Mammography Support Cavity for Patient Arm Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mammography procedures are uncomfortable for patients due to breast compression, leading to potential movement and poor image quality, which can result in the need for repeated examinations and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A support structure for mammography featuring a stand and arm structure with a scanner head cover that allows patients to place an arm within a cavity, providing a comfortable and stable position, minimizing movement and radiation exposure while maintaining high image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the patient holds on to a handle arranged on the surface of the X-ray imaging apparatus, then the patient can maintain some stability during imaging, but the position is uncomfortable and requires balancing, making the patient prone to move around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (the cavity in the scanner head cover) that mediates between the patient's need for comfort and the requirement for stable positioning. This cavity serves as a dedicated armrest that supports the patient's arm in a natural, relaxed position, eliminating the need to balance on external handles while preventing movement during imaging.
2Ease of operation
If the patient stands in a relaxed position without arm support, then the patient experiences less discomfort, but the patient may unintentionally move during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner head cover's cavity serves the dual purpose of being part of the imaging apparatus structure while simultaneously providing self-service arm support to the patient. The cavity is integrated into the existing scanner head cover design, requiring no additional external structures, and automatically provides the necessary support when the patient positions their arm during the examination.
3Reliability
If repeated examinations are performed due to poor image quality, then the patient receives more radiation exposure, but the initial examination conditions were uncomfortable leading to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing arm support through the cavity before the imaging process begins. By establishing comfortable and stable positioning in advance, the patient remains still throughout the examination, ensuring high-quality images are obtained on the first attempt and eliminating the need for repeat examinations that would increase radiation exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure 1 for mammography, comprising a stand 2 and an arm structure 3 attached thereto. The support structure 1 further comprises a scanner head cover 6 attached to the arm structure 3. The scanner head cover 6 comprises a vertical side portion 6a, and is designed so that a cavity 12 is formed between the vertical surface portion 6a and a vertical part 3b of the arm structure 3, whereby the cavity 12 provides space for an arm of a patient during imaging. A more comfortable posture is provided for a patient.