Dental Light Mode Switching Through Motion Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental care devices lack versatility in functions and user interaction methods for efficiently switching between curing and diagnostic operations, often requiring manual input that can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A dental care device with a light emitting system capable of multiple functions, including curing and diagnosis, and a sensor system to detect user movements for seamless operation changes, accompanied by visual and audio feedback for user confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input methods are used to switch between curing and diagnostic operations, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome switching procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects user movements via sensors and autonomously switches between curing and diagnostic modes based on detected movement patterns, eliminating the need for manual mode switching while maintaining simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (buttons, switches) with motion sensor detection to control mode switching, substituting physical interaction with automated sensing and control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are integrated into a single dental care device, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates both curing (light emitting) and diagnostic (sensor detection) functions into a single unit, allowing it to perform multiple dental care operations without requiring separate specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically switches between different operational modes (curing and diagnostic) based on real-time motion detection, enabling flexible adaptation to different dental care needs through automated function selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If automated motion detection is implemented to switch between functions, then productivity improves through seamless operation changes, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses motion sensors to continuously monitor user movements and provides real-time feedback by automatically adjusting operational modes based on detected motion patterns, enabling seamless transitions between curing and diagnostic functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual control mechanisms with automated sensor-based detection and control systems, using motion sensing technology to trigger functional changes without requiring physical button presses or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient switching between curing and diagnostic modes through intuitive user input, enhancing operational flexibility and safety with visual and audio feedback.

Implementation Method 1

Light cured polymeric materials are widely used in the field of dentistry for adhesion, sealing and restoration, and may be cured or hardened upon exposure to a source of radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a sensor configured to output movement signals representing movement of the dental care device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS12533220B2Dental care device

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 ULTRADENT PROD INC

AI summary

A dental care device may include a light emitting device configured to emit light according to a selected function of multiple functions of operation. The dental care device may also include a sensor configured to output movement signals representing movement of the dental care device and at least one processor. The processor may be configured to perform operations including determine a first movement of the dental care device based on the movement signals and in response to the first movement of the dental care device and in response to the light emitting device having a first status, direct a change in a function of operation of the light emitting device. The operations may also include in response to the first movement of the dental care device and in response to the light emitting device having a second status, direct a change in a status of the light emitting device.