Breast Tissue Compression Paddle with Force Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography compression systems are costly and ergonomically challenging for operators to adjust breast tissue compression intuitively, lacking direct feedback on the compression force applied to the breast tissue.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a force sensor and control unit to adjust breast tissue compression by building a reference compression force, comparing it to a target compression, and allowing manual force exertion on the paddle to intuitively adjust the compression, ensuring ergonomic and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foot switch or handwheel is used to adjust compression, then compression can be adjusted, but additional production costs are incurred and ergonomics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements direct force feedback by placing a force sensor on the paddle that measures the compression force in real-time and displays it to the operator. This allows the operator to intuitively adjust compression while receiving immediate feedback on the applied force, eliminating the need for costly foot switches or handwheels and improving ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the operator to directly exert manual force on the paddle to adjust compression, with the force sensor automatically measuring and displaying the applied force. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for additional mechanical adjustment devices, reducing system complexity and production costs while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If foot switch or handwheel is used to adjust compression, then compression can be adjusted, but operator lacks direct feeling for compression force
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor mounted on the paddle provides real-time measurement of compression force, which is then displayed to the operator through a user interface. This closed-loop feedback system allows the operator to maintain intuitive control while having direct knowledge of the compression force being applied, resolving the information loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical adjustment mechanisms (foot switch, handwheel) with a direct force measurement and display system. The force sensor electronically measures the compression force and presents this information to the operator, substituting mechanical feedback with electronic feedback that provides more precise and informative compression force data.
3Ease of operation
If manual force is exerted on paddle without feedback, then ergonomic adjustment is possible, but risk of excessive compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor continuously measures the compression force during manual adjustment and displays it to the operator in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to maintain ergonomic manual control while preventing excessive compression by providing immediate awareness of the applied force level, thus improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor acts as an intermediary between the operator's manual force and the compression system. It measures the force and provides information to the operator, serving as a mediator that enables safe and controlled manual adjustment without the risk of excessive compression.
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
Enables intuitive and ergonomic manual adjustment of breast tissue compression, improving operator comfort and reducing the risk of excessive compression, while maintaining adherence to compression standards.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor to measure a compression force
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for compression of breast tissue arranged between a paddle and a stage of a compression system for a mammography examination. The method includes generating a first compression of the breast tissue by building up a reference compression force by adjusting the paddle relative to the stage; comparing the first compression with a target compression; and adjusting the first compression to the target compression, the adjusting including exertion of a manual force on the paddle.