Color-Coded Dental X-Ray Positioning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental imaging devices require multiple positioning devices for different x-ray views, which is inefficient and lacks a simple method to switch between anterior and posterior positions without disassembly or additional components.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with an aiming ring, bite block, and rotating positioning arm, featuring color-coded indicia visible through windows on the bite block and aiming ring, allowing manual switching between positions without tools, and accommodating various image film/sensor sizes and thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning devices are used for different x-ray views, then the ability to take various dental x-ray images is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device incorporates multiple positioning arms with different configurations (anterior, posterior, and other views) that can be selectively positioned. Each arm can be independently adjusted and locked into place, allowing a single device to perform multiple x-ray imaging functions that previously required separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple positioning functionalities into a single integrated device structure. The bite block houses multiple positioning arms that can be independently manipulated, merging what were previously separate anterior and posterior positioning devices into one unified system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning devices are used for different x-ray views, then the ability to take various dental x-ray images is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to switching between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable during the procedure. Each arm can be freely manipulated into different positions and then locked into place using simple indexing mechanisms, allowing quick switching between anterior, posterior, and other views without requiring device changes or complex assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arms are pre-configured with specific geometries and attachment points that correspond to standard x-ray view requirements. This preliminary configuration allows the operator to quickly select the appropriate arm position for each view type without requiring complex adjustments or calculations during the procedure.
3Device complexity
If a single positioning device is used for multiple views, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different image positions may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into multiple independent positioning arms, each capable of being independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for specific view types while maintaining the ability to configure the entire system for various x-ray imaging geometries within a single device.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device for holding a dental x-ray imaging media during the taking of a dental x-ray includes an aiming ring, a bite block and a positioning arm extending there between. The bite block carries a journal or barrel for receiving a portion of the positioning arm therein such that the portion of the positioning arm thus received can rotate or move therein, such that the position between the bite block and the aiming ring can be selected in one of a plurality of positions corresponding to a position for taking one of a plurality of dental x-ray images. In another embodiment, the bite block carries a window through which a color -coded or other indicia portion of the positioning arm is positioned such that the user can view the indicia to determine the x-ray image for which the device is set.