Mammography Force Balancing via Weighing Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography apparatuses cause significant pain and suboptimal, non-reproducible x-ray measurements due to operator-dependent compression methods that vary with breast size and type, leading to uneven force distribution and unnecessary skin stretching.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring and balancing the upward and downward forces applied by the detector cover and paddle on the breast using weighing means to minimize reaction forces, ensuring optimal compression and reduced pain by adjusting the mechanical settings to achieve balanced force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator-dependent compression method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to variability in breast size and type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual operator-dependent mechanical compression system with an automated force control system. Weighing means measure the compression forces in real-time, and a control system automatically adjusts the paddle and detector cover movements to achieve balanced forces, eliminating operator variability and improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where weighing means continuously measure the compression forces applied by the paddle and detector cover, and this measurement information is fed back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust the compression process, ensuring balanced forces and consistent measurement quality across different breast sizes and types.
2Measurement precision
If full desired compression is applied immediately, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to patient pain and skin stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first positioning the breast on the detector cover, then moving the paddle down to obtain less than full desired compression before moving the detector cover up. This gradual, staged approach allows the breast tissue to adapt progressively, reducing sudden skin stretching and patient pain while still achieving the required measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent cushions the compression process by initially applying less than full desired compression and then gradually increasing it. This beforehand cushioning approach prevents sudden excessive forces that would cause patient pain and skin stretching, while still achieving the necessary compression for accurate measurements through controlled, incremental adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If detector cover and paddle movement is adjusted for each individual breast, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for technician training and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the mammography apparatus with integrated weighing means and control systems that automatically measure compression forces and adjust movements. The system performs the complex force-balancing task itself without requiring technician training or experience, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity from the operator's perspective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human technician's knowledge and experience (mechanical skill) with an automated control system that uses weighing means and electronic control. This substitution eliminates the need for technician training while maintaining measurement precision, effectively reducing device complexity in terms of operational requirements.
4Ease of operation
If compression forces are not balanced, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to uneven force distribution and reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from weighing means that continuously measure the compression forces applied by the paddle and detector cover. This real-time measurement feedback is processed by the control system, which automatically adjusts the movements to balance the forces, ensuring reliable measurements while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual force estimation and adjustment with an automated force measurement and control system. The weighing means provide accurate force measurements, and the control system automatically balances the compression forces, eliminating the unreliability of uneven force distribution while keeping the system easy to operate.
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 approach reduces patient discomfort and improves the reliability and repeatability of x-ray measurements by ensuring accurate and balanced compression forces, optimizing breast flattening and minimizing pain caused by improper stretching.
Implementation Method 1
measuring and balancing the upward and downward forces applied by the detector cover and paddle on the breast using weighing means
Data Source
AI summary
A method to adjust or tune mechanical settings of a mammography apparatus comprising an x-ray source, a paddle and a detector with a detector cover, wherein before executing an x-ray measurement a patient's breast is placed and compressed between the detector cover and the paddle, wherein prior to the x-ray measurement reaction forces between the mammography apparatus and the patient's breast are minimized. The invention relates further to a mammography apparatus comprising an x-ray source, a paddle and a detector with a detector cover, which apparatus is provided with at least one weighing means to measure the downwards forces exerted by (the part of) the apparatus above the weighing means towards the ground.