Dual-Surface Pressing Plate for Continuous Medical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing radiography apparatuses face inefficiencies in capturing both radiographic and ultrasound images due to the need to wipe off acoustic matching members applied on pressing plates, which disrupts continuous imaging and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An imaging member with a pressing plate and an ultrasonography member having a coupling material with lower fluidity than the acoustic matching member, allowing the ultrasonography member to be fixed to the pressing plate via a coupling material, enabling continuous imaging without the need for frequent cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an acoustic matching member is applied on a pressing plate for ultrasound imaging, then ultrasound scanning performance is improved, but the pressing plate must be wiped clean before radiographic imaging, causing interruption and reducing imaging efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasound scanning performanceVSAvoidimaging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing plate is divided into two distinct surfaces: one surface for ultrasound imaging with an acoustic matching member, and another surface for radiographic imaging that remains clean. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing plate is designed with a dual-sided structure, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to create separate functional surfaces. The ultrasound surface and radiography surface are positioned on opposite sides of the pressing plate, allowing simultaneous preparation for both imaging modalities without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the same pressing plate is used for both ultrasound and radiographic imaging, then device simplicity is maintained, but the need to wipe the acoustic matching member between modalities reduces continuous imaging capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing plate structureVSAvoidpreparation time between imaging modalities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing plate is segmented into distinct functional zones with separate surfaces for ultrasound and radiography. This allows the acoustic matching member to be applied only to the ultrasound surface, while the radiography surface remains clean and ready for use, eliminating the need for wiping between modalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing plate is pre-configured with both an ultrasound surface and a radiography surface, allowing the operator to prepare for both imaging modalities in advance. The acoustic matching member is applied to the ultrasound surface beforehand, while the radiography surface is kept clean, enabling immediate transition between modalities without intermediate cleaning steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If an acoustic matching member is applied directly on the pressing plate surface, then ultrasound imaging is enabled, but the fluidity of the acoustic matching member causes it to spread and contaminate the radiographic imaging surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasound imaging capabilityVSAvoidcontamination of radiographic surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing plate is segmented into separate functional surfaces, with the acoustic matching member applied only to the dedicated ultrasound surface. This physical separation prevents the fluid acoustic matching member from spreading to the radiographic surface, eliminating contamination while maintaining ultrasound imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing plate structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the acoustic matching member and the radiographic surface. By positioning the acoustic matching member on the ultrasound surface of the pressing plate, the plate itself prevents direct contact and potential contamination of the radiographic surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration improves imaging efficiency by allowing continuous capture of radiographic images without interrupting the process for ultrasound imaging, enhancing user convenience and reducing preparation time.

Implementation Method 1

via a coupling material having lower fluidity than the acoustic matching member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidity difference:

Data Source

PatentUS11911209B2Imaging member, control device, medical imaging system, imaging method, control method, and control program

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An imaging member including: a pressing member that presses a breast of a subject; and an ultrasonography member that has a first surface on which an acoustic matching member having fluidity is provided, and is provided such that a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface is provided on a surface of the pressing member, which is on a side opposite to a surface that comes into contact with the breast, via a coupling material having lower fluidity than the acoustic matching member.