Dual-Wavelength Dental Curing Light for Low-Heat Polymer Hardening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental devices for hardening polymers are inefficient and energy-intensive, lacking in surface finish quality and material compatibility, and struggle with effective curing at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A dental handheld device utilizing a combination of a laser diode emitting light in a first wavelength range (440-460 nm) and a light-emitting diode emitting light in a second wavelength range (400-420 nm), with the laser diode having a higher radiant power, to achieve efficient and energy-saving polymer hardening with improved surface finish and penetration depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional light source is used for curing polymers, then the device can harden the polymer, but heat generation is high and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific wavelength ranges (400-420 nm and 440-460 nm) for the light sources that match the absorption characteristics of polymer initiators. This wavelength optimization enables efficient curing while minimizing heat generation, as the energy is absorbed more effectively by the chemical bonds rather than converting to thermal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite light source system combining two different light sources (LED or laser diode) with complementary wavelength ranges. This composite approach creates a broader spectrum output that efficiently cures various polymer materials while reducing overall heat generation compared to single high-power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single light source is used, then the device structure is simple, but the curing spectrum is limited and surface quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two light sources with different wavelength ranges into a single handheld device. The first light source (400-420 nm) and second light source (440-460 nm) are combined in close proximity, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation to cure polymers with a broader spectrum, thereby improving surface quality and adaptability to different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-light-source design provides multi-functionality by enabling the device to effectively cure various polymer materials with different initiator systems. The broader spectral output accommodates different photoinitators, making the device universally applicable to diverse dental materials while maintaining a compact structure.
3Length of moving object
If light diverges significantly, then the device can illuminate a larger area, but the curing effectiveness at distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs laser diodes which inherently produce highly directional, low-divergence light beams. This dynamic optical property allows the light to maintain high intensity over extended distances, enabling effective curing of polymers at greater depths and distances without significant loss of illumination intensity.
4Productivity
If high power light source is used, then the curing speed is fast, but energy consumption increases and battery size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the operating parameters of LED or laser diode light sources by selecting specific wavelength ranges (400-420 nm and 440-460 nm) that align with polymer initiator absorption peaks. This parameter optimization achieves high curing efficiency and fast curing speeds while consuming less energy, as the light energy is more effectively converted into chemical bonding rather than wasted as heat or other losses.
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 device provides efficient curing with reduced heat generation, increased surface finish quality, and compatibility with various materials, enabling effective hardening at greater distances and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source (101-1), which includes a laser diode for emitting light in a first wavelength range (103-1)
Implementation Method 2
dental handheld device for curing a polymer using light
Implementation Method 3
a second light source (101-2) for emitting light in a second wavelength range (103-2)
Implementation Method 4
the dental handpiece comprises a bundle of light-conducting fibers (121)
Implementation Method 5
the dental handpiece includes a beam coupler for superimposing the light beams of the two light sources
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dental hand device (100) for hardening a polymer by means of light, comprising a first light source (101-1) comprising a laser diode for emitting light in a first wavelength range; and a second light source (101-2) for emitting light in a second wavelength range.