Dental Camera Window Heating via Resistance Heater
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral cameras and other medical diagnostic devices face image quality issues due to window fogging caused by temperature differences between the oral cavity and external environments, with existing solutions either enlarging the instrument or requiring additional power sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact resistance heater is integrated into the handpiece to heat the camera window, using circuit-board conductors, PTC elements, or resistance wires, allowing precise and self-regulating temperature control to prevent fogging without enlarging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal coupling between light sources and window is used, then window heating is achieved, but instrument size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the illumination system by using a separate resistance heater element positioned near the window, rather than relying on heat from light sources. This allows independent optimization of illumination and heating functions, preventing instrument enlargement while achieving effective window heating.
Solution Approach 2:
A resistance heater acts as an intermediary heating element positioned between the window and the light sources. This mediator can be integrated into the handpiece structure without interfering with the optical path, providing localized heating while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Temperature
If external repository heating is used, then window heating is achieved, but additional power supply and readiness maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the existing handpiece structure by integrating the resistance heater into the handpiece assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external heating systems and additional power supplies, as the heater can be powered through the existing battery system already present in the handpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece becomes self-sufficient by incorporating the heating function directly into its structure. The resistance heater can be activated through the existing control system without requiring external power supplies or repository heating infrastructure, allowing the device to maintain readiness independently.
3Temperature
If LEDs are placed close to camera window for heating, then window heating is achieved, but instrument size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the LED illumination system by using a dedicated resistance heater element. This separation allows the LED module to be positioned optimally for illumination while the resistance heater is positioned independently near the window for heating, preventing the handpiece from becoming excessively long.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/thermal coupling method using LEDs is replaced with an electrical resistance heating system. The resistance heater converts electrical energy directly into heat through resistive heating, providing more efficient and controllable window heating without requiring the complex thermal coupling mechanism that would increase handpiece length.
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 ensures a compact design, precise heating, and reliable operation by maintaining the window at a desired temperature, preventing fogging and enhancing image quality while meeting safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
the means for heating the window being formed by a resistance heater
Implementation Method 2
PTC elements, or resistance wires, allowing precise and self-regulating temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A medical, in particular dental, diagnostic device having means for image capture and a hand piece that has a window located in the optical path of the means for image capture, wherein there are means for heating the window formed by a resistance heater.