain of heavy garments, and the intuitive operating handle 24 simplifies adjustments, enhancing operator comfort and procedural efficiency. The shield’s width and flexible lead flaps 22 provide full-body protection for multiple personnel, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The transparent polymer matrix with embedded radiation-shielding material balances durability, transparency, and attenuation, meeting the stringent safety requirements of interventional radiology.
It should be understood that the arrangements, conditions, and components illustrated in the figures described herein are exemplary and that other variations and embodiments may be possible. It should also be understood that the various materials, components, configurations, and method steps defined by the claims, described above, and illustrated in the various figures represent embodiments configured according to the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, one or more of the specific materials, configurations, or components may be realized, in whole or in part, by variations described or encompassed by the figures and description.
Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
, Claims:I/We CLAIMS
1. A radiation shielding apparatus (10) comprising:
(a) an optically transparent, unitary shield (12) bent or curved in a single direction, the shield (12) formed of a radiation-shielding material; and
(b) a support assembly (14) for providing the shield (12) with three degrees of translational freedom thereby enabling the selective positioning of the shield (12) within a three-dimensional space relative to an operator (18) and a patient (16), the support assembly (14) comprising:
(i) a support shaft (30) supporting the shield (12) such that the shield (12) is rotatable thereabout and translatable along the axial-translation thereof; and
(ii) a linear actuator (36) for motorizing the axial-translation.
2. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support assembly (14) comprises:
(a) a ceiling-mounted motion network (26, 28) defining longitudinal and lateral movement paths; and
(b) a support structure supporting the shield (12) and coupled to the motion network (26, 28) such that the support structure, and thereby the shield (12), moves along the movement paths; the support structure including the support shaft (30) and the linear actuator (36).

3. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shield (12) is fitted with an operating handle (24) for enabling the operator (18) to move the support structure, and thereby the shield (12), along the motion network (26, 28) and to rotate the shield (12) about the support shaft (30).

4. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support shaft (30) is vertical whereby the axial-translation thereof results in the shield (12) being raised and lowered and the axial-rotation thereof results in the shield (12) being rotated about a vertical axis.

5. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shield (12) is held by the support shaft (30) about a holding bracket (32).

6. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure further comprises an extension arm (38) extending between the linear actuator (36) and a guide (40), which slidably engages the motion network (26, 28), which comprises a complementing track network.

7. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shield (12) is wide enough to shield multiple users, including the operator (18) there behind.

8. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shield (12) comprises opposed concave (42) and convex (44) surfaces configured to face a patient (16) and an operator (18), respectively; each of the concave (42) and convex (44) surfaces being of a curved profile of a uniform radius or bent into multiple facets (46).

9. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in the event of the shield (12) having a faceted profile, the angle between two connecting facets (46) is between 15° to 45°.

10. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in the event of the shield (12) having a faceted profile, the number of facets (46) ranges between 3 and 10.

11. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lead flaps (22) affixed along a bottom edge of the shield (12), the flaps (22) shaped to bend and conform around patient (16) body or equipment contours.

12. The radiation shielding apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shield (12) comprises a polymer matrix in which a radiation-shielding substance is distributed.