Viscoelastic Parameter Determination via Local Creep Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing viscoelastic properties of tissue using curve-fitting are inaccurate and lack precision due to reliance on approximated data, rather than actual data, leading to errors in evaluating viscoelastic parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that apply a constant force to a target object using a compression device synchronized with an ultrasound probe to record stress responses over time, allowing for direct analysis of local stress and loss angle parameters, independent of stress distribution, and filtering out interference signals to determine viscoelastic properties in the frequency domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If curve-fitting methods are used to assess viscoelastic properties, then the assessment process is simplified, but accuracy and precision deteriorate due to reliance on approximated data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the curve-fitting approximation step from the assessment process. By directly using the measured creep response data to calculate viscoelastic parameters through analytical formulas, the method removes the intermediate approximation layer that caused accuracy loss, while maintaining operational simplicity through direct computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical curve-fitting process with an analytical calculation system. Instead of mechanically adjusting curves to match data points, the invention uses direct mathematical relationships between creep response and viscoelastic parameters, substituting an approximate mechanical process with a precise analytical one.
2Device complexity
If fitting-based evaluation is used, then data processing is simplified, but inherent errors are introduced due to approximation of real data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the fitting-based evaluation step that introduced errors. By directly calculating viscoelastic parameters from measured creep data using analytical formulas, the method eliminates the approximation process while maintaining straightforward data processing through direct computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a direct analytical copy of the relationship between creep response and viscoelastic parameters, bypassing the need for approximate fitting. This analytical copy provides exact parameter values directly from measured data, eliminating fitting errors while keeping processing simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional creep test methods are used, then the methodology is well-established, but accuracy in determining viscoelastic parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter extraction approach from curve-fitting-based to direct analytical calculation. By using analytical formulas that directly relate creep response measurements to viscoelastic parameters, the method maintains compatibility with established creep test protocols while dramatically improving parameter determination accuracy.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and precision of viscoelastic property determination by analyzing temporal strain responses directly, providing a more reliable assessment of tissue viscoelasticity, particularly in differentiating between benign and malignant tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a compression device configured to apply a force to the target object while varying an amount of force at a constant rate from an initial amount to the final predetermined amount
Implementation Method 2
assessing the viscoelastic properties of the medium—rather than the elasticity of the medium
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasound probe with an ultrasound transducer mechanically associated with the compression device and configured to assess a stress response of the target object to the applied force
Data Source
AI summary
System and method configured to characterize viscoelasticity of a target medium by directly determining phase difference between real and imaginary parts of the complex shear modulus of the tissue (determined as a result of applying a compression force to the tissue), without any fitting of data and independent from distribution of strain in the tissue caused by the application of compression force.