Wearable Breast Screening Device Using Dynamic Force Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast screening technologies lack an efficient and portable method for early detection of lumps and cancer, particularly in a non-invasive and user-friendly manner that can accurately differentiate between benign and malignant tissues.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a breast-contacting member featuring an array of force applying units and sensors, capable of applying varying spatial and temporal force patterns to detect lumps by analyzing tissue responses, including pressure distribution and mobility, and communicating results for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional breast screening methods (mammography, ultrasound) are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (mammography X-ray, ultrasound transducers) with a mechanical sensing system that uses force application and pressure sensing to detect tissue irregularities. The wearable device applies controlled forces through force applying units and measures tissue response through pressure sensors, substituting complex radiological equipment with a simpler mechanical detection system that maintains diagnostic capability while improving accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If manual breast examination is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device enables users to perform self-screening by wearing the device themselves. The device automatically applies force patterns and collects sensor data without requiring manual operation, making the examination process as easy as wearing clothing while maintaining objective, repeatable measurements that eliminate human error and subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic force patterns that vary in magnitude, direction, and timing to probe tissue properties from multiple angles. The force applying units deliver controlled dynamic forces while pressure sensors continuously monitor tissue response, creating a rich dataset that improves detection accuracy compared to static manual examination.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive breast coverage is achieved, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and area of contact are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The breast-contacting member is divided into multiple segments or zones, each equipped with its own force applying units and pressure sensors. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire breast surface while keeping each individual sensor unit small and manageable. The segmented approach distributes the complexity across multiple independent elements rather than requiring one large complex system.
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 device enables early detection of lumps and cancer with high accuracy, providing a portable and user-friendly solution for self-screening, capable of differentiating between benign and malignant tissues through detailed analysis of force patterns and tissue responses.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable device with a breast-contacting member featuring an array of force applying units and sensors, capable of applying varying spatial and temporal force patterns to detect lumps by analyzing tissue responses
Implementation Method 2
capable of applying varying spatial and temporal force patterns to detect lumps by analyzing tissue responses, including pressure distribution and mobility
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments there is provided a wearable device for breast screening, comprising: at least one breast-contacting member shaped to contact a surface of a breast, the member comprising an array of force applying units and an array of sensors configured for sensing at least one parameter in response to force applied by the force applying units; the force applying units and the sensors disposed on or within the breast-contacting member and positioned to contact a surface of the breast; a memory storing one or more patterns suitable to detect a lump underlying the surface; wherein the pattern comprises a sequence of forces that vary spatially and/or vary in time; a controller configured for: reading data from the memory to control application of force; communicating with the sensors to receive signals associated with the at least one parameter sensed in response to the application of force; and to process the received signals to detect a lump.