Dental X-Ray Sensor Holder With Void Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental x-ray sensor holders struggle to securely position both the digital sensor and its connecting cable without interfering with the imaging procedure, compromising patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
A sensor holder with an upstanding frame and resilient latch fingers that snap-fit the sensor into place, allowing the connecting cable to be positioned through a void area, ensuring secure and unobtrusive placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connecting cable is affixed to the sensor itself, then the sensor can be easily connected, but the cable becomes cumbersome to position and interferes with the imaging procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connecting cable from the sensor body and positions it separately through the void area of the holder frame. This separation allows the cable to be routed independently away from the imaging area, eliminating interference while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder frame acts as an intermediary structure that receives both the sensor and the connecting cable. The void area in the frame provides a dedicated pathway for the cable, mediating between the sensor connection requirement and the imaging procedure requirements.
2Reliability
If the sensor holder uses a complex latching mechanism to secure the sensor, then the sensor positioning becomes more secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder frame is segmented into multiple latch fingers that can independently engage with the sensor. This segmentation provides secure positioning through multiple contact points while keeping each individual latch mechanism simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to hold the sensor securely, the patent uses resilient latch fingers that naturally spring into engagement with the sensor. The security comes from the resilient nature of the fingers rather than complex locking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the holder frame completely encloses the sensor, then the sensor is well protected and positioned, but the connecting cable cannot be properly positioned through the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The holder frame is segmented to include a void area that creates an opening or passage through the otherwise enclosing structure. This segmentation allows the connecting cable to pass through while the rest of the frame continues to protect and position the sensor securely.
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 solution effectively secures both the digital sensor and its connecting cable, maintaining patient comfort and ease of use during dental imaging procedures by providing a stable and cable-managed setup.
Implementation Method 1
The frame is provided with a plurality of latch fingers configured to resiliently receive the sensor in a snap-fit relation so as to removeably secure the sensor to said frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor holder (10) includes a frame member (20) that bounds a void area (21) and which is configured to receive a sensor (11). A retaining means (50, 51) is provided to hold the sensor (11) to the frame (20) such that a connecting cable (12) affixed to the sensor (11) is secured and positioned by the void area (21) for a subsequent imaging procedure.