Integrated Dental Handpiece Optical Bench for Fiber Bundle Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical delivery systems for photothermal radiometry and luminescence measurements in dentistry are complex, expensive, and inconvenient due to the need for fiber bundle assemblies, which increase cost and weight, making them unsuitable for routine clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated handpiece with optical components such as a laser, infrared detector, dichroic beamsplitter, and focusing optics mounted on an optical bench, eliminating the need for fiber bundles and using a lightweight electrical cable for connection, allowing for a more ergonomic and convenient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber bundle assemblies are used for optical delivery, then photothermal radiometry and luminescence measurements can be performed, but the device becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical delivery function from the complex fiber bundle assembly and replaces it with direct optical components (laser diode, mirrors, lenses) integrated into the handpiece. This eliminates the intermediate fiber bundle transmission system while maintaining the core measurement capability through direct optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the laser source, optical delivery system, and detection system into a single integrated handpiece unit. The laser diode, mirrors, lenses, and detectors are combined in one compact device, eliminating the need for separate fiber bundle assemblies and external optical delivery systems.
2Reliability
If fiber bundle assemblies are used for optical delivery, then photothermal radiometry and luminescence measurements can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive fiber bundle assembly from the system and replaces it with cost-effective integrated optical components. The laser diode and optical elements are directly mounted in the handpiece, eliminating the need for costly fiber optic transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive laser diodes and standard optical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than relying on expensive fiber bundle assemblies. This approach allows for more economical device production and potential disposable handpiece designs.
3Reliability
If fiber bundle assemblies are used for optical delivery, then photothermal radiometry and luminescence measurements can be performed, but the weight increases making it inconvenient for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy fiber bundle assembly from the handpiece design. By eliminating this intermediate optical transmission component, the overall weight of the handpiece is significantly reduced, making it more suitable for handheld clinical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines all optical components directly in the handpiece, eliminating the need for heavy fiber bundle connections between separate units. This integration reduces the overall system weight while maintaining full measurement functionality.
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 handpiece provides a cost-effective, robust, and user-friendly solution for photothermal radiometric and luminescence measurements, enabling efficient detection of tooth demineralization and caries detection without the drawbacks of complex optical delivery systems, facilitating routine clinical use.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for producing a laser beam within the housing
Implementation Method 2
a focusing element positioned to focus the laser beam through an aperture at a distal portion of the housing and onto a surface of the object, and to collect photothermal radiation generated within the object
Implementation Method 3
a dichroic beamsplitter positioned within the housing to spatially separate the photothermal radiation from the laser beam
Implementation Method 4
an infrared detector provided within the housing for detecting the photothermal radiation
Implementation Method 5
Some of the optical components may be provided on an optical bench that is directly attached to a thermally conductive tip portion for the passive heat sinking of internal optical components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for performing photothermal measurements on a object. The apparatus, which may be provided as a handpiece, houses optical components including a laser, an infrared detector, a dichroic beamsplitter, and focusing and beam directing optics for the delivery of a laser beam to, and the collection of photothermal radiation from, a measured object. Some of the optical components may be provided on an optical bench that is directly attached to a thermally conductive tip portion for the passive heat sinking of internal optical components. The apparatus may further include a sampling optical element and a photodetector for the detection of luminescence, and a camera for obtaining an image of the object during a diagnostic procedure. The apparatus may be employed for the scanning of a tooth to determine an oral health status of the tooth.