Focused Flashlight Curing for Precise Light-Curable Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental light-curing adhesives require UV lamps for curing, which may be cumbersome and inefficient for certain applications, especially in non-dental settings.
Innovation Solution
A flash light device with a focusing mechanism and optical fibers is used to deliver light-curing energy precisely to the desired area, allowing for efficient curing without the need for UV lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV lamps are used for curing light-curable adhesives, then the curing process can be achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and less efficient for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional UV lamp curing system with a flash light device that uses high-intensity flash lighting to initiate the curing process. This substitution eliminates the need for complex UV lamp infrastructure while maintaining effective curing capability, directly resolving the contradiction between curing efficiency and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lighting parameters by using flash light with specific duration and intensity characteristics instead of continuous UV illumination. This parameter change enables rapid curing in a fraction of a second while using simpler lighting equipment, thereby improving productivity without increasing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a flash light device with focusing mechanism is used, then light energy can be delivered precisely to the desired area, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements that transmit and focus light energy from the flash light device to the specific target area. These optical fibers act as mediators that enable precise light delivery without requiring complex mechanical focusing mechanisms, thus achieving manufacturing precision while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses optical fibers to deliver light through a different dimensional approach - transmitting light through flexible fiber optic cables that can reach complex geometries and hard-to-access areas. This dimensional change enables precise curing in three-dimensional spaces without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are used to deliver light, then curing can be achieved in complex geometries and underwater, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical fibers that can serve multiple functions - delivering light for curing, reaching complex geometries, and working underwater. This universal approach allows a single device configuration to handle diverse application scenarios, improving adaptability while the modular nature of optical fibers helps manage device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the light delivery system into separate optical fiber modules that can be independently positioned and directed. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various application requirements (complex geometries, underwater use) without requiring a completely different device architecture, thereby improving versatility while controlling overall device complexity
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 precise curing of light-curable adhesives in various environments, including underwater and complex geometries, with immediate bonding and the ability to remove the bond without residue, suitable for diverse applications beyond dental use.
Implementation Method 1
A flash light device with a focusing mechanism and optical fibers is used to deliver light-curing energy precisely to the desired area
Implementation Method 2
A flash light device with a focusing mechanism and optical fibers is used to deliver light-curing energy precisely to the desired area
Implementation Method 3
light-curing or light-curable adhesives are well-known for use in the oral cavity. These adhesives are primarily used for fabricating temporary restorations. After application, they are cured by exposure to UV light from UV lamps
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flashlight device comprising at least one unit for generating flashlight and at least one unit for focusing the generated flashlight. The invention further relates to a method for the use thereof and to a set comprising at least one flashlight device according to the invention, a light-curable material and a device.