Adjustable Optical Element for Slim 3D Intraoral Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional intraoral scanners face challenges in accurately measuring the oral cavity due to spatial constraints, discomfort caused by thick devices, and inability to confirm detailed tooth conditions like cracks or broken teeth, leading to inaccurate prosthetics production.
Innovation Solution
A slim three-dimensional intraoral scanner with an adjustable optical element that can rotate to adjust angles and positions, using cameras and a light path change unit with driving units like motors, piezos, or solenoids to optimize light paths and image acquisition within the oral cavity, allowing for precise data collection without moving the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scanner is made thin to be easily inserted into the oral cavity, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to spatial constraints on component arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging optical components (cameras and light projectors) on different surfaces of the scanner body - cameras on the front surface and light projectors on the side or rear surfaces. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement allows all components to coexist within a thin profile without optical interference, resolving the contradiction between thinness and functional completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the optical element (mirror or prism) inside the scanner body at an inclined angle, which redirects light paths within the limited internal space. This nested arrangement allows the optical system to achieve functions that would normally require larger external components, enabling thin scanner design while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical element is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases when measuring areas with spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the optical element (mirror or prism) rotatable around its optical axis. This rotational capability allows the scanner to dynamically adjust the light path angles to access different measurement areas within the oral cavity, particularly reaching hard-to-measure regions like the rear teeth and side surfaces, thereby providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical repositioning of the entire scanner.
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 accurate and comfortable three-dimensional data collection, including hard-to-reach areas, by minimizing device thickness and adjusting optical elements to improve data quality and reduce scanning time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element provided to be tilted and rotated while reflecting or refracting the path of the light of the at least one camera and the light projector inside the case
Implementation Method 2
an optical element provided to be tilted and rotated while reflecting or refracting the path of the light of the at least one camera and the light projector inside the case
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional intraoral scanner which, in particular, includes: a case which may be drawn in and out of the oral cavity, and has an opening for introducing, into the case, via an end part thereof, the appearance of the oral cavity (hereinafter, image) in the form of light; at least one camera arranged inside the case, and allowing the light introduced via the opening of the case to pass; a light projector which is arranged on one side of the at least one camera and which radiates light into the oral cavity via the opening; an optical element provided to be rotatable while tilting so as to reflect or bend the path of the light from the at least one camera and the light projector from inside the case; and a light path change unit for moving the optical element so as to be adjustable. Therefore, the three-dimensional intraoral scanner may easily obtain image data for the entire oral cavity of a patient.