Dental Tool Recognition via AC Voltage Amplitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental treatment devices with tool recognition systems are complex in terms of measurement and evaluation, requiring multiple frequency measurements and unique coils for each tool, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified tool recognition system that uses AC voltage signals altered by the soft magnetic properties of tools to differentiate between connected tools, eliminating the need for multiple coils and complex evaluation processes, and utilizing amplitude extreme values for reliable identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple measurement frequencies and unique coils per tool are used, then tool identification reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single coil is used to detect multiple different tools instead of requiring a unique coil for each tool. The coil serves multiple functions by detecting the soft magnetic properties of various tool types (drills, reamers, taps, etc.) through a unified measurement approach using swept AC voltage and impedance analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures impedance at multiple frequency points across a swept AC voltage range to characterize tool properties. By analyzing impedance magnitude and phase angle at different frequencies, the system extracts unique signatures for each tool type without requiring multiple physical coils or complex hardware configurations.
2Device complexity
If a single coil with AC voltage signal evaluation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-point impedance measurement to multi-frequency impedance spectroscopy. By measuring impedance across a range of frequencies (swept AC voltage) and analyzing both magnitude and phase angle, the system creates a multidimensional tool signature that enhances differentiation precision while maintaining a simple single-coil configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical differentiation methods (such as mechanical markings or unique coil configurations for each tool) with electromagnetic field-based detection. By utilizing the soft magnetic properties of tools and analyzing their effect on AC voltage signals through impedance measurement, the system achieves precise tool identification through field interaction rather than mechanical or hardware complexity.
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 system provides a reliable and efficient method for recognizing connected tools based on AC voltage signal changes, ensuring precise tool identification and resource allocation without additional components, such as coils or markings, and allows for optimal operation of the treatment device with tailored resources.
Implementation Method 1
The tools each have a ferrite core and different coils. A measuring coil is provided in the treatment device, which is supplied with swept AC voltage from an AC voltage source and which can be inductively coupled to the different tools.
Implementation Method 2
The change, i.e. increase or decrease, in the AC voltage signal is caused by the soft magnetic properties of the tools, which affect the inductance of the coil.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A drive unit drives one of the several different tools (3) detachably connectable to the treatment device (1). A tool recognition device recognizes which of the different tools is connected to the treatment device. The tool recognition device has a coil that connects to alternating current (AC) voltage source and inductively couples to each of the different tools to generate a specific AC voltage signal having different amplitude for each of the different tools. An evaluation unit differentiates amongst different tools on the basis of the amplitude of generated signal. An independent claim is included for method for recognizing selected tool that is connected to medical treatment device.