Wireless Intraoral Sensor Holder Using Battery-Hump Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraoral sensor holders cause discomfort and obstruct x-ray signals, increase inactive areas, and are prone to failure due to cable connections, making wireless sensors bulky and fragile.

Innovation Solution

A wireless intraoral sensor holder that secures the sensor from its battery hump, eliminating side brackets and allowing rotation for optimal positioning, thus reducing discomfort and enhancing signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cable-connected intraoral sensors are used with side brackets for holding, then the sensor can be positioned in the mouth, but the brackets cause pain and discomfort by contacting sensitive human tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort during intraoral imagingVSAvoidpain from bracket contact with tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the harmful side brackets that contact sensitive tissue and extracts only the essential holding function. The sensor is held by its back surface or edge without any brackets contacting the front or sides, eliminating the source of patient discomfort while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of holding the sensor from the sides with brackets (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by holding the sensor from the back surface or edge. This reversal of the holding mechanism eliminates tissue contact while maintaining secure positioning during imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If side brackets are used to hold the intraoral sensor, then the sensor is secured in place, but the brackets obstruct incoming x-rays and increase the inactive area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning stabilityVSAvoidx-ray signal loss due to bracket obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the obstructing side brackets entirely, extracting only the essential function of securing the sensor. By holding the sensor from the back or edge without side brackets, the x-ray path remains clear, eliminating signal loss while maintaining positioning stability through alternative holding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If cable-connected sensors are used, then the sensor can transmit data wirelessly through a readout box, but the cable causes discomfort and makes positioning difficult leading to faulty exposures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidsensor positioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor communicates data wirelessly without physical cable attachment, eliminating the mechanical constraints that caused positioning difficulties and discomfort while maintaining reliable data transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the cable connection area is reinforced to prevent failure, then the connection durability is improved, but a large hump is created on the back of the sensor causing more inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection durabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cable connection system entirely, eliminating the need for reinforcement structures and the resulting large hump on the sensor back. By transitioning to wireless communication, the design achieves reliability without the physical constraints that caused patient inconvenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Provides a comfortable and reliable wireless imaging experience with improved x-ray signal transmission and reduced inactive areas, ensuring robustness and flexibility in sensor placement.

Implementation Method 1

An intraoral x-ray imaging sensor has typically a detector to convert incoming x-rays to either visible light (indirect conversion) or to electric pulse (direct conversion)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection and conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a battery module disposed behind the elasticity-adjusting member and supplying power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery power supply: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3833260B1Wireless intra oral sensor holder

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ATHLOS OY

Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c

AI summary

Wireless IntraOral x-ray imaging Sensor (WIOS) (1) holder that secures in place the WIOS(1) from a hump (105) on the backside of the WIOS (1) corresponding to a battery (30). The holder with the WIOS (1) attached can be painlessly and comfortably positioned inside the 5dental arch, since there are no brackets holding the WIOS (1) from its edges, but instead from the battery hump (105). Additionally, the WIOS (1) can be secured on the holder in reverse (rotated by 180 degrees) thus adding flexibility and versatility during intraoral x-ray imaging.