Pivotable X-Ray Arm Stationary Compression Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray diagnostic apparatuses for mammography require repositioning and re-compression of the breast for each x-ray image acquisition, leading to inefficiencies in the examination process.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable support arm with a controllable connection unit between the x-ray source and receiver, allowing the compression unit to remain stationary while the arm pivots, enabling multiple 2D x-ray exposures with a single breast fixation and aligning the x-ray source orthogonally to the detector for uniform exposure, facilitating cone beam geometry and tomosynthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the breast is repositioned and compressed for each x-ray image acquisition, then multiple 2D exposures can be obtained, but the examination time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the compression function from the imaging function. The breast is compressed once and fixed in position, while the x-ray source and detector move independently around the breast to acquire multiple projections. This segmentation allows multiple images to be acquired without re-compressing the breast, improving examination efficiency and reducing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm with the x-ray source and detector is designed to be pivotable around the compressed breast, enabling dynamic movement to multiple angular positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to acquire projections from different angles while the breast remains stationary in a single compression position, eliminating the need for repeated compression and repositioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If the x-ray source and detector are moved to different angular positions, then spatial information from multiple angles is acquired, but the breast position must be changed for each image
Solution Approach 1:
The system decouples the angular positioning mechanism from the compression mechanism. The support arm carrying the x-ray source and detector can be independently rotated to different angular positions around the breast, while the compression device remains fixed. This segmentation enables versatile angular coverage without requiring complex breast repositioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable support arm acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables angular movement of the imaging system without affecting the compressed breast position. This intermediary structure allows the x-ray source and detector to access multiple angles while the breast remains stationary, simplifying the operation by eliminating the need for manual breast repositioning between different angular views
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
Enables multiple 2D x-ray exposures with a single breast fixation, ensuring uniform detector exposure and allowing for the acquisition of spatial information from different angles, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of breast imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver are arranged opposite one another on the frame part
Data Source
AI summary
In this device and the associated method, a connection unit that can be attached to an arm bearing an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver is fashioned such that said connection unit compensates for a pivot movement of the arm so that a compression unit arranged at the connection unit remains stationary during a pivot movement.