Dental Light-Curing Apparatus with Reflected Radiation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental light-curing systems lack a method to accurately determine the position of the radiation source relative to the dental filling material, leading to inadequate light delivery and potential incomplete curing due to the complexity of using orange filter glasses and the absence of a radiation-based position determination mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that utilizes a radiation source and sensor to detect the reflected radiation, allowing for manual or automatic determination of the radiation source's position by measuring the intensity and characteristics of the reflected light, which can be used to adjust the light source's position and power for optimal curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If orange filter glasses are used to support positioning of the light source, then the spot visibility is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to tedious handling and complicated application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the manual filtering process and implements it through an integrated sensor system. The radiation sensor automatically detects the position of the light source relative to the filling material, eliminating the need for orange filter glasses and manual positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the radiation sensor to continuously monitor the light intensity reflected from the filling material. This feedback signal is processed to automatically adjust the light source position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal curing conditions without manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If manual positioning is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of position determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual positioning system with an optical sensing system. The radiation sensor detects the light reflected from the filling material to automatically determine the light source position, substituting mechanical adjustment with optical measurement and electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by using the radiation sensor to automatically detect and track the optimal position of the light source relative to the filling material. The system adjusts itself without requiring manual intervention, achieving both precision and automation.
3Ease of operation
If the light source is positioned incorrectly, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the curing effectiveness and energy efficiency deteriorate due to insufficient light delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation sensor provides continuous feedback on the light intensity reaching the filling material. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust the light source position or intensity to ensure adequate curing, maintaining both ease of operation and curing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as light source position, intensity, or exposure time based on real-time feedback from the radiation sensor. This ensures optimal curing conditions are maintained regardless of initial positioning accuracy, preserving both operational simplicity and curing effectiveness.
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 precise positioning and adjustment of the light source, ensuring sufficient light delivery for effective polymerization of dental filling materials, reducing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary heating, while being user-friendly even for untrained operators.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation sensor mounted on the housing for measuring at least a second radiation, wherein the second radiation is the first radiation reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiation source mounted on the housing for emitting the first radiation
Implementation Method 3
For curing dental filling materials used for the purpose of restoration for natural teeth but also for separately fabricated sets of teeth, radiation with a high UV portion is employed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating an object, in particular for light-curing a dental object by means of a first radiation, the apparatus comprising at least one radiation source for emitting the first radiation, the apparatus further comprising at least one radiation sensor for measuring at least a second radiation, and the apparatus further comprising a housing. The second radiation is the first radiation reelected by the object.