Integrated Dental Probe-Mirror for One-Handed Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental examination tools require both hands for operation, lack simultaneous visualization for both practitioner and patient, and fail to provide accurate, real-time multi-dimensional data capture and sharing.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, integrated probe and mirror system in a single electronic device that allows one-handed operation, incorporating sensors and cameras for real-time multi-dimensional visualization, data capture, and sharing, using infrared thermal imaging and augmented reality goggles for simultaneous patient and practitioner viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional probe and mirror are used together, then comprehensive visual access to oral cavity is achieved, but both hands are required for manipulation and operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the probe and mirror into a single integrated device where the mirror is attached to the probe shaft. This merging allows the practitioner to control both instruments with one hand while maintaining the ability to access various oral cavity areas, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe-mirror device serves multiple functions: visual inspection, illumination, and probing capability are combined in one instrument. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate probe and mirror manipulation, improving ease of operation while reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple instruments.
2Loss of information
If conventional examination tools are used, then basic visual inspection is possible, but simultaneous visualization for both practitioner and patient is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera system that captures visual information from the oral cavity and transmits it to a display device. This copying of visual information allows both the practitioner and patient to see the same view simultaneously, eliminating information loss while managing complexity through digital transmission rather than direct optical sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and display system act as intermediaries between the oral cavity and the observers. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight sharing, the visual information is mediated through electronic transmission, enabling simultaneous visualization for both practitioner and patient without increasing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If single-handed operation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device functionality may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the probe and mirror functions into one device, the patent enables single-handed operation without sacrificing examination capability. The integrated design maintains all necessary functions (visual inspection, illumination, probing) while requiring only one hand for manipulation, thus improving ease of operation while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe-mirror device incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning of the mirror and probe elements. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different examination scenarios and patient anatomies while maintaining single-handed operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and versatility.
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 efficient, accurate, and real-time multi-dimensional dental examination and data sharing, enhancing clinical understanding and patient communication, while reducing the physical armamentarium of the dentist.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates one or more infrared cameras
Implementation Method 2
using non-invasive thermography, also known as infrared thermal imaging
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presented herein describes a novel, useful and non-obvious tool for dental practitioners to multi-dimensionally view, examine, probe, analyze and share all of the foregoing with a patient in real time. The invention embodies a wireless, integrated probe and mirror system in a single electronic apparatus which allows a practitioner, as well as a patient, to have a simultaneous live visual of the mouth throughout any oral procedure. Additionally, the system includes sensors and data collection and transmission components capable of assessing, recording, and storing data for clinical diagnosis and training purposes. Integration of the probe and mirror system into one electronic device establishes an all-in-one system that enables any practitioner to free their hand that is traditionally dedicated to the mirror and have a live visual of the mouth available to them and the patient throughout any procedure.