Protection against various types of radiation and the like is required in various technical fields: for example, to cell mobile phones in hospitals, reduce external noise, block electromagnetic signals in aircraft. To achieve this goal, the Campus Gandia researchers Jesús Alba, Romina del Rey and Vicente Sanchis and have designed a new mobile curtain barrier that provides protection against electromagnetic light radiation and thermal, acoustic and protection against fire.
Currently there are materials on the market with antipyretic, soundproof, fireproof and anti-electromagnetic properties, such as solid panels used to insulate walls and similar structures in construction. However, these panels do not permit quick and easy transportation, assembly and disassembly for temporary blocking of radiation.
In contrast, the product developed in the Campus Gandia is not a rigid structure, but rather a curtain that allows temporary blockage of radiation, and since it is mobile, it can be unfolded or folded when necessary without any major construction. In short, the key lies in the combination of materials, which are essential to achieving this protection, as well as its reduced weight that allows for easier transport, installation and dismantling.
Jesús Alba, Romina del Rey and Vicente Sanchis
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
The main end-industry where this invention can be applied is the textile industry, particularly the part of the industry dedicated to construction. Moreover, in the scientific field it allows you to convert any room into an electromagnetic anechoic chamber and in outdoor events, it reduces background noise and interference between events. And in transportation it can serve as a mobile separator, cell phone signal reducer, etc.
Applications can also be found in the field of medicine, as it can provide a physical separation between hospital beds, reduce interference from different areas of the operating rooms. Similarly, it can also be applied in Neonatal Wards, ensuring the best acoustic and thermal conditions for babies.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSES
In the tests carried out in the Campus of Gandia laboratories, the curtain performs well against light and has high sound absorption capacity and high sound insulation levels. Electromagnetic testing offers evidence that insulating attributes equivalent to an electromagnetic chamber are obtained. With regard to thermal insulation, the materials chosen guarantee low thermal conductivity and high resistance to airflow, giving it tremendous heat insulation attributes. Finally, the reaction to fire is M1, which ensures that the material is nonflammable.
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGY, PATENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
The Polytechnic University of Valencia filed a patent in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office on July 3, 2015, with reference number P201530961. The technology has been fully developed and is in the trial phase, testing its behaviour in situ and in the laboratory. Currently, the University is seeking licensing, manufacturing or marketing agreements with companies
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROTECT AND LICENSES RESEARCH RESULTS?
The protection of research results is, in many cases, a necessary condition for their financial profitability. Patent protection offers the operating company a competitive advantage that lets them recover the investments made in development to bring those results to a product on the market.
Technical contact
Jesús Alba | Campus de Gandia | jesalba@upv.es | Tel. +34 962.849.300 Ext. 43140 |
Commercial contact
Pilar Sánchez | Centro Transferencia Tecnología | psanche@ctt.upv.es | Tel +34 962849409 |