Backscatter Sensors for Orthodontic Braces and Foot Orthotics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques for monitoring orthodontic braces and foot orthotics are expensive, require large equipment footprints, and often use ionizing radiation, which can be harmful and limit frequent monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Implementing negligibly-sized micro-sensors with backscatter-devices that use radio waves for non-invasive, contactless monitoring of structural integrity and forces acting on orthodontic elements and foot orthotics, allowing for real-time data collection without the need for ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art imaging techniques (X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, ultrasound, radar) are used to monitor orthodontic braces and foot orthotics, then imaging capability is achieved, but equipment cost and footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, radar equipment) with electromagnetic backscatter sensing. The backscatter sensor tag uses electromagnetic fields to detect structural changes, forces, and positions, substituting bulky mechanical imaging devices with compact electromagnetic sensing that provides equivalent monitoring capability without the large footprint and high cost.
2Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation imaging techniques are used for monitoring, then imaging data is obtained, but harmful effects and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ionizing radiation approach into a beneficial non-ionizing electromagnetic backscatter method. Instead of using high-energy ionizing radiation that damages biological tissue, the invention uses low-energy radio frequency electromagnetic fields that safely interact with the orthodontic braces and foot orthotics, providing the same imaging and monitoring benefits without the harmful radiation exposure.
3Productivity
If frequent monitoring is performed using traditional imaging techniques, then real-time data is obtained, but cumulative radiation exposure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous, frequent monitoring through backscatter sensor tags that can be repeatedly activated without harmful cumulative effects. The electromagnetic sensing system allows for ongoing real-time tracking of orthodontic brace and foot orthotic conditions, maintaining continuous useful action for monitoring while eliminating the cumulative radiation damage that would result from frequent traditional imaging.
4Measurement precision
If traditional imaging equipment is deployed for monitoring orthodontic elements, then structural integrity data is obtained, but system cost and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive backscatter sensor tags that can be manufactured at low cost and integrated into orthodontic braces and foot orthotics. These disposable or reusable sensor tags provide structural integrity monitoring capabilities without requiring expensive imaging equipment, making the system accessible and cost-effective for routine dental and orthopedic applications.
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 frequent, safe, and cost-effective monitoring of orthodontic and foot orthotics, improving their effectiveness and longevity by providing real-time data on structural integrity and forces applied, facilitating adjustments and re-manufacturing as needed.
Implementation Method 1
backscatter-devices that use radio waves for non-invasive, contactless monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Inventions herein include at least mostly optically clear orthodontic braces and feet orthotics (collectively referred to as “appliances”) with backscatter based sensors. These two categories of appliances share a common property requiring that the given appliance must be correctly custom manufactured to fit a patient's own particular geometry and dimensions of their teeth and/or feet in order to perform as intended. Incorporating such appliances with backscatter based sensors enables simple, easy, fast, efficient, and cost effective measurements, in real-time or near real-time, of stresses, forces, structural changes, and/or the like in the given appliance; which in turn can aid in determining if adjustments or re-manufacture of the appliance may be needed or desired; and/or wherein such measurements may aid in evaluating performance of the given appliance. In some embodiments, such measurements may also be taken remotely away from a practitioner; and then communicated to a remotely located practitioner.