Flexible Mammography Paddle With Compliant Hinge for Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mammography systems face challenges in breast positioning, leading to improper imaging due to discomfort and movement, which affects image quality and increases recall rates, particularly with less-trained technologists, and conventional flexible paddles are complex and heavy due to multiple parts.

Innovation Solution

A flexible paddle with a paddle frame and paddle plate connected by compliant mechanisms forms a non-sliding, rotationally-flexible hinge, allowing tilting without rigid joints, reducing complexity and weight, and is formed in a single injection mold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional compression paddles with multiple parts (elastomers, springs, motors) are used to tilt the paddle plate, then the tilting function is achieved, but the weight and complexity of the paddle increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilting capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tilting mechanism and compression functions into a single integrated paddle structure. The paddle plate is directly coupled to the paddle frame without separate tilting mechanisms, springs, or motors. The entire assembly is formed as one piece through injection molding, eliminating multiple discrete components while maintaining the ability to tilt and compress simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible paddle plate made from elastomeric material that can bend and tilt under compression forces. The flexibility of the elastomeric paddle plate allows it to tilt relative to the paddle frame without requiring rigid mechanical joints, motors, or springs, thus reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid joints are used to connect the paddle plate and paddle frame, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to tilt and adapt to breast contours is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtilting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle plate is constructed from elastomeric material that provides flexible connection between the paddle frame and the compression surface. This flexible material allows the paddle plate to tilt and conform to breast contours while maintaining sufficient structural stability to transmit compression forces effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction with the paddle frame providing rigid structural support and the elastomeric paddle plate providing flexible tilting capability. This combination of rigid and flexible materials allows the system to maintain structural stability while achieving the required adaptability and tilting motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If less-trained technologists perform breast positioning, then labor costs are reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to improper positioning and higher recall rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidbreast positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible paddle design enables patients to participate more actively in their own positioning process. The comfort and reduced movement during compression allow patients to maintain proper positioning without requiring extensive technologist intervention, effectively making the system more self-service oriented and reducing dependency on highly trained personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible paddle changes the compression parameters by distributing force more evenly and reducing peak pressures that cause patient movement. This modification in compression characteristics maintains positioning accuracy even when performed by less-trained technologists, as the system is more forgiving of positioning variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The flexible paddle improves patient comfort by reducing compressive force and minimizes breast movement, enhancing image quality while reducing production costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the plurality of compliant mechanisms of the flexible paddle elastically deform (e.g., rotationally contract), enabling the paddle plate to tilt relative to the paddle frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12426842B2Methods and systems for flexible paddle for use with a mammography system

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided for a flexible paddle which provides breast positioning assistance during mammography procedures. In one example, the flexible paddle comprises a paddle frame having a cutout at an end of each of a first arm and a second arm, the cutout extending into a width, perpendicular to a length, of each of the first arm and the second arm, and a paddle plate having a projection positioned in a mid-region of each of a first side and a second side, the projection extending into the respective cutout of the paddle frame and coupled to the paddle frame by a plurality of compliant mechanisms to form a compliant, non-sliding, rotationally-flexible hinge.