Modular Dental X-Ray Sensor Holder with Interchangeable Bite Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dental professionals face inefficiencies in switching between various sizes and shapes of x-ray sensors and their corresponding holders during procedures, requiring multiple individually designed and manufactured components, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular bite block and sensor holder assembly that allows for detachable connection of different sensor holders to a guide arm, enabling the use of a single sensor holder with multiple bite blocks and aiming rings to accommodate various sensor sizes and shapes, facilitated by complex profile tabs and slots for secure and removable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individually designed sensor holders are used for different sensor sizes and shapes, then each sensor can be securely held, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple sensor sizes and shapes through a single device. The holder features adjustable clamping mechanisms and interchangeable bite blocks that can be configured for different sensor dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders while maintaining secure positioning for each sensor type
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holder system is divided into modular components including the main holder body, interchangeable bite blocks, and adjustable clamping elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be changed or adjusted to fit different sensor requirements without replacing the entire holder assembly, reducing the number of complete components needed
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple individually designed bite blocks are used for different x-ray procedures, then proper orientation for each procedure is achieved, but the time required to change components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block system incorporates quick-release mechanisms and snap-fit connections that allow rapid interchange between different bite block configurations. The modular design enables dental professionals to switch between procedure-specific bite blocks in seconds rather than minutes, maintaining proper sensor orientation while minimizing procedure interruption time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bite blocks designed for different x-ray procedures are pre-configured and stored with the sensor holder assembly, allowing immediate selection and attachment of the appropriate bite block without requiring adjustment or modification during the procedure. The pre-prepared modular components enable rapid deployment for different procedural requirements
3Measurement precision
If multiple aiming rings are used to accommodate different collimator sizes and shapes, then proper alignment is achieved, but the quantity of components and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming ring is designed as a universal alignment device with adjustable collimator interfaces that can accommodate multiple collimator sizes and shapes through a single ring structure. The ring features interchangeable inserts or adjustable clamping mechanisms that maintain precise x-ray beam alignment for different collimator configurations without requiring multiple specialized rings
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple collimator accommodation features are merged into a single aiming ring design, combining what would traditionally require separate rings for different collimator types. The integrated design includes adjustable elements and universal mounting interfaces that provide precise alignment for various collimator configurations while simplifying manufacturing to a single base component
Data Source
AI summary
A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20). An alternative guide arm (100) has more than one attachment site (101a, 101b) for removably affixing a sensor holder (102, 103, 104) to the guide arm (100).