Dental Imaging Camera Holder Angled Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental imaging systems lack a quick and consistent method for capturing buccal (external) images of teeth and full arch lingual and occlusal views, due to limitations such as limited space in the mouth, odd angles, poor lighting, and human error.
Innovation Solution
A dental imaging system comprising a camera holder with an engagement mechanism, an angled column, and a positioning block, which consistently spaces the camera from the patient's teeth and arches, allowing for reliable capture of occlusal and lingual views from outside the mouth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cameras or intra-oral cameras are used to capture occlusal views, then images can be obtained, but the images are of poor quality due to limited space, odd angles, poor lighting, and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary device placed on the patient's tongue to reflect and capture the occlusal view. This mediator allows the camera to obtain images from angles that would otherwise be inaccessible or difficult to capture directly, resolving the contradiction between image quality and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a mirror to change the dimensional approach of image capture by reflecting light from the occlusal surface back to the camera lens. This dimensional change allows capturing views that are otherwise geometrically difficult to obtain, improving image quality without increasing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mirror is used to capture occlusal views by placing it on the patient's tongue, then full arch views can be obtained, but the method is unwieldy, uncomfortable, inconsistent, and prone to fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or easily sterilizable mirrors that can be discarded or cleaned between uses. This approach resolves the reliability issue by eliminating the need to repeatedly sterilize expensive medical mirrors, while maintaining the ability to capture full arch views consistently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for the mirror to be discarded after single use or easily recovered and sterilized. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining full arch view capability and ensuring consistent, reliable capture by eliminating fogging and contamination issues associated with reusable mirrors.
3Productivity
If the patient is asked to open their mouth widely to capture arch views, then images can be obtained, but the views are poorly lighted, blurry, and difficult to assess for depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the mirror on the patient's tongue before capturing the image, preparing the reflective surface in advance. This preliminary action ensures proper lighting and angle are established before the actual capture, resolving the contradiction between quick capture and accurate depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror serves as an intermediary that allows the camera to capture the occlusal view without requiring the patient to maintain an awkward wide-open mouth position. This mediator provides proper lighting and geometric relationships for depth assessment while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If commercial medical quality mirrors are used to capture occlusal views, then full arch images can be obtained, but the mirrors are expensive and require sterilization after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable mirrors or mirrors that can be easily sterilized, replacing expensive commercial medical quality mirrors. This resolves the contradiction between obtaining high-quality images and managing device complexity by eliminating the need for complex sterilization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple mirror as an intermediary device that can be easily manufactured, disposed of, or sterilized. This mediator provides the necessary image capture functionality without the complexity and cost associated with commercial medical quality mirrors.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental imaging system for capturing images of a patient's arches and teeth includes a central processor for storing images, a camera having a camera lens and a camera housing, and a camera holder having a tray, an angled column extending from a front of the tray and an engagement mechanism positioned at a distal end of the angled column. The engagement mechanism is configured to releasably engage the camera to orient the camera lens toward the patient's arches and teeth.