Dental X-Ray Sensor Holder Using Pneumatic Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental x-ray imaging media holders require multiple devices for different sizes and configurations, and current securing methods like adhesives and straps are aesthetically unpleasing, bulky, or unsuitable for the oral cavity, necessitating a universal holder that securely affixes various imaging media without these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A dental x-ray sensor holder utilizing suction created between the sensor and a backing plate within an evacuation chamber, with vertical ridges for even air evacuation and optional elastomeric materials for enhanced suction, connected via suction tubing to a dental chair's suction system, allowing for compact and versatile positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives or straps are used to secure imaging media to the holder, then the media can be held in place, but the holder becomes bulky and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic suction through evacuation chambers to secure the imaging media to the holder. By creating a vacuum environment between the media and holder surface, the suction force securely holds the media without requiring additional mechanical components like straps or bulky adhesive structures, thus maintaining a compact holder design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical securing methods (straps, clips, or bulky adhesive structures) with a pneumatic suction system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical fastening mechanisms, resulting in a more compact and aesthetically pleasing holder while maintaining secure media attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized holders are kept for different sizes and configurations of imaging media, then each holder can be optimized for its specific media type, but it takes time and effort to match the correct holder to the imaging media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal holder with adjustable and adaptable features that can accommodate various sizes and configurations of imaging media. The holder includes adjustable positioning mechanisms and adaptable securing surfaces that can be configured for different media types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders and reducing the time required to match holders to specific imaging media.
3Strength
If straps are used to secure imaging media, then the media can be held firmly, but straps provide extra bulkiness and are not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic suction to secure imaging media, replacing physical straps with a vacuum-based holding mechanism. This approach provides firm securing force through pressure differential while maintaining a sleek, strap-free holder profile that is more aesthetically pleasing and compact.
4Strength
If adhesives are used to secure imaging media, then the media can be held in place, but some adhesives are not suitable for use in the oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic suction as a non-contact, non-chemical securing method that is fully compatible with the oral cavity environment. Unlike adhesives that may contain harmful chemicals or create contamination risks, the suction-based system uses only air pressure differential, making it safe for dental applications while providing adequate securing force.
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 holder securely attaches diverse x-ray sensors using suction, eliminating the need for adhesives and straps, providing a compact, aesthetically pleasing solution that can accommodate various sizes and shapes, reducing the need for multiple holders and ensuring efficient x-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
securing an x-ray sensor to a holder using suction created between the sensor and a backing plate of the sensor holder
Implementation Method 2
vertical ridges for even air evacuation
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental x-ray sensor holder 10 for securing an x-ray sensor 1 to a holder using suction created between the sensor and a backing plate 3 of the sensor holder. The dental x-ray sensor holder generally includes a bite block 2 with a first end and a second end, a backing plate 3 affixed to or formed contiguously with the second end of the bite block, and an opening 17 to a cavity 20 in the holder, wherein said cavity 20 leads an evacuation chamber 14 for creating a vacuum between the holder and an X-ray sensor.