Connected Vacuum Sensor Suite for Dental Downtime Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental office vacuum systems are inefficient, prone to breakdowns, and lack advanced features and sensors, leading to increased maintenance needs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A connected vacuum system with a sensor suite that includes a vacuum assembly, control module, and analytics system, equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring and preventative maintenance, allowing for remote control and data analysis to optimize performance and reduce downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vacuum systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability is poor and breakdowns occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple sensors (pressure, temperature, vibration, acoustic) that continuously monitor system parameters and provide feedback to the control module. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of abnormal conditions and automatic responses, significantly improving system reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring through integrated sensors and analytics that detect potential failures before they occur. The preventive maintenance capabilities allow the system to service itself by alerting operators to maintenance needs, reducing breakdowns without adding complex external monitoring systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If control mechanisms are located far from the dental treatment suite, then noise and heat are reduced in the treatment area, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication technology as an intermediary between the remotely located control module and the dental practitioner. Through wireless networks and mobile devices, operators can access and control vacuum system functions from the treatment suite without physical proximity to the equipment, eliminating the need to travel to mechanical rooms while maintaining noise reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical control interfaces (physical control panels near the equipment) with electronic and wireless communication systems. This substitution allows control functions to be accessed remotely through digital interfaces, eliminating the spatial constraint that previously required controls to be physically near the treatment area.
3Productivity
If traditional vacuum systems without sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to increased maintenance needs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential failures through continuous sensor monitoring and analytics. By identifying issues such as pressure anomalies, temperature changes, or vibration patterns before they cause breakdowns, the system enables preventive maintenance that prevents downtime and maintains productivity without requiring complex manual inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors provide continuous feedback on system performance parameters, enabling real-time optimization and early detection of degradation. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain peak efficiency by automatically adjusting operations or alerting operators to maintenance needs before productivity is impacted.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a connected vacuum system with a sensor suite. The system includes an vacuum system, an exam room control system, and an analytics system. Housed in a mechanical room, the vacuum system features a sensor suite that gathers data on various components and environmental factors, such as current, voltage, temperature, speed, position, pressure, dew point, vibration, and flow rate of various components. The collected data is then transmitted to a cloud-based analytics system, which offers thorough analysis, diagnoses, preventative maintenance, and timely alerts to reduce downtime and maintenance costs while enhancing system reliability. The exam room control system, located in the exam room, facilitates monitoring and tuning system parameters via a control panel. This reduces the need to leave the patient's side to attend to the vacuum system in the mechanical room, ultimately improving workflow efficiency and the overall patient experience.