Breast Fixation Element Using Adhesive Tape for Mammography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography systems cause pain during breast compression due to the pressure exerted by compression paddles, which is undesirable for patient comfort and can lead to artifacts in imaging.
Innovation Solution
A breast fixation element using a flat elastic surface element with a fastening element, typically kinesiology tape, that adheres to the breast and a support surface, allowing for pain-free fixation without constriction, suitable for various breast sizes and imaging positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If compression paddles are used to fix the breast, then breast structures overlap is reduced, but patient pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression paddle from the system entirely and replaces it with a fixation element based on adhesive tape. This extraction eliminates the harmful compression force while maintaining the essential function of breast positioning and structure alignment through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical compression system is replaced with an adhesive-based fixation system. Instead of using mechanical force from compression paddles, the invention uses adhesive forces from the tape to secure the breast, thereby eliminating pain while achieving proper positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If compression paddles are used to fix the breast, then image quality improves, but risk of artifacts and injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression paddle is extracted from the system and replaced with adhesive tape, eliminating the source of compression-induced artifacts and potential injuries while maintaining image quality through proper breast fixation and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism changes from mechanical compression to adhesive bonding. This parameter change in the fixation method eliminates the harmful effects of compression forces on breast tissue while maintaining the necessary positioning for high-quality imaging.
3Reliability
If compression paddles are used, then breast fixation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical compression paddle system is extracted and replaced with a simple adhesive tape-based fixation element. This dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable breast fixation through the adhesive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fixation system is substituted with an adhesive-based system. This replacement eliminates complex mechanical components such as paddles, motors, and control systems, resulting in a simpler device that achieves reliable fixation through adhesive forces.
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 solution provides a comfortable and effective breast fixation method that reduces pain, improves image quality, and eliminates the need for compression paddles, reducing mechanical elements, costs, and the risk of paddle-induced artifacts and injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a flat elastic surface element with a fastening element for fixing the breast to a support surface
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a breast fixation element for a mammography system having a flat elastic surface element including a fastening element for fixing the breast to a support surface of the mammography system, wherein a shape of the breast fixation element is adapted to a shape of the breast.