Magnetic Sample Tray Positioning for Accurate Mammography Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mammography apparatuses face challenges in accurately radiographing samples collected from compressed breasts due to manual placement errors, movement during imaging, and gravitational shifts, leading to reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A mammography apparatus with a protective cover and sample tray that utilize magnetic objects to magnetically attach the tray to a predetermined position, ensuring precise placement and stability of the sample during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample is placed at operator discretion on the imaging table, then the placement is flexible and easy to operate, but the sample position accuracy deteriorates due to potential shifts during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover with magnetic attachment mechanism serves as an intermediary between the imaging table and the sample tray. The magnetic force field acts as a mediator to hold the sample tray at a predetermined position, preventing shifts during imaging while maintaining ease of placement through magnetic attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical placement system is replaced with a magnetic attachment system. Instead of relying on operator skill to position and secure the sample tray mechanically, magnetic forces automatically hold the tray at the correct position, eliminating position shifts during imaging.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging table is inclined to collect the sample, then the sample collection is facilitated, but the sample may fall off due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment mechanism provides a counteracting force to gravity. When the imaging table is inclined for sample collection, the magnetic force between the protective cover and sample tray counterbalances the gravitational force that would otherwise cause the sample to fall off, ensuring position stability.
3Measurement precision
If the sample is disposed at a predetermined position within irradiation range, then the radiography accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover with integrated magnetic attachment serves as an intermediary that automatically positions the sample tray at the predetermined location within the irradiation range. This simple magnetic mechanism achieves precise positioning without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems, actuators, or sensors.
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
Improves the accuracy of radiography by maintaining the sample's position and preventing movement, even when the imaging table is inclined, thereby enhancing the reliability of sample imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a sample tray (80) that includes a second magnetic object (92) and a housing part (82) of a sample (S), the second magnetic object (92) being attracted to the first magnetic object (91) by a magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A mammography apparatus including: an imaging table that has a placement surface on which a breast is placed; a protective cover that includes a first magnetic object at a predetermined first position and is mounted on the placement surface; and a sample tray that includes a second magnetic object and a housing part of a sample and is placed on the placement surface via the protective cover, the second magnetic object being attracted to the first magnetic object by a magnetic force, wherein the sample tray is configured to be magnetically attached to the predetermined first position of the protective cover by the first magnetic object and the second magnetic object.