Breast Roller Pressure Sensing for Accurate Lump Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer detection methods, particularly self-examination techniques, suffer from inaccuracy, subjectivity, and inability to detect triple-negative breast cancer, and lack longitudinal data for tumor progression, with existing devices being either expensive or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a curved surface and array of pressure sensors, combined with AI/ML, collects non-rolling and rolling data to create 3D maps of breast tissue, detecting lumps and evaluating their movability for malignancy assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual palpation is used for breast cancer detection, then the device cost is low and ease of operation is high, but measurement precision and reliability are poor due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the detection task into multiple sensing zones along the rolling surface, with pressure sensors distributed at different positions to capture localized tissue characteristics. This segmentation enables precise mapping of breast tissue properties while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective manual palpation with objective electronic pressure sensing. The mechanical rolling motion is combined with electronic pressure measurement to automatically capture tissue characteristics, eliminating human subjectivity while keeping the device mechanically simple and easy to operate.
2Measurement precision
If infrared light-based monitors are used for lump detection, then the device is affordable, but measurement precision is poor and reliability is low due to subjectivity and inapplicability to all women
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/infrared detection methods with mechanical pressure sensing. This substitution provides more reliable and universally applicable detection based on physical tissue properties (density, elasticity) that are consistent across different populations, rather than relying on optical properties that vary with skin pigmentation and muscle content.
Solution Approach 2:
The device measures fundamental mechanical parameters (pressure, force distribution) that are universally applicable to all breast tissues regardless of optical properties. By changing from optical parameter detection to mechanical parameter detection, the system achieves both high precision and universal adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If iBreastExam device is used for accurate lump detection, then measurement precision is high, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex existing devices by focusing solely on pressure sensing during rolling motion. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components and complexity while retaining high measurement precision for lump detection and characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling device serves multiple functions: detecting lumps, characterizing their mechanical properties, and monitoring changes over time. This multi-functionality is achieved through a simple rolling mechanism with pressure sensors, avoiding the need for multiple separate devices or complex systems.
4Loss of information
If existing SBE/CBE devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information occurs due to lack of longitudinal correlation and reliance on memory
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automatic data recording and storage capabilities that provide feedback to users about detected lumps and their characteristics over time. This feedback mechanism eliminates reliance on memory by automatically tracking longitudinal changes, while the simple rolling operation maintains ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-recording and data management functions automatically during the simple rolling operation. The system captures, stores, and analyzes data without requiring complex user intervention, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Provides accurate, affordable, and less subjective breast cancer screening capable of detecting small lumps and distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer, with the ability to track changes over time.
Implementation Method 1
a handheld device comprising a housing comprising a curved surface comprising an array of pressure sensors or electronic tactile sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for screening for the presence of lumps in breast tissue as well as the characterization of any discovered lumps including, but not limited to, location, size, shape, hardness, and movability.