Fluorescence Oral Health Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral health assessment methods lack the ability for consumers to independently evaluate and control their brushing habits and provide timely feedback on oral health issues, especially in areas with low visual accessibility, leading to delayed detection of dental deposits like plaque and tartar.
Innovation Solution
An oral health detection device that emits excitation radiation with a wavelength greater than 580 nm and receives fluorescence radiation above 850 nm, using a light probe and sensor to analyze dental deposits, providing real-time feedback through a display for improved brushing habits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If consumers use traditional visual inspection methods to assess oral health, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and detection capability are insufficient for areas with low visual accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/optical system) with fluorescence detection (electromagnetic radiation system). The light source emits excitation radiation that causes dental deposits to fluoresce, and the light sensor detects this fluorescence, substituting human visual inspection with an electromagnetic radiation-based detection system that provides superior measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescence radiation as an intermediary between the dental deposits and the detection system. The dental deposits absorb excitation radiation and emit fluorescence radiation, which then serves as the intermediary signal that the light sensor can detect, enabling indirect but highly precise measurement of oral health conditions.
2Ease of operation
If consumers perform self-diagnosis at home, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and accuracy of detection are compromised due to inability to understand signals and low visual accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the light sensor detects fluorescence radiation from dental deposits and the logic component processes this information to provide real-time feedback to the consumer through visual or audible signals. This feedback mechanism enables consumers to reliably assess their oral health at home without requiring professional interpretation skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service oral health assessment by providing consumers with a device that automatically detects, analyzes, and communicates oral health status. The integrated system performs all functions from excitation radiation emission to fluorescence detection and result communication, allowing consumers to independently monitor their oral health without professional intervention.
3Productivity
If dental deposits are detected early, then the productivity of oral health management is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring dental deposits in low visual accessibility areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluorescence (a form of light emission/color change) as the detection mechanism. Dental deposits absorb excitation radiation and emit fluorescence radiation at different wavelengths, creating a detectable color/energy change that enables easy identification and early detection of dental deposits even in areas with low visual accessibility.
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 rapid and effective oral health assessment and feedback during normal brushing, enhancing the ability to detect dental deposits and guide users in maintaining better oral hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting excitation radiation having a wavelength greater than about 580 nm; a light sensor for receiving fluorescence radiation having a wavelength greater than about 850 nm reflected from dental deposits
Data Source
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AI summary
A handle section for an oral health detection device that is capable of use with both diagnostic and non-diagnostic cleaning sections is disclosed. The handle section includes a motor and a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis; a coupling section at an end of the handle section for coupling a cleaning section thereto; a light source for emitting excitation radiation having a wavelength greater than about 580 nm; an assembly for directing the excitation radiation to the dental region of the mouth; a light sensor for receiving fluorescence radiation having a wavelength greater than about 850 nm reflected from dental deposits; a logic component operable to analyze the fluorescence radiation received by the light sensor; anda controller including a light source activating device that is activated when a diagnostic cleaning section including a coding device is coupled to the coupling section.