Breast Imaging Compression Arm Displays for Faster Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast imaging systems require complex manual manipulation by technologists to ensure proper breast placement and system component settings, leading to increased procedure time and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A breast imaging system with a gantry, support arm, and compression arm featuring sensors and controllers that automatically adjust display orientations and system components based on detected positions and inputs, simplifying the workflow and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the technologist manually manipulates the breast and actuates imaging system components simultaneously, then the breast can be positioned in the field of view, but the procedure complexity increases and placement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically positions the breast in the field of view before the technologist needs to actuate imaging components. The breast support platform and compression paddle are pre-positioned based on detected breast characteristics, eliminating the need for simultaneous manual manipulation and system actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs self-positioning of the breast using sensors and automated control mechanisms. The system detects breast location and characteristics, then automatically adjusts the support platform and compression paddle to achieve proper positioning without requiring complex manual coordination by the technologist.
2Manufacturing precision
If the technologist manually positions the breast while actuating imaging components, then the breast can be placed correctly, but the procedure time increases and patient discomfort time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the breast support platform and compression paddle before the imaging procedure begins. Sensors detect breast characteristics in advance, allowing the system to prepare the optimal positioning configuration beforehand, so that when imaging starts, the breast is already correctly positioned or requires minimal adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning by the technologist with an automated sensing and positioning system. Sensors detect breast location and characteristics, and the system automatically actuates the support platform and compression paddle to achieve accurate positioning, eliminating the time-consuming manual manipulation process.
3Reliability
If manual breast manipulation is performed during imaging setup, then proper tissue coverage can be achieved, but the risk of incorrect placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously detect breast position, characteristics, and compression status, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the support platform and compression paddle to ensure proper tissue coverage and placement correctness, eliminating the variability and error risk associated with manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs self-correction of breast positioning using sensor feedback. When the system detects that the breast is not properly positioned or that tissue coverage is insufficient, it automatically adjusts the support platform and compression paddle to achieve correct placement, ensuring reliable tissue coverage without depending on technologist skill or attention.
Data Source
AI summary
A tube arm assembly is rotatably connected to the floor mounted gantry of a breast imaging system. A support arm connected to the tube arm assembly can be independently rotated and positioned in a first angle, second angle, and a level position. A compression arm is configured to support a breast compression paddle and is linearly positionable on the support arm. Display screens and a sensor are disposed on an upper surface of the compression arm. Based on a signal received from the sensor, a controller is configured to change the read-ready orientation of each arm display.