Cableless Intraoral Sensor with Magnetic Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable-type intraoral sensors for X-ray imaging are limited by reduced convenience, cable breakage, and connection failures, which hinder effective intraoral X-ray imaging.

Innovation Solution

A cableless intraoral sensor with a built-in battery and memory, along with a docking station or detachable transmission cable, that uses magnetic connectors for stable signal transmission and power supply, eliminating the need for a separate transmission cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable-type intraoral sensor is used, then the image signal can be transmitted to the diagnostic computer, but the convenience is reduced and the transmission cable may break or cause connection failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconvenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional cable-connected sensor into separate components: a wireless sensor unit with battery and memory, and a docking station. This segmentation eliminates the transmission cable, preventing cable breakage and connection failures while maintaining signal transmission capability through wireless or docked connection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the transmission cable from the system by implementing a cableless sensor design. The sensor unit is equipped with its own battery and memory, allowing it to operate independently without being physically connected to the computer via cable, thus eliminating the source of connection problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a cableless intraoral sensor with built-in battery and memory is used, then the convenience is improved and cable breakage is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidsensor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the sensor unit: X-ray detection, image signal generation, memory storage, and battery power supply. By merging these components into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the need for external cables and equipment, improving convenience despite the increased internal complexity of the sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit is designed to be self-sufficient with built-in battery and memory, allowing it to store and manage image signals independently without requiring constant connection to external power or storage devices. This self-service capability eliminates cables and improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If connectors are connected using magnetic force, then the erroneous connection is reduced and connection stability is ensured, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnector manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connector systems with magnetic connectors. The magnetic force automatically aligns and secures the connector components, preventing erroneous connections and ensuring stable electrical contact. This substitution simplifies the connection process and improves reliability, though it requires precision in manufacturing the magnetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances the convenience of intraoral X-ray imaging by preventing cable breakage and connection failures, ensuring stable signal transmission and improving the overall efficiency of the imaging process.

Implementation Method 1

a battery configured to supply driving power to the sensor panel and the circuit unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

in connecting the intraoral sensor to the docking station or transmission cable, the corresponding connectors are connected by using magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11278249B2Intraoral sensor and X-ray imaging system using the same

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 RAYENCE

AI summary

Disclosed are an intraoral sensor and an X-ray imaging system. The intraoral sensor includes a sensor panel, a circuit unit, a memory, a battery, a casing, a first connector, and a power terminal. The X-ray imaging system includes a docking station with the intraoral sensor docked thereto, the docking station configured to provide a second connector connected to the first connector to perform at least one function of receiving the image signal stored in the memory, and charging the battery, or includes a transmission cable detachably connected to the intraoral sensor, and configured to provide a third connector connected to the first connector to transmit the image signal.