Dental Light Curing Device Illumination Measurement Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light measuring devices for dental light curing devices are unable to accurately measure illumination intensity independently of the light exit surface shape and size, leading to erroneous measurements due to beam expansion and shape deviations from circular formats.
Innovation Solution
A light measuring device with measurement fields distributed in at least two dimensions, such as a Cartesian coordinate system, allowing for the detection of illumination intensity by integrating output signals from a matrix of sensors, with a stop or reference mark to reduce scattered light and compensate for obliquity errors, using CCD sensors for precise evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor with smaller diameter than the light guide and its light exit surface is used, then measurement can be conducted independently of light exit surface diameter, but only a fraction of emitted light power is detected leading to erroneous measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear sensor arrangement to a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of measurement fields. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor array to cover the entire light exit surface area, capturing all emitted light power while maintaining independence from the specific diameter or shape of the light guide output.
2Device complexity
If a one-dimensional arrangement of light sensors is used, then the design is simple, but exact measurement results cannot be delivered when the light exit surface has a shape deviating from circular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of measurement fields instead of a one-dimensional linear array. This 2D configuration naturally adapts to various light exit surface shapes (circular, rectangular, irregular) by providing comprehensive spatial coverage, eliminating measurement errors associated with non-circular geometries while maintaining relatively simple sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional measurement field matrix serves multiple functions: it accurately measures light power for various shapes, detects beam expansion, provides spatial distribution information, and works with different light guide configurations. This universal approach replaces the need for shape-specific calibration or specialized sensor arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If measurement fields are arranged in a matrix greater than the light exit surface, then illumination intensity can be detected by integrating output signals, but scattered light outside the focal region affects the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stop element that extracts or blocks scattered light from reaching the measurement fields. By positioning the stop at the light exit surface, it prevents off-axis scattered light from entering the sensor array, allowing only the focused light from the focal region to be measured, thus eliminating the harmful scattering effect.
4Ease of operation
If the light curing device is held over the sensor field for distance measurement, then beam expansion can be detected, but erroneous measurements occur with smaller diameter sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional measurement field matrix enables accurate distance measurements by detecting beam expansion patterns across the entire sensor array. As the light source moves away, the beam expands and illuminates more measurement fields; this spatial distribution pattern provides accurate distance information while the integrated signal across all fields maintains measurement precision despite the expansion.
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
Enables reliable and accurate measurement of illumination intensity regardless of light exit surface shape or size, allowing for precise detection and calibration without exact alignment, and compensation for obliquity errors, ensuring effective light curing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement fields provided for the light measuring device are distributed in at least two dimensions... detect the illumination intensity of the light source in a surprisingly simple way by integrating the output signals of the measurement fields
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light measuring device 34, in particular for dental light curing devices, for detecting the illumination intensity of a light source 19, which is arranged, in particular, in the light curing device, to which a light guiding device, in particular, having a light exit surface 21 at its outlet, is connected, the light measuring device 34 having at least four measurement fields 38 distributed in two dimensions.