Dental Light Curing Device with Thermal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack real-time indication of photopolymerization degree in composites, leading to under-cured or over-exposed materials, which affect mechanical properties and efficiency in processes like dental restorations.
Innovation Solution
A light curing device with a noncontact thermal detector aligned with a light source to measure temperature changes during polymerization, providing real-time feedback on the degree of cure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light curing is used to polymerize composites, then energy efficiency is improved and solventless curing is achieved, but real-time monitoring of polymerization degree is not available leading to under-cured or over-exposed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a thermal detector that continuously monitors the temperature of the composite during light curing. Since polymerization is an exothermic process, the temperature increase provides real-time feedback on the polymerization degree. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when polymerization is complete and prevent over-exposure, while ensuring adequate curing without energy waste.
2Reliability
If overexposure is applied to ensure complete curing in thick coatings, then curing completeness is improved, but energy and time are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal detector provides real-time monitoring of the curing process, allowing the system to stop illumination exactly when polymerization is complete. This eliminates the need for overexposure and prevents time and energy waste while ensuring complete curing of thick coatings through continuous temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors temperature as a key parameter to determine curing progress. By tracking temperature changes during illumination, the system can accurately determine when polymerization is complete and adjust the curing process accordingly, avoiding both under-curing and over-exposure.
3Reliability
If conventional thermal curing methods are used, then curing completeness is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to thermal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal curing methods with photopolymerization using light energy. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature heating and associated thermal losses, achieving complete curing with significantly lower energy consumption through direct photo-initiation of polymerization.
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
This approach ensures proper light exposure for photopolymerization, improving the quality and durability of dental restorations by determining the complete cure state, thus reducing waste and enhancing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The composite or coating comprises a least one photopolymerizable resin and a photoinitator
Implementation Method 2
a light source capable of inducing polymerization of a photopolymer
Implementation Method 3
a noncontact thermal detector in alignment with said light source and capable of measuring the temperature or temperature change of the photopolymer upon polymerization
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a dental curing device comprising a light source having a wavelength capable of inducing polymerization of a photopolymer, and a noncontact thermal detector in alignment with said light source and capable of measuring the temperature or temperature change of the photopolymer upon polymerization.