Adjustable Handle for Mammography Imaging Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammography devices via tomosynthesis are not ergonomically suited for patients with varying morphological dimensions, causing discomfort due to fixed arm and leg length criteria that not all patients meet.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device with an adjustable handle and object support system that allows shifting relative to the radiation source and detector, enabling adaptation to patient size and acquisition mode, with both manual and automatic displacement options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device dimensions are optimized for average morphological criteria, then the imaging performance is optimized, but patient comfort deteriorates due to size variation among patients
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is made adjustable along the arm structure, allowing it to be positioned at multiple locations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt to different patient arm lengths and morphologies, resolving the contradiction between optimized imaging performance for average patients and comfort for patients with varying sizes.
2Device complexity
If the handle position is fixed relative to the detector and source, then the device structure is simplified, but adaptability to different patient sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is made movable along the arm with adjustable positioning capability. This allows the handle to be repositioned according to different patient morphologies while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If the handle is positioned for optimal imaging geometry, then imaging quality is improved, but ergonomics deteriorate for patients with non-average arm lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The handle position can be dynamically adjusted along the arm structure to accommodate different patient arm lengths. This allows maintenance of optimal imaging geometry for each patient's specific morphology, resolving the contradiction between imaging quality and ergonomics.
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 device improves patient comfort and ergonomics by allowing the handle to be positioned naturally, regardless of acquisition mode, enhancing the imaging process and workspace efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source for emitting radiation from a plurality of positions about the object support
Implementation Method 2
a radiation detector capable of detecting the radiation emitted by the source
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imagining device includes an object support; a handle; a radiation source configured to emit radiation from a plurality of positions about the object support, wherein the positions are located substantially in a plane; a radiation detector configured to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation source; and displacement means configured to shift the handle relative to the radiation detector and to the radiation source.