Self-Cleaning Dental Mirror with Sensor-Activated Wiper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental mirrors require manual cleaning, which disrupts dental procedures and is inefficient in removing solid debris, leading to prolonged patient discomfort and procedural delays.

Innovation Solution

A lithium battery-powered dental mirror with a wiper design and sensor-activated system, utilizing a plastic wiper with silicone coating to automatically remove debris, optionally with a timer or internal water source, and a heating element to prevent fogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning is used, then the mirror can be cleaned, but the procedure must be stopped and the operator must pause to clean manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemirror cleaning operationVSAvoiddental procedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dental mirror performs its own cleaning automatically through an integrated wiper mechanism powered by a lithium battery, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The sensor detects debris coverage and triggers the wiper to clean the mirror surface autonomously during the dental procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper mechanism is pre-positioned and ready to activate immediately when debris is detected. The system performs the cleaning action before it affects the dental procedure, maintaining continuous workflow without interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the mirror is cleaned frequently to maintain visibility, then clear viewing is maintained, but the procedure is interrupted every 5-10 seconds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemirror visibilityVSAvoidprocedure interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor is embedded in the mirror to detect when debris covers the surface, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This triggers the wiper to activate only when needed, maintaining visibility without unnecessary interruptions to the dental procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper mechanism enables continuous cleaning operation without interrupting the dental procedure. The lithium battery powers the wiper to operate seamlessly during the procedure, eliminating pauses for manual cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If air-water syringe is used to rinse the mirror, then the mirror can be rinsed, but solid debris cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemirror rinsing operationVSAvoiddebris removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fluid-based cleaning method (air-water syringe) with a mechanical wiper system. The wiper uses physical contact and friction to scrape and remove solid debris from the mirror surface, effectively eliminating the limitation of fluid-based rinsing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper is constructed with a silicone coating that provides effective contact with the mirror surface for debris removal. This material combination enhances the wiper's ability to adhere to and remove various types of debris effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If the wiper is activated continuously to ensure clean mirror, then visibility is maintained, but energy is consumed continuously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemirror cleanlinessVSAvoidlithium battery energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor provides feedback that activates the wiper only when debris is detected on the mirror surface. This on-demand activation based on actual need minimizes energy consumption while maintaining mirror cleanliness throughout the dental procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper operates periodically based on sensor detection rather than continuously. The control system activates the wiper in response to detected debris conditions, creating periodic operation that conserves battery energy while ensuring cleanliness when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 continuous, uninterrupted dental procedures by automatically clearing debris, reducing operator intervention and maintaining clear visibility, thus enhancing operational efficiency and patient comfort.

Implementation Method 1

the lithium battery powers a heating element to prevent fogging on the mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

A plastic wiper with silicone coating is used to clean off solid debris

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240215813A1Self-Cleaning Dental Mirror

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 HOWARD MEILIN

AI summary

A self-cleaning dental mirror which allows for procedures to continue uninterrupted by using a wiper to clear away debris. The self-cleaning dental mirror is activated through a battery system which activates the wiper system from a button press, sensor system, or internal timer which pushes the wiper along the surface of the mirror and scraping the debris from the wiper when returning.