Paddle stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast compression paddle storage systems in imaging suites lack efficient organization and mobility, leading to difficulties in accessing and managing various paddle types and sizes, which can hinder workflow and patient care.
Innovation Solution
A movable storage stand with a vertical post and sliding brackets that allow for inverted storage of compression paddles, featuring a lip, arm, and tine configuration to securely hold paddles, along with wheels for easy movement, optimizing space and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple compression paddles are stored in a fixed storage system, then paddle availability is improved, but accessibility and workflow efficiency deteriorate due to lack of mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The storage stand is equipped with wheels at its base, transforming it from a static to a mobile system. This allows the stand to be easily moved to different locations within the imaging suite, improving accessibility while maintaining paddle availability. The dynamic mobility resolves the contradiction between having paddles available and being able to access them easily.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compression paddles are stored in a conventional fixed rack, then organization is improved, but storage density and space utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The storage stand utilizes vertical space through its upright post structure with brackets positioned at different heights. This vertical arrangement allows multiple paddles to be stored in a compact footprint, improving storage density while maintaining organization. The vertical dimension resolves the contradiction between organized storage and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure features nested components including the upright post, horizontal brackets, and vertical slots that accommodate paddle handles. This nested design allows efficient packing of multiple paddles in a compact configuration, improving both organization and storage density simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If compression paddles are stored upright, then accessibility is improved, but stability and risk of dislodgment during movement worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing paddles upright with handles up, the system inverts them by inserting handles into downward-facing vertical slots in the brackets. This inverted configuration provides mechanical interlocking that prevents dislodgment during movement, while the paddles remain easily accessible. The inversion resolves the contradiction between accessibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical slots in the brackets act as intermediaries between the paddle handles and the storage structure. These slots provide a secure interface that maintains paddle stability during movement while allowing easy insertion and removal, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and stability.
4Productivity
If a mobile storage stand with sliding brackets is used, then accessibility and workflow efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into modular components: a base with wheels, an upright post, multiple detachable brackets with sliding mechanisms, and vertical slots. This segmentation allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and maintenance, reducing the practical complexity despite the mobile and adjustable features. The modular design resolves the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for holding a breast compression paddle, includes a base, a lip connected to and extending substantially orthogonal from the base, an arm connected to and extending substantially orthogonal from the base and disposed substantially parallel to the lip, and a tine connected to and extending at an angle to the arm. The lip defines a lip plane, and the tine is oriented towards the lip plane. The apparatus is configured to hold and support a compression paddle.