Dental Probe with Nested Optical and Ultrasonic Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental structure imaging technologies, such as direct digital radiology, require large equipment, result in low-quality 3D images, and pose radiation exposure concerns, limiting patient comfort and spatial accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A probe and dental structure imaging system that combines optical and ultrasonic signals to acquire both surface and depth information using a smaller, more accessible device, featuring a working channel with an optical element and ultrasonic transducer, allowing for simultaneous image registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct digital radiology (DDR) technique is used to acquire radiographic images, then imaging capability is provided, but equipment size becomes considerable and spatial accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element and ultrasonic transducer are nested within the probe body, with the ultrasonic transducer positioned on the outer side of the optical element within the same working channel. This nested arrangement allows both imaging modalities to be integrated in a compact form factor, eliminating the need for large separate imaging equipment while maintaining dual imaging capability.
2Reliability
If DDR technique is used, then radiographic imaging is achieved, but radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiation-based DDR imaging system with a mechanical/optical/ultrasonic imaging system. The optical element captures optical signals and the ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic signals without using ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capability through alternative physical principles.
3Measurement precision
If optical element is positioned at center of working channel, then optical signal acquisition is optimized, but ultrasonic transducer positioning becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel is designed with differentiated zones: the optical element is positioned at the center for optimal optical signal acquisition, while the ultrasonic transducer is positioned on the outer side within the same channel. This spatial differentiation within the constrained working channel allows each component to occupy its optimal position without interfering with the other, resolving the positioning conflict through localized quality optimization.
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 the acquisition of high-quality images with both surface and depth information in the same field of view, improving patient comfort and spatial accessibility by using smaller equipment that reduces radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
at least to one optical element provided in the working channel and configured to acquire a spectral image of surface information of an object
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the working channel and configured to acquire an ultrasonic image of depth information
Data Source
AI summary
A probe includes a working channel, at least one optical element provided in the working channel and configured to acquire a spectral image of surface information of an object, and an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the working channel and configured to acquire an ultrasonic image of depth information of the target and move with respect to the at least one optical element.