Dental Unit Integration of Pressurized Fluid for Intraoral Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing a high-quality scan with intraoral scanners is time-consuming due to the need for preparing the dental cavity before scanning, which can be inefficient and cumbersome for dental professionals.
Innovation Solution
A dental unit that provides an intraoral scanner with pressurized fluid, such as compressed air or water, to prepare the scanning area without the need for a multifunction syringe, enhancing scan quality and reducing process time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If intraoral scanner is used without integrated pressurized fluid delivery, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but scan quality deteriorates due to inability to effectively prepare the scanning area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intraoral scanner with integrated pressurized fluid delivery capabilities by incorporating fluid channels, nozzles, and control systems directly into the scanner housing. This merging allows the scanner to simultaneously perform scanning and fluid delivery functions, enabling effective preparation of the scanning area (drying, cleaning, or applying impression material) without requiring separate equipment, thereby improving scan quality while maintaining relatively simple operation through unified control.
2Productivity
If traditional multifunction syringe is used to prepare the scanning area, then device complexity remains low, but process time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pressurized fluid delivery system performs preliminary preparation actions (drying, cleaning, or applying material) to the scanning area before the actual scanning process begins. The fluid can be delivered under pressure to quickly remove moisture or debris from tooth surfaces, ensuring the area is ready for scanning without requiring prolonged manual preparation with traditional syringes, thereby reducing preparation time and improving workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing fluid delivery and scanning to occur in a more integrated and seamless manner. The pressurized fluid can be delivered continuously or in controlled bursts during the scanning process, eliminating the need to stop and switch between separate instruments, thereby maintaining continuous workflow and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If pressurized fluid delivery is integrated into intraoral scanner, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating need for separate syringe, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intraoral scanner is designed with multi-functionality by integrating pressurized fluid delivery capabilities into the existing device. The scanner can perform both scanning and fluid delivery functions through a single instrument, eliminating the need for dental professionals to switch between separate syringes and scanners. This universal design improves ease of operation and user-friendliness, allowing one device to handle multiple tasks that were previously required separate instruments.
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 allows for higher-quality scans by automatically preparing the scanning area, increasing productivity and ergonomics by integrating the intraoral scanner with a dental unit for efficient fluid delivery and cleaning surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the dental unit is configured to provide the intraoral scanner with a pressurized fluid from the dental unit
Implementation Method 2
The pressurize fluid may be compressed air and / or water
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental unit for performing dental treatments, the dental unit comprising an instrument bridge for holding one or more dental instruments, wherein the dental instrument bridge is configured to provide electrical power and/or a pressurized fluid to the one or more dental instruments, and wherein the dental unit further comprises an intraoral scanner and wherein the dental unit is configured to provide the intraoral scanner with a pressurized fluid from the dental unit.