Key Innovation
Decoupling source and detector motion unlocked full 3D breast imaging at ultra-low dose.
User-Centric Breast Imaging
Client
Malcova
Practice Areas
Imaging, Robotics & Radiotherapy
Core Disciplines
Overview
Malcova engaged Triple Ring to redesign and advance a novel breast imaging system capable of delivering full 3D imaging at ultra-low radiation dose while improving patient comfort. The system was designed to expand anatomical coverage beyond what is achievable with standard breast CT technologies.
The resulting platform introduced a gantry-free imaging architecture that enabled flexible source and detector motion, supporting advanced imaging capabilities and improved patient-centered workflows.
Challenge
Malcova developed an early prototype demonstrating the potential for improved breast imaging performance and patient experience. However, the prototype required a comprehensive redesign to support full functionality, human testing, and eventual regulatory submission.
Unlike conventional CT systems that rely on fixed gantry configurations, Malcova’s system required independent movement of the x-ray source and detector to achieve full 3D imaging. This architecture introduced complex synchronization challenges that directly impacted image quality and system reliability. Addressing these challenges required advanced modeling, precise engineering, and deep domain expertise in robotics and x-ray imaging.
User-Centric Breast Imaging
Overview
Malcova engaged Triple Ring to redesign and advance a novel breast imaging system capable of delivering full 3D imaging at ultra-low radiation dose while improving patient comfort. The system was designed to expand anatomical coverage beyond what is achievable with standard breast CT technologies.
The resulting platform introduced a gantry-free imaging architecture that enabled flexible source and detector motion, supporting advanced imaging capabilities and improved patient-centered workflows.
Challenge
Malcova developed an early prototype demonstrating the potential for improved breast imaging performance and patient experience. However, the prototype required a comprehensive redesign to support full functionality, human testing, and eventual regulatory submission.
Unlike conventional CT systems that rely on fixed gantry configurations, Malcova’s system required independent movement of the x-ray source and detector to achieve full 3D imaging. This architecture introduced complex synchronization challenges that directly impacted image quality and system reliability. Addressing these challenges required advanced modeling, precise engineering, and deep domain expertise in robotics and x-ray imaging.
Client
Malcova
Practice Areas
Imaging, Robotics & Radiotherapy
Core Disciplines
Mechanical Engineering
Photonics & Imaging
Applied Physics
Solution
Triple Ring applied expertise in robotics, x-ray imaging, and simulation-driven design to redesign the imaging platform and enable flexible system operation. The development effort focused on resolving synchronization challenges while enabling exploration of the system’s full imaging capability.
Development focused on:
- Designing coordinated motion control systems supporting gantry-free imaging
- Applying simulation tools to resolve synchronization and trajectory challenges
- Integrating robotics technologies enabling precise source-detector alignment
- Developing control strategies that preserved image fidelity during dynamic motion
- Optimizing imaging workflows to improve patient comfort and accessibility
Outcome
Triple Ring delivered a redesigned CT imaging platform capable of supporting flexible motion and advanced imaging workflows. The resulting system enabled comprehensive exploration of the technology’s design space while maintaining reliable imaging performance.
The completed platform positioned Malcova to advance its innovative breast imaging technology toward clinical validation and future regulatory development, supporting improved imaging coverage and enhanced patient experience.
Triple Ring Talent
The Story Behind the Innovation
At Triple Ring, we draw on a deep bench of expertise across diverse disciplines matched to each innovation challenge. For this project, our team combined robotics, x-ray imaging physics, advanced simulation, and motion control expertise to redesign a gantry-free breast imaging platform — resolving complex synchronization challenges and enabling full 3D imaging at ultra-low radiation dose with expanded anatomical coverage.
Tobias collaborated with many talented colleagues across Triple Ring on this project.
Tobias Funk, PhD
Experimental Physics & Instrumentation
Dr. Tobias Funk develops advanced instrumentation that applies ionizing radiation to scientific and medical challenges. His work spans imaging, simulation, and system design, helping translate complex physical principles into practical technologies used in real-world environments.
