Smart Bra Optical Sensors with Expandable Chambers for Breast Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast imaging modalities face limitations such as exposure to ionizing radiation, low specificity, long exam times, high cost, and difficulty in visualizing microcalcifications, making them inadequate for frequent and safe breast imaging.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device, potentially integrated into a 'smart bra,' that uses optical analysis with light emitters and receivers to scan breast tissue, employing expandable chambers to compress the breast and improve scanning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If x-ray mammography is used for breast imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but exposure to ionizing radiation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation (x-ray) with optical radiation (visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and near-infrared light) for breast tissue imaging. This substitution eliminates harmful ionizing radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capability through optical absorption and scattering properties of breast tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of radiation type from ionizing (x-ray) to non-ionizing (optical spectrum). By using light sources emitting in the visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and near-infrared ranges, the system achieves tissue imaging without the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
2Reliability
If stationary optical imaging devices are used, then imaging is performed, but air gaps between sensors and breast surface reduce scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compressible chambers that can dynamically adjust their volume and pressure. These chambers compress the breast tissue against the optical sensors, eliminating air gaps and ensuring consistent optical contact. The dynamic compression capability allows the system to maintain precise scanning accuracy while accommodating different breast sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible chambers act as intermediaries between the optical sensors and the breast surface. By introducing this compliant intermediary element, the system achieves uniform contact pressure and eliminates air gaps that would otherwise interfere with optical signal transmission and measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If handheld optical imaging devices are used, then portability is achieved, but accurate measurement of absolute tissue locations and comprehensive imaging is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable device: portability (wearable form factor), compression (adjustable chambers), imaging (optical sensors), and measurement (coordinate mapping system). The device includes a coordinate system with origin at the nipple and axes aligned with breast contours, enabling accurate absolute location measurement while maintaining portability and comprehensive imaging coverage.
4Productivity
If frequent breast imaging is performed, then tissue changes can be tracked, but current modalities are inadequate for frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation with optical radiation, enabling frequent imaging without cumulative radiation damage. Optical imaging using visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and near-infrared light allows for repeated monitoring of breast tissue changes over time without the safety constraints of x-ray mammography.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable optical imaging device enables continuous or frequent monitoring of breast tissue. The system can be used repeatedly without the safety limitations of radiation-based modalities, allowing for longitudinal tracking of tissue changes and early detection of abnormalities through frequent imaging.
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
The wearable device allows for less exposure to harmful radiation, enables easier ambulatory tracking of tissue changes, and provides a more comprehensive and accurate image of the breast tissue compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
This device has light emitters which transmit light into breast tissue and light receivers which receive the light after it has been transmitted through the breast tissue
Implementation Method 2
expandable chambers which gently compress a breast to reduce light diffusion and improve optical scanning of breast tissue
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a wearable device or system for optical analysis of breast tissue which be embodied in a “smart bra” or an insert which is placed into the cup of a conventional bra. This device or system has light emitters which transmit light into breast tissue and light receivers which receive the light after it has been transmitted through the breast tissue. It also has expandable chambers which gently compress a breast to reduce light diffusion and improve optical scanning of breast tissue.