Digital Measurement Apparatus for Endodontic File Length Calibration

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the length of dental endodontic files are inaccurate due to manual adjustments and the difficulty in reading small scales, leading to reduced treatment reliability and increased procedure time.

Innovation Solution

A digital measurement apparatus with a holding unit, measurement unit, and controller that compares images of the endodontic file with a preset reference value to provide accurate length adjustments, using a photographing unit, calculator, and display means to ensure precise measurements and notifications for matching lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of stopper position is used, then the measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of measurement processVSAvoidaccuracy of length measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated digital imaging and measurement system. The photographing unit captures images of the endodontic file, and the measurement unit automatically calculates lengths by comparing images, eliminating manual stopper adjustment while improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies (images) of the physical endodontic file and stopper position. By photographing the file multiple times at different stopper positions and comparing these digital copies, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring manual reading of physical scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If small scales are used on endodontic files, then file length can be marked precisely, but reading accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of length markingVSAvoidaccuracy of scale reading

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies (images) of the physical endodontic file and stopper position. By photographing the file multiple times at different stopper positions and comparing these digital copies, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring manual reading of physical scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated digital imaging and measurement system. The photographing unit captures images of the endodontic file, and the measurement unit automatically calculates lengths by comparing images, eliminating manual stopper adjustment while improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If repeated measurements are performed to correct errors, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of length measurementVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated digital imaging and measurement system. The photographing unit captures images of the endodontic file, and the measurement unit automatically calculates lengths by comparing images, eliminating manual stopper adjustment while improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement unit provides automatic feedback by comparing photographed images and calculating precise lengths, eliminating the need for repeated manual measurements to correct errors. The system self-corrects by using image comparison algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3834772B1Digital measurement apparatus and digital measurement method using the same

Publication Date: 2022.10.19 BNL BIOTECH

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AI summary

Digital measurement apparatus including a holding unit on which a measurement object to be measured is placed; and a measurement unit for measuring the measurement object by comparing an image of the measurement object placed on the holding unit with a preset reference value, and providing a reference for adjusting the length of a new measurement object based on a measured value of the measurement object. With this configuration, regardless of photographing conditions, by performing calibration using a set reference value, the accuracy of a measured value may be improved.