Bendable Intraoral Sensor with Differential Bending Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraoral X-ray sensors are either film-based, leading to image distortion and inefficiency, or rigid digital sensors that cause discomfort due to inflexibility, and there is a need for a sensor that can bend to accommodate the shape of intraoral structures during imaging.
Innovation Solution
A bendable intraoral sensor with distinct bending properties along its major and minor axes, featuring a rear-side support and a flexible design that includes a sensor panel, a scintillator layer, and a flexible printed circuit board, allowing for controlled bending to minimize discomfort and image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid digital intraoral sensor is used, then image distortion is reduced, but patient comfort deteriorates due to inflexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a first area (center part) and a second area (end parts) with different bending characteristics. The first area has limited bendability to maintain image quality, while the second area has higher bendability to improve patient comfort during insertion and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are designed with different mechanical properties. The center region maintains rigidity for accurate imaging, while the end regions are made more flexible to adapt to oral structures and reduce discomfort during procedure.
2Ease of operation
If a fully bendable sensor is used, then patient comfort is improved, but image distortion increases due to excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a first area (center part) and a second area (end parts) with different bending characteristics. The first area has limited bendability to maintain image quality, while the second area has higher bendability to improve patient comfort during insertion and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending angle parameters are controlled within specific ranges: the first area bends at 160° to 180° while the second area bends at 110° to 180°, allowing differential bending that balances comfort and image quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sensor structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to intraoral structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a first area (center part) and a second area (end parts) with different bending characteristics. The first area has limited bendability to maintain image quality, while the second area has higher bendability to improve patient comfort during insertion and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamically adaptable structure where the end parts can bend to accommodate various intraoral geometries while the center maintains sufficient stability for accurate imaging.
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 sensor effectively reduces patient discomfort and minimizes image distortion by accommodating the shape of intraoral structures while maintaining the accuracy of X-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator layer that covers the photoelectric transducer element
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric transducer element formed on the semiconductor substrate
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intraoral sensor for intraoral X-ray photography, and provides an intraoral sensor bending along an intraoral structure during intraoral X-ray photography, wherein the degree of bending of a first region corresponding to a part facing the major axis differs from that of a second region corresponding to the remaining part.