Full Mouth X-ray Insert with Waveguide for Single-Exposure Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current full mouth x-ray imaging techniques require multiple exposures, leading to excessive radiation exposure for patients and operators, misalignment issues, and inefficiencies in capturing complete images, especially for pregnant women and children.
Innovation Solution
A full mouth insert with u-shaped cavities for film strips or embedded imaging sensors that directs x-ray energy through the teeth using a waveguide, minimizing radiation escape and allowing single-exposure imaging, compatible with conventional x-ray machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple segmented x-ray exposures are used to image the full mouth, then complete imaging coverage is achieved, but radiation exposure to the patient and operator increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple film strips into a single holder that can capture the entire mouth in one exposure. The holder contains multiple film strips arranged to cover different quadrants simultaneously, allowing complete imaging coverage while reducing radiation exposure from multiple separate bursts to a single burst.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential imaging (one quadrant at a time) to simultaneous imaging by arranging film strips in a three-dimensional holder configuration. The film strips are positioned at different angles and locations within the holder to capture the entire mouth architecture in a single exposure event.
2Quantity of substance
If the x-ray transmitter is oriented from the outside in, then imaging of teeth and jaw structure is achieved, but excess radiation escapes to the thyroid and other sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional x-ray transmission direction by placing the film holder inside the mouth and orienting the x-ray beam to travel from the inside out. The x-ray transmitter is positioned within the oral cavity, directing radiation through the teeth and jaw structures onto the film strips, thereby containing radiation within the mouth and preventing escape to external sensitive areas like the thyroid.
Solution Approach 2:
The film holder acts as an intermediary structure that contains the film strips and positions them optimally within the mouth. This intermediary device allows the x-ray beam to be directed through the dental structures while the holder itself helps contain and control the radiation path, preventing excessive radiation escape.
3Ease of operation
If the operator manipulates the transmitter horn manually, then positioning for imaging is achieved, but misalignment occurs when the patient moves, requiring repeat images
Solution Approach 1:
The film holder is designed to be self-positioning within the patient's mouth. The holder's geometry and the arrangement of film strips are configured to automatically align with the dental arches when inserted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the operator. This self-aligning mechanism ensures consistent positioning even if the patient moves slightly during the procedure.
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 accurate, single-exposure imaging of the entire mouth with significantly reduced radiation exposure to the patient and operator, minimizing misalignment and repeat images, while being compatible with existing x-ray technology.
Implementation Method 1
The full mouth insert has a waveguide means that directs the beam of x-ray energy from the horn of the transmitter to the inside of the mouth
Implementation Method 2
the x-ray transmitter is oriented from the outside in. This means that each burst of x-ray energy passes through the patient's cheek, through the teeth
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus the present invention provides the ability to take an x-ray image of an entire mouth in one exposure while significantly reducing the amount of escaped x-ray energy. This is accomplished by using a full mouth insert that has slots for two strips of film, one for the upper set of teeth and one for the lower set of teeth, or an embedded imaging sensor.