Dental Polymerization Apparatus Cover-Actuated Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dental polymerization apparatuses require separate devices for preliminary and final polymerization, leading to space inefficiency and difficulties in combining them due to differences in shape, light irradiation range, and intensity.
Innovation Solution
A single polymerization apparatus that adjusts its configuration based on the position of a cover to perform both preliminary and final polymerization, sharing light sources and eliminating the need for separate vessels by using a rotating table and multiple light sources with varying light axes for efficient curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate preliminary polymerization apparatus and final polymerization apparatus are provided, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific function, but the space occupied increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both preliminary polymerization apparatus and final polymerization apparatus into a single integrated device. The housing contains both a preliminary polymerization chamber and a final polymerization chamber, allowing both functions to be performed in one apparatus, thereby reducing the total space occupied while maintaining the specialized functions of each polymerization stage
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated polymerization apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. It can carry out preliminary polymerization in the first chamber and final polymerization in the second chamber, making the apparatus universal for both polymerization stages that were previously requiring separate dedicated devices
2Reliability
If separate preliminary polymerization apparatus and final polymerization apparatus are provided, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate polymerization apparatus into one integrated device with a unified housing structure. By combining the preliminary polymerization chamber and final polymerization chamber within a single housing, the overall device complexity is reduced compared to having two separate apparatus, while still maintaining the functional optimization of each polymerization stage
3Area of stationary object
If a single apparatus performs both preliminary and final polymerization, then space is saved and device complexity is reduced, but the light sources must be shared between different polymerization stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source system into two independent sets: one set for the preliminary polymerization chamber and another set for the final polymerization chamber. This segmentation allows each chamber to have its own optimized light sources without interference, simplifying the overall configuration compared to sharing a single light source system between both stages
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 and space-saving simultaneous preliminary and final polymerization processes, improving user convenience and reducing the need for multiple devices while ensuring uniform curing of dental prostheses.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-curable material (may be referred to as 'polymerization material') is used to form a shape before the photo-curable material is cured (may be referred to as 'polymerization'), and after the shape is formed, the photo-curable material is irradiated with light to be cured
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An object is to provide a polymerization apparatus for dental technique with which both of preliminary polymerization and final polymerization can be carried out by one apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of light sources whose light axes run at least in two directions; a cover that covers the light sources, forms a polymerization space inside thereof and switches a formation and closure of an opening that communicates inside and outside the polymerization space; a sensor that detects the formation and closure of the opening by the cover; a controller that receives signals from the sensor, and based on the formation and closure of the opening, turns on some of the light sources having two or more directions of light axis with the opening closed, and turns on some of the light sources having fewer directions of light axis than with the opening closed, with the opening open.