Barrier-Contained Radiological Sensor Holder Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maintaining oral radiological sensors in an uncontaminated state are inefficient and costly, as they require difficult and time-consuming insertion of sensors into barriers, leading to potential contamination, movement during image capture, and discomfort for patients due to loose barrier material.
Innovation Solution
A radiological sensor holder contained within a barrier sheath made of elastomer latex, with an exterior attachment and interior container, allowing for snap-on positioning and expansion slots to accommodate various sensor sizes, providing a secure and stable imaging solution while minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the barrier is made tightly fitting to the sensor, then contamination prevention is improved, but insertion difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder is placed inside the barrier sheath in a nested configuration, allowing the holder to be pre-positioned within the barrier before sensor insertion. This eliminates the need to insert the sensor directly into a tight barrier, reducing insertion difficulty while maintaining the tight seal for contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier sheath is pre-formed with the sensor holder inside it before use. This preliminary arrangement of components allows for easier sensor insertion while ensuring the barrier maintains its tight-fitting properties for effective contamination prevention during the actual imaging procedure.
2Reliability
If the barrier material protrudes from the sensor end, then contamination prevention is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to choking reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The excess barrier material is trimmed or removed from the distal end of the sensor assembly. This extraction of the problematic protruding portion eliminates the choking hazard to patients while the barrier remains intact and effective at preventing contamination at the sensor-skin interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized sensors are used with standard holders, then versatility is improved, but handling time and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder is designed with universal features including an expansion slit and adjustable interior container configuration that allow it to accommodate sensors of various sizes. This multi-functional design enables a single holder type to fit different sensor dimensions, reducing the need for multiple specialized holders and thereby decreasing handling time and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates dynamic elements such as an expansion slit that allows the holder structure to flex and adapt to different sensor sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables quick accommodation of various sensor dimensions without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments or multiple holder types.
4Manufacturing precision
If the sensor holder provides secure positioning, then image capture quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder provides secure positioning through localized features such as a gapped attachment port and exterior attachment mechanisms at specific critical locations, rather than requiring complex structures throughout the entire holder. This localized approach to positioning ensures accurate sensor placement while minimizing overall device complexity.
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 solution enables quicker, more efficient image capture, reduces contamination risks, and enhances patient comfort by providing a snug and stable sensor positioning system within a barrier, allowing for easier handling and reduced handling time for dental practitioners.
Implementation Method 1
barrier sheath made of elastomer latex... reducing contamination risks
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved barrier-contained radiological sensor holder. In particular, the present invention is directed to radiological sensor holder contained in a barrier sheath to reduce or prevent contamination. The radiological sensor holder preferably comprises a sensor holder at least partly contained within a barrier sheath having a closed end and an open end. The barrier sheath preferably comprises elastomer latex material and the sensor holder preferably comprises an exterior attachment and an interior container, where the exterior attachment presses a portion of the barrier sheath into a gapped attachment port on the interior container. The sensor holder may alternately include an expansion slit along the opposing face. The sensor holder can also have snap on articles for positioning the sensor for posterior, anterior and vertical image capture.