Dental Laser Diode Optics for Focused Composite Resin Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photopolymerization devices for dentistry suffer from low energy concentration, wide divergence angles, and the need for multiple devices due to different composite resin materials, leading to incomplete curing and increased costs, while diode lasers face issues with optical fiber contact and low energy emission, affecting treatment efficiency and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A laser device for dentistry featuring a body with a light source group comprising laser diodes, a collimating lens, and a focusing lens, along with a light guiding pipe, which allows for precise light delivery and compatibility with various composite resin materials, enhancing curing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If LED lamp is used as light source for photopolymerization, then low cost and long life are achieved, but light energy cannot concentrate and penetration is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light source system into multiple laser diodes arranged in a matrix, each emitting coherent light that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the long life advantage of LED/laser diodes while achieving concentrated energy delivery through the coherent nature of laser emission from each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple laser diode emissions into a single focused beam through optical components (collimating lens and focusing lens). The coherent light from multiple laser diodes is combined and focused to a single point on the target, achieving both the durability of laser diodes and the energy concentration of traditional high-power light sources
2Ease of manufacture
If LED lamp is used for photocuring, then low cost is achieved, but curing is incomplete and multiple irradiations are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple laser diodes that can be arranged in different patterns (linear, matrix, circular) to match the geometry of the dental cavity. This segmentation allows complete coverage of the composite resin material in a single irradiation, eliminating the need for multiple treatments while keeping costs low through the use of inexpensive laser diodes
Solution Approach 2:
The laser device is designed with multiple wavelengths (e.g., 405nm, 450nm, 488nm) that can accommodate different types of composite resin materials with various photoinitiators. This universal design allows a single device to cure all types of composite resins effectively, improving productivity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photopolymerization devices are purchased for different composite resins, then compatibility with various materials is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple laser diodes emitting at different wavelengths (e.g., 405nm for TPO/BAPO, 450nm for CQ, 488nm for other photoinitiators) within a single unit. The controlling module can selectively activate the appropriate wavelength based on the composite resin type, providing universal compatibility with all common composite resins while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling module dynamically selects and activates the appropriate laser diode wavelength based on the type of composite resin being used. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize its output for each specific material, achieving full material compatibility through a single versatile device rather than requiring static, material-specific devices
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 laser device achieves precise and complete curing of composite resins with reduced operational time and cost, while minimizing damage to artificial roots and improving treatment quality through high-energy, focused light emission.
Implementation Method 1
the lights emitted by the light-emitting elements are reflected by the reflector and are then collimated by the collimating lens to produce parallel light
Implementation Method 2
the lights emitted by the light-emitting elements are reflected by the reflector and are then collimated by the collimating lens to produce parallel light
Implementation Method 3
the parallel light is focused by the focusing lens to form a focused light beam
Implementation Method 4
a photopolymerization reaction is generated to cause the conventional composite resin to produce a curing reaction
Implementation Method 5
Optical fiber is mainly used as a working medium, and the laser is output through the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device for dentistry has a body, a light source group, and a light guiding pipe. The body has an outer casing, an operating module, and a controlling module. The light source group is disposed in the body and has multiple light-emitting elements, a reflector, a collimating lens, and a focusing lens. Each light-emitting element is a laser diode, is disposed at a connecting portion of the body and is electrically connected to the controlling module. The reflector is mounted around the light-emitting elements. The collimating lens is disposed on a side of the reflector away from the light-emitting elements. The focusing lens is disposed on a side of the collimating lens away from the reflector. The light guiding pipe is detachably connected to the connecting portion of the body and is located on a front side of the light source group.