Mammography Press Plate with Variable Support Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mammography equipment press plates fail to achieve optimal deformation for all breast types with a given pressing force, leading to inconsistent pain levels for examinees.
Innovation Solution
A press plate with a reaction force section that adjusts support force and deformation, using a reaction force adjustment mechanism with a resilient body and drive source to optimize deformation based on breast characteristics, and a local surface profile to ensure uniform thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the press plate section is made flexible to reduce pain, then the deformation amount becomes uniform for all breast types, but the imaging quality deteriorates for certain breast characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The press plate is divided into different sections with different rigidity characteristics. The press plate section has lower rigidity for comfort, while the support plate section has higher rigidity for maintaining imaging precision. This local differentiation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The press plate structure is segmented into multiple functional sections: a press plate section for direct breast contact with lower rigidity, and a support plate section with higher rigidity for structural support. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section's properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If the press plate is made rigid to maintain imaging precision, then the imaging quality improves, but the pain felt by examinee increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the press plate have different rigidity properties tailored to their specific functions. The press plate section uses material or structure with lower rigidity to reduce pain, while the support plate section uses material or structure with higher rigidity to maintain imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The press plate is segmented into functional zones with different mechanical properties. The press plate section is designed with lower rigidity for comfort, while the support plate section is designed with higher rigidity for structural stability and imaging precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the deformation amount is increased to reduce pain for sensitive examinees, then the comfort improves, but the imaging quality deteriorates due to excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The press plate section is designed with specific rigidity characteristics that allow controlled deformation for comfort, while the support plate section maintains higher rigidity to prevent excessive deformation and maintain imaging quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If the deformation amount is decreased to maintain imaging precision, then the imaging quality improves, but the pain felt by examinee increases
Solution Approach 1:
The press plate section uses material or structural design with lower rigidity to increase deformation and reduce pain, while the support plate section uses material or structural design with higher rigidity to maintain overall structural stability and imaging precision.
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
Reduces pain by adjusting deformation amount according to breast type and density, ensuring consistent imaging quality with reduced discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction force section (26C) capable of supporting the press section (26A) and adjusting a support force to the press section (26A)
Data Source
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AI summary
A press plate includes: a press section that is disposed to face towards an imaging face of an imaging table and is resiliently deformable; and a reaction force section that is capable of supporting the press section from the opposite side to the imaging face, that has a variable support force, and that adjusts the reaction force arising in the press section by changing the support force to the press section. The press plate may further includes a reaction force adjustment mechanism that changes the support force of the reaction force section.