Infrared Dental Material Heating With Sensor-Based Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental material heating devices are inefficient, often leading to overheating or underheating, which compromises the material and wastes energy, and lack safety features to prevent unwanted heating.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a body that accommodates different container types, featuring infrared light emitting diodes, temperature sensors, and proximity sensors to control and maintain precise temperature, along with locking mechanisms to ensure safe and efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric resistor heating devices are used to heat dental materials, then the dental materials can be warmed up to alter their properties, but the heating efficiency is poor and energy is wasted due to overheating or underheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using temperature sensors to continuously monitor the temperature of the container and adjust the heating power accordingly. The control unit compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and dynamically adjusts the heating element's power output, preventing both overheating and underheating, thereby significantly improving heating efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electric resistor heating with infrared LED heating technology. The infrared LEDs emit infrared radiation that directly heats the container and dental material without requiring high-power electrical resistance heating, resulting in more efficient energy conversion and reduced energy loss.
2Temperature
If heating devices without precise temperature control are used, then dental materials can be heated, but the materials may be compromised or deteriorated due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensors and a feedback control system that continuously monitors the temperature and adjusts heating power in real-time. This prevents overheating that could compromise material integrity while ensuring the dental material reaches the necessary temperature for proper handling and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature assessment and controlled heating from the start, using the control unit to gradually increase temperature to the target range rather than applying high heat immediately. This preliminary controlled action prevents thermal shock and material deterioration.
3Ease of operation
If heating devices lack safety features, then heating operation is simple, but unwanted heating can occur causing energy waste and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system with temperature sensors automatically detects when the target temperature is reached and stops or reduces heating, preventing unwanted overheating. This maintains operational simplicity for the user while eliminating harmful effects through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through integrated temperature sensors and control logic. The system automatically manages its own heating process, detecting temperature conditions and adjusting power output without requiring constant user intervention, thus preventing unwanted heating while maintaining ease of use.
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 device efficiently heats dental materials to desired temperatures, reducing energy consumption and preventing material deterioration, while ensuring safety through precise temperature control and automatic deactivation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode configured to emit infrared light onto an outer surface of the container housing the dental material
Implementation Method 2
The heating device efficiently heats dental materials to desired temperatures
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensors, and proximity sensors to control and maintain precise temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating device 10 for heating a dental material and a method for controlling the temperature of a dental material.