Universal Dental X-Ray Sensor Holder with Elastomeric Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental x-ray sensor holders are not truly universal, requiring multiple devices and mechanisms for different procedures, and often struggle to securely hold digital sensors with attached wires, making them cumbersome and time-consuming to use.
Innovation Solution
A sensor holder with a clamping vise mechanism featuring an elastomeric biasing member that secures the sensor by stretching and then contracting to physically engage the sensor, accommodating various shapes and sizes, and allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment even with wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different holders and sensors are used for different x-ray procedures, then each procedure can be performed with appropriate equipment, but additional time and effort are required to sort through and employ the correct items
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder is designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can accommodate multiple sensor types (digital sensors, phosphor plates, film) and various x-ray procedures (bitewing, periapical, peripheral, anterior) through a single device. The elastomeric biasing member and adjustable jaw configuration enable one holder to perform functions previously requiring multiple specialized holders, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and time consumption.
2Reliability
If digital sensors with attached wires are used, then high-quality digital imaging is achieved, but it becomes difficult to easily and quickly employ previous sensor holders
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism incorporates an elastomeric biasing member that provides dynamic, adjustable clamping force. The jaw can be moved to different positions and the elastomeric member automatically adjusts to provide appropriate tension, allowing the holder to easily accommodate digital sensors with attached wires without compromising either imaging quality or ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder allows adjustment of clamping parameters (jaw position, clamping force) to accommodate different sensor configurations including those with attached wires. The elastomeric biasing member enables continuous adjustment of clamping force to optimize both sensor security and ease of insertion/removal, resolving the contradiction between reliable digital imaging and operational ease.
3Loss of time
If a single universal sensor holder is used for different procedures, then time and effort are reduced, but the holder must accommodate sensors of various shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into functional segments: a fixed support structure, a movable jaw, and an elastomeric biasing member. This segmentation allows the jaw to be independently positioned and adjusted to accommodate different sensor shapes and sizes while maintaining a single universal holder design, reducing procedural time without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable jaw combined with the elastomeric biasing member creates a dynamic clamping system that can adapt to various sensor geometries. The jaw can be repositioned along the biasing member's tension axis, enabling the single holder to securely accommodate sensors of different shapes and sizes efficiently, resolving the contradiction between time savings and adaptability requirements.
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 provides a simple, effective, and universal dental x-ray sensor holder that securely aligns and holds sensors of different sizes and shapes, reducing procedural time and effort by using a single device for multiple x-ray procedures while accommodating sensors with attached wires.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric biasing member having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the elastomeric biasing member is operatively affixed to the at least one jaw and the second end of the elastomeric biasing member is affixed to a support structure, such that the elastomeric biasing member can be stretched when the at least one jaw is moved in a direction away from the support surface, and whereby the elastomeric biasing member then exerts a biasing force in an opposite direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for holding a sensor (11) during a dental x-ray procedure includes a jaw (21) affixed to an elastomeric biasing member (22) that exerts a biasing force upon the sensor (11) to secure the sensor (11) between the jaw (21) and a support surface (30). In use, the user moves the jaw (21) in a direction away from the support surface (30), places the sensor (11) between the jaw (21) and the support surface (30) and allows the biasing force of the elastomeric biasing member (22) to draw the jaw (21) into physical engagement with the sensor (11).