Dental Mirror With Integrated Waveguide and Airflow Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental mirrors face challenges with obstruction from liquids and debris, limited illumination, and ergonomic design issues, leading to reduced visibility and increased cleaning time during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dental instrument with an integrated light waveguide and airflow conduit, featuring a hydrophobic coating and a Fresnel lens, which provides effective illumination and debris removal, enhancing ergonomic design for improved visibility and reduced eye strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional dental mirrors are used without illumination, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination intensity is insufficient leading to poor visibility in obstructed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mirror and light waveguide into a single integrated optical component. The light waveguide is positioned adjacent to the mirror surface, allowing light to be transmitted through the waveguide and reflected off the mirror surface simultaneously, providing illumination in previously obscured areas without requiring separate lighting devices
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component serves multiple functions: it acts as both a reflective mirror for viewing and as a light transmission medium for illumination. The light waveguide integrates lighting functionality into the mirror structure, enabling the single device to perform both reflection and illumination tasks
2Reliability
If traditional dental mirrors are used without airflow, then the device complexity is low, but liquids and debris accumulate on the mirror surface obstructing the view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an airflow conduit within the optical component structure, combining the mirror, light waveguide, and airflow delivery system into a single unit. This allows continuous airflow to be delivered across the mirror surface to prevent liquid and debris accumulation while maintaining the mirror's primary viewing function
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow system continuously removes liquids and debris from the mirror surface, allowing the mirror to self-clean during use without requiring separate cleaning actions or tools from the operator
3Productivity
If the mirror surface is not hydrophobic, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but liquids and debris adhere to the surface requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hydrophobic coating to the mirror surface, changing the surface energy parameters to reduce liquid adhesion. This coating causes liquids to bead up and roll off the surface more easily, preventing accumulation of saliva, water, and other fluids during dental procedures
4Ease of operation
If traditional dental mirrors with fixed angle are used, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the ease of operation is reduced for sitting clinicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mirror angle adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the mirror surface to be positioned at different angles relative to the handle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables sitting clinicians to optimize the mirror angle for their specific positioning and patient requirements
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
The instrument effectively prevents fogging and removes liquids and debris, providing clear views and reducing cleaning time, while its ergonomic design enhances precision and accuracy during dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A light waveguide and an airflow conduit extend along the elongated member from the engagement end to the mirror end
Implementation Method 2
A Fresnel lens is configured on a front side of the land portion and be configured to emit a task light on to a subject, such as a tooth
Implementation Method 3
The land portion also comprises an internal convex mirror surface that is configured to reflect light transmitted down the light waveguide
Implementation Method 4
The mirror surface may comprise a hydrophobic coating to facility the removal of fluids and debris
Implementation Method 5
provide a flow of air across the surface to remove liquids and prevent fogging
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental mirror instrument has a light waveguide and an airflow conduit that extend along the length of an elongated member to a mirror portion. An airflow exiting from the airflow conduit may be directed over the mirror surface to remove fluids and debris. Light from a Sight source is transmitted along the light waveguide and is reflected off of a back-side of a land portion through a Fresnel lens to produce a task light. A mirror may have a hydrophobic surface and this surface may have raised portions or a patterned surface that further enhances the removal of fluids or debris. The optical component of the dental instrument may be detachable to a source component and may be disposable. A flexible connector may be coupled with the source component to provide an airflow to the airflow conduit and/or electrical power to the light source.