Mammography C-Arm Secondary Handle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammography apparatuses face limitations in patient comfort and image quality due to the existing lateral handle, which can cause muscle contraction when the C-shaped arm is tilted, reducing visibility of the pectoral muscle and compromising image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a secondary handle and armrest design with projections and/or hollows on the external surface of the C-shaped arm, allowing for improved patient positioning and comfort without compromising accessibility or maneuverability, featuring a shape that can be oriented and positioned to serve as both a handle and armrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lateral handle is provided on the C-shaped arm for patient support, then patient comfort and stability are improved, but when the C-shaped arm is tilted, the patient holding the handle may contract the muscles of the arm or shoulder, reducing the visibility of the pectoral muscle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single lateral handle into multiple separate support elements: a first support element and a second support element positioned at different locations on the C-shaped arm. This segmentation allows the patient to distribute their weight and positioning needs across multiple points, reducing the likelihood of muscle contraction while maintaining comfort and stability during tilted positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional support elements as intermediary structures between the patient and the C-shaped arm. These intermediate support points provide alternative contact areas that reduce direct stress on the patient's arm and shoulder muscles, thereby preventing muscle contraction while maintaining the necessary patient support function.
2Manufacturing precision
If the C-shaped arm is tilted to improve breast positioning and coverage, then the visibility of the pectoral muscle is improved, but patient comfort and stability deteriorate due to muscle contraction
Solution Approach 1:
By providing multiple support elements at different locations on the C-shaped arm, the patent enables precise positioning of the breast and pectoral muscle while distributing patient support across multiple points. This segmentation allows the arm to be tilted for better anatomical visibility without compromising patient comfort, as the patient can maintain stability through multiple contact points rather than relying on a single handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of support element locations on the C-shaped arm, positioning them at specific heights and angles that accommodate tilted arm configurations. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain patient comfort and stability even when the arm is tilted at angles that improve breast positioning and pectoral muscle visibility.
3Ease of operation
If a secondary handle and armrest design with projections and hollows is provided, then patient comfort and stability are improved without compromising accessibility or maneuverability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the support elements: they serve as both handles for maneuvering the C-shaped arm and as armrests for patient support during positioning. By combining these functions into integrated structures with projections and hollows, the patent improves patient comfort and stability without adding separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support for the C-shaped arm, serve as handles for operator maneuvering, and function as armrests for patient support and positioning. This multi-functionality allows the patent to enhance patient comfort and stability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structures fulfill multiple roles.
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment for an apparatus for mammography having a C-shaped arm having a radiation source at one of its ends and, at its other end, a breast support plate and image acquisition. The equipment is at the level of a portion on the side of the breast support plate or in the prolongation of such a portion, close to the main body of the C-shaped arm. The equipment has a shape with at least one projection and/or hollow set in the external surface of the apparatus and defines a zone able to be used as a secondary handle and/or armrest.