Mammography Paddle Force Sensor Control for Uniform Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography apparatuses cause patient discomfort and suboptimal x-ray imaging due to variable pressure application, which can lead to pain and adverse effects like bruises and hematomas, as the pressure applied is not uniformly distributed, especially during cranio caudal and medial lateral oblique examinations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating force sensors in the paddle's suspension to measure and control the paddle's inclination relative to the detector cover, ensuring balanced force distribution across the breast using a measurement and control unit that actuates a drive motor to adjust the paddle's position, thereby minimizing pain and improving imaging reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure applied to the breast is increased to meet x-ray imaging requirements, then the image quality and measurement reliability are improved, but the patient experiences more pain and adverse effects such as bruises and hematomas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression force application into multiple independent zones using a segmented paddle structure with multiple compression elements. Each element can apply force independently to different regions of the breast, allowing localized optimization of pressure distribution. This enables sufficient compression for image quality while avoiding excessive force on sensitive areas, thereby reducing patient pain and tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the compression force applied to the breast by controlling the descent speed and final position of the paddle. The control unit monitors the compression process in real-time and modulates the applied force to maintain optimal pressure for imaging while preventing excessive compression that would cause patient discomfort or tissue damage.
2Reliability
If the pressure distribution on the breast is non-uniform, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the x-ray measurement reliability and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the compression force applied to the breast and provide real-time feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this information and automatically adjusts the paddle position and compression force to maintain uniform pressure distribution. This closed-loop feedback system ensures repeatable and reliable measurements while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle is divided into multiple independent compression elements or segments, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to apply and monitor compression forces in discrete zones across the breast, enabling more precise control over pressure distribution uniformity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
3Measurement precision
If the paddle is manually lowered by hand, then the device complexity is minimized, but the compression uniformity and measurement precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a motorized drive mechanism that automatically controls the paddle descent and compression application. The motorized system eliminates the need for manual operation, providing precise and repeatable compression forces without requiring complex manual coordination. The automation handles the compression process independently, ensuring measurement precision while the control unit manages the overall system coordination.
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 solution provides a more reliable and reproducible compression with reduced patient discomfort by ensuring uniform force distribution, enhancing the quality of x-ray images while warning operators of potential tissue stiffness discrepancies that may affect image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension of the paddle comprises force sensors for providing measurement signal that is indicative of an amount of compression applied with the paddle to a breast
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor for controlling an inclination of the paddle with reference to the detector cover depending on the measurements with the force sensors so as to equalize the forces as measured with the respective force sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Method and apparatus for monitoring and/or adjusting the settings of a mammography apparatus comprising a main-frame, a subframe mounted in the mainframe, wherein the sub-frame supports an x-ray source, a paddle and a detector with a detector cover, including providing of a suspension for connecting the paddle with the subframe, wherein the suspension of the paddle is provided with force sensors for obtaining a measurement signal that is indicative of an amount of compression applied with the paddle to a breast.