Dental Chair Traverse Sensor Assembly for Precise Position Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor assemblies for dental chairs lack precision in monitoring and controlling the traverse motion of dental chairs, which affects the ergonomic positioning and comfort of patients during dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a rotatable rod and potentiometer system that measures rotational movement to determine linear distance traveled by the chair, coupled with a processor to accurately control the chair's forward-backward movement between desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor assembly is used to monitor traverse motion of the dental chair, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A rod is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element that converts the linear traverse motion of the dental chair into rotational motion. This rod rotates within a bracket plate opening, and its rotation is measured by a potentiometer. This intermediary mechanism enables precise measurement of linear position through rotational measurement, resolving the technical contradiction by providing accurate positioning data while using simple, well-established components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex direct linear measurement systems with a mechanical conversion system that uses rotational measurement. Instead of using sophisticated linear sensors or encoders, the system converts linear motion to rotational motion through the rod-bracket plate mechanism, then measures the rotation with a simple potentiometer. This substitution achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of direct linear measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If a rod rotation mechanism is used to measure linear movement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket plate opening is designed with a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the rod's cross-sectional shape, creating a fit that converts linear motion to rotation. This universal geometric relationship between the rod and bracket plate opening provides a reliable mechanical conversion mechanism that achieves high measurement precision through simple geometric correspondence rather than complex precision manufacturing requirements.
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
Enhances the precision and accuracy of the dental chair's positioning, ensuring comfortable and ergonomic configurations for patients by enabling precise control of the chair's traverse motion.
Implementation Method 1
a potentiometer positioned proximate the rod. The potentiometer is configured to obtain data indicative of rotational movement of the rod
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure a dental chair a chair assembly configured to support a patient. The dental chair also includes a traverse motion assembly coupled to the chair assembly that move the chair assembly in a forward-backward direction. The dental chair also includes a sensor assembly having a rod rotatably fixed to the traverse motion assembly. The rod defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a rod cross-sectional shape. The dental chair also includes a sensor assembly is configured to obtain data indicative a distance of linear movement of the chair assembly along the forward-backward direction between.