Dental Curing Apparatus with Reflected Radiation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for curing dental filling materials lack a reliable method to determine the correct positioning of the radiation source, leading to inadequate light delivery and incomplete polymerization due to the absence of a radiation-based position determination mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a radiation source and sensor oriented in the same direction, utilizing reflected radiation to determine the position and distance of the source relative to the object, enabling manual or automatic adjustment and ensuring optimal light delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional systems use orange filter glasses to support positioning of the light source, then the spot visibility is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to tedious handling and complicated application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filter glass system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. The radiation sensor automatically detects the position of the radiation source relative to the dental object and provides electronic feedback, eliminating the need for manual positioning assistance via filter glasses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning through automatic detection. The radiation sensor continuously monitors the reflected radiation and automatically determines when the radiation source is correctly positioned, allowing the system to self-adjust without requiring the operator to manually assess positioning through filter glasses.
2Device complexity
If the radiation source is positioned incorrectly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to inadequate light delivery and incomplete polymerization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radiation sensor detects the reflected radiation from the dental object and provides information about the radiation source position. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment and ensures the radiation source is correctly positioned for optimal light delivery and complete polymerization, without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If orange filter glasses are used to determine positioning, then the spot visibility is improved, but the loss of time increases due to tedious handling and complicated application steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming manual filter glass handling process with an automated sensor-based detection system that instantly determines radiation source position, eliminating the time required to insert, adjust, and remove filter glasses while maintaining spot visibility through electronic detection.
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
Facilitates precise positioning and distance determination of the radiation source, ensuring complete polymerization of dental filling materials by providing the necessary light intensity and reducing energy losses and unnecessary heating.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation sensor mounted on the housing for measuring at least a second radiation, wherein the second radiation is the first radiation reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
A precondition for an optimum polymerization of the plastic material is the introduction of a necessary amount of light, resulting from the light power times the exposure time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating an object, in particular for light-curing a dental object by means of a first radiation, the apparatus comprising at least one radiation source for emitting the first radiation, the apparatus further comprising at least one radiation sensor for measuring at least a second radiation, and the apparatus further comprising a housing. The second radiation is the first radiation reelected by the object.