Diagnostic Camera Spacer Attachment for Stable Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic cameras used for remote viewing of the oral cavity face challenges in maintaining a stable and sharp image due to difficult working conditions, and existing spacer attachments can detach during use, leading to image blurriness and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic camera with a dimensionally stable spacer having a free end section that allows for correct positioning and stabilization without direct line of sight, featuring a 90-degree angled design and a roughened inner surface to reduce reflections, and a plastic injection-molded attachment for secure and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spacer is provided in the diagnostic camera to stabilize the image, then image sharpness is improved, but the spacer can become detached and fall into the patient's oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is nested within the head area structure, with the front end section inserted into a receptacle of the head area. This nested configuration ensures the spacer remains securely housed while maintaining its stabilizing function, preventing detachment into the oral cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is pre-positioned and fixed in the correct location within the head area before use. The receptacle and front end section are designed to maintain precise alignment, ensuring the spacer is already in its proper stabilizing position when the diagnostic camera is activated, eliminating the need for adjustment during use.
2Ease of repair
If the spacer is made detachable for cleaning and sterilization, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the risk of detachment during use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable front end section is nested within the head area receptacle, allowing it to be easily removed for cleaning and sterilization. The nested design maintains secure engagement during use while enabling straightforward separation for maintenance purposes.
3Ease of operation
If the free end section is designed to provide tactile feedback for positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The free end section of the spacer is designed with specific tactile properties and geometry to provide positioning feedback. This localized feature provides the necessary operational guidance without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire device, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of use.
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 a stable, low-blur image capture with improved image quality and safety by ensuring a secure attachment and minimizing reflections, while being suitable for reusability and compliance with medical standards.
Implementation Method 1
The roughness causes a diffuse scattering of incident light rays and thus enables a reduction in reflection
Data Source
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AI summary
An attachment (40, 40a, 40b) for a diagnostic (10) comprises a coupling section (42) configured for the detachable connection to a head region (14) of a diagnostic camera (10), and a dimensionally stable spacer (44) that is connected to said section and has a free end section (46).