Handheld X-Ray Paralleling Device for Dental Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld dental x-ray devices require dental professionals to set the device down and reposition it to align the electronic sensor correctly, which is inefficient and can lead to suboptimal image quality due to the need for manual alignment of the x-ray beam with the sensor.
Innovation Solution
A paralleling device that attaches or integrates with the handheld x-ray device, featuring a backscatter shield with ports and a positioning rod system, allowing for secure and adjustable alignment of the electronic sensor without needing to set the device down, ensuring the x-ray beam is perpendicular to the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dental professional uses a handheld x-ray device with separate sensor positioning, then the device portability and modern digital imaging are achieved, but the alignment efficiency and image quality are compromised due to manual repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handheld x-ray device with an integrated sensor positioning system into a single unified tool. The positioning system includes a positioning element with indicator markings that align with corresponding markings on the device housing, allowing the sensor to be correctly positioned without separate alignment tools or manual repositioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-aligning features where the positioning element on the sensor automatically aligns with indicator markings on the device housing. This self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for the dental professional to manually calculate or adjust angles, as the system guides proper positioning through visual indicators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment of the x-ray beam with the sensor is required, then device flexibility is maintained, but image quality and exposure efficiency deteriorate due to misalignment risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indicator markings as an intermediary alignment aid between the positioning element and the device housing. These visual indicators serve as a mediator that guides the dental professional in achieving correct alignment without requiring complex calculations or specialized skills, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining device flexibility.
3Reliability
If the dental professional must set down and reposition the device between sensor placement and imaging, then proper alignment can be achieved, but treatment time and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment features where the positioning element and indicator markings are pre-configured to show the correct position before imaging begins. This preliminary setup allows the dental professional to position the sensor correctly in advance without needing to set down and reposition the device later, thereby reducing treatment time while maintaining alignment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated positioning system enables continuous operation by eliminating the need to set down and reposition the device between sensor placement and imaging. The visual indicators allow for uninterrupted workflow where the dental professional can maintain hold of the device throughout the entire imaging process, ensuring continuity of useful action and reducing overall treatment time.
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
Enables quick and accurate positioning of the electronic sensor within the patient's mouth, improving image quality and reducing exposure time by allowing continuous use of the handheld device for imaging without manual repositioning, ensuring proper alignment and reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic sensor, such as a charge-couple device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), converts the x-rays into a digital image.
Implementation Method 2
Handheld x-ray devices include a backscatter shield that helps protect the dental professional from exposure to x-ray radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A paralleling device that attaches to or is integrated with the backscatter shield of a handheld x-ray device. The paralleling device includes a number of ports that receive a rod and hold the rod in a fixed position. The rod is attached to an electronic sensor for use in oral and dental radiography. By fixedly attaching the electronic sensor and rod to the handheld x-ray device, the paralleling device allows dentists, hygienists and other dental assistants to easily configure and place the rod and electronic sensor in the patient's mouth without setting the handheld x-ray device down. The paralleling device also ensures that the electronic sensor and handheld x-ray device are at an appropriate angle relative to one another to allow for proper imaging of a patient's mouth.