Mammography Universal Attachment Structures for Simpler Component Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mammography systems face challenges with complex and costly attachment structures for components like compression paddles, biopsy positioners, and magstands, which complicate operation and increase system cost.
Innovation Solution
A mammography system with a gantry featuring moveable support structures that include identical component attachment structures, allowing interchangeable and simplified attachment of components such as compression paddles, biopsy positioners, and magstands, with a controller for precise control and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated attachment structures are used for different components (compression paddle, biopsy positioner, magstand), then each component can be securely attached to the mammography system, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment structure that can accommodate multiple different components (compression paddle, biopsy positioner, magstand) through a single standardized interface. The attachment structure includes a standardized mounting plate with multiple holes positioned at different locations, allowing different components to be securely attached to the same gantry at various positions without requiring dedicated attachment structures for each component type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized attachment structures are provided for different imaging configurations, then the system can support various procedures (screening, diagnostic, biopsy), but the ease of operation decreases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The universal attachment structure provides a standardized interface that works across all imaging configurations (screening, diagnostic, biopsy). The mounting plate with multiple holes allows operators to attach different components for different procedures using the same attachment mechanism, eliminating the need to learn and operate multiple specialized attachment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure is segmented into a standardized mounting plate with multiple holes positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where different components can be attached at different hole positions depending on the imaging procedure required, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an imaging device or system, e.g., a mammography imaging system or device, includes a detector fixed on the device and a radiation source spaced from the detector. The device further includes a number of support structures moveably disposed on the device in positions between the detector and the radiation source. The support structures include attachment structures thereon that are each adapted to engage one or more components of the imaging device for use therewith, including but not limited to a compression paddle, a magstand and a positioned including a biopsy device thereon. The support structures can be engaged with any of the components in order to simplify the manner of attachment of the components to the device and to enable the components to readily be attached to the device in a variety of configurations.