Breast Palpation Training Model Integrated With Shower Routine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast self-examination training devices are not designed for daily use in the routine of women in low- and middle-income populations, lacking integration into daily activities and privacy moments, thus failing to establish a habit of regular self-examination.
Innovation Solution
A training device comprising a flexible silicone breast model filled with viscous fluid, simulating abnormal tissues, which can be used during routine activities like showering, allowing direct practice and habit formation through a simulator that transfers fluid to the skin for real self-examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breast training device is designed for exclusive training use, then it can provide specialized training functionality, but it cannot be integrated into daily routine activities
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines breast training simulation with showering functionality, allowing it to serve both as a training tool and a daily hygiene accessory. The breast model can be used for palpation training during showering, eliminating the need for separate training sessions and integrating the device into the woman's daily routine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the breast training model with showering equipment by incorporating a water reservoir and spray system. The breast model is positioned to receive water spray during showering, combining the training function with the daily hygiene activity of showering, thereby increasing usage frequency and habit formation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a breast training device is placed in visible locations like bathrooms, then it can be seen daily, but it may not be used regularly due to lack of privacy or convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The device is merged with the showering process itself, which is a private activity. By positioning the breast model to be used during showering when the woman is already in a private state, the device gains both visibility (in the bathroom) and convenience of use (during a private moment), resolving the contradiction between visibility and privacy.
3Measurement precision
If breast self-examination is taught as a separate training activity, then proper technique can be learned, but it becomes an additional time commitment that reduces adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines breast palpation training with the existing daily showering routine. The breast model is positioned in the shower area and can be palpated while the woman is showering, thereby merging two activities into one time slot. This eliminates the need for separate training sessions and reduces the total time commitment while maintaining technique accuracy through the training model.
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
Facilitates the formation of a habit of regular breast self-examination by integrating training into daily routines, enhancing sensitivity and familiarity with breast anatomy, enabling early detection of abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
filled with viscous fluid, simulating abnormal tissues
Implementation Method 2
transfer means arranged on the platform that allow the transfer of said fluid from the chamber to the distributor element
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for training and direct practice of breast self-palpation techniques for the early detection of breast cancer comprising a container flexible body refillable with viscous fluid, a support and transfer platform connected to the body, means to simulate the type of abnormal tissue detectable within the body; fluid distributor element directly on the user's skin coming from the chamber and transfer means arranged towards the distributor element.