Dental Illumination Device with Adjustable LED Array and Lensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination devices in dentistry require multiple light sources with different color temperatures and wavelengths, leading to increased costs and space requirements, as halogen lights have a constant color temperature that is not suitable for various dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination device with a mounting assembly of equidistant LEDs of different color temperatures and wavelengths, positioned at angles to project a uniform light image at a remote distance using lensing assemblies that focus light before the focal point, allowing for adjustable alignment of LEDs with lensing assemblies to achieve desired illumination characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple halogen light sources with different color temperatures are used, then various illumination requirements for different dental procedures can be met, but the device complexity and floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED light sources with different color temperatures (e.g., 3200K, 4700K, 6800K) into a single integrated illumination device, replacing the need for multiple separate halogen lights. This merging approach maintains the ability to provide various color temperatures while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed with multiple LED modules that can be selectively activated to provide different color temperatures for various dental procedures. A single device performs multiple functions (different color temperature illumination) that previously required separate specialized lights, making it universal for various dental applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate light sources are used for different dental procedures, then specific wavelength requirements can be met, but the floor space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple LED light sources with different wavelengths and color temperatures into a single compact unit. This consolidation maintains the wavelength coverage needed for various dental procedures (e.g., ultraviolet curing, blue light detection, general illumination) while significantly reducing the floor space required compared to having multiple separate light sources.
3Ease of manufacture
If halogen lights are used for general illumination, then a simple light source is provided, but the color temperature is constant and cannot be adjusted for different procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device incorporates multiple LED modules with different color temperatures that can be dynamically selected and adjusted during use. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its color temperature output based on the specific dental procedure being performed, transitioning from a static halogen light to a versatile, adjustable illumination system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes LED technology to enable changes in color temperature parameters while maintaining a relatively simple light source structure. By switching between different LED modules with distinct color temperatures (3200K for general illumination, 4700K for surgical procedures, 6800K for color matching), the system achieves parameter adjustability without significantly complicating the overall device design.
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 a cost-effective, space-efficient solution for projecting uniform light with desired color temperatures and wavelengths, suitable for various dental procedures, reducing the need for multiple light sources and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each lensing assembly comprising at least one optically transparent lens determining said lensing focal point, and means for shifting said contact plate and mounting assembly to align a select one of said light emitting devices with a corresponding lensing assembly
Implementation Method 2
The illumination device comprises a mounting assembly divided into a plurality of sections, each section comprising a plurality of light emitting sources arranged substantially equi-distant along a circumference of said assembly at an angle to project a light image at the remote distance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an illumination device for projecting a substantially uniform light at a remote distance. The illumination device comprises a mounting assembly divided into a plurality of sections, each section comprising a plurality of light emitting sources arranged substantially equi-distant along a circumference of said assembly at an angle to project a light image at the remote distance, an contact plate connected via a central axis with, and fixed to, the mounting assembly, the contact plate providing an electrical contact to each of the light emitting devices, a plurality of lensing assemblies equal in number to plurality of sections axially aligned with the mounting assembly, the lensing assembly aligned with a select one of the light emitting sources in a corresponding section, the light emitting source being positioned in front of a focal point of the lensing assembly, each lensing assembly comprising at least one optically transparent lens determining said lensing assembly focal point, and means for shifting said contact plate and mounting assembly to align a select one of said light emitting devices with a corresponding lensing assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the lens assemblies may be positioned linearly and light emitting sources are positioned along an edge of the mounting assemblies, wherein the LEDs are positioned in front of the lensing assemblies by shifting each of the mounting assemblies.