Intraoral Imaging Module for Ergonomic Dental Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental practitioners face physical strain and discomfort due to the need to contort their bodies to visualize the operative field during dental procedures, which can lead to musculoskeletal issues over time, as conventional imaging methods do not adequately address the unique challenges of intraoral imaging.
Innovation Solution
A portable, modular, and multifunctional intraoral imaging system that projects an active image of the operative field onto a high-resolution screen in front of the practitioner, eliminating the need for contortion and reducing physical strain by using a moveable camera module with an articulating neck and a rotatable display holder, allowing for ergonomic positioning and Bluetooth communication for wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dental imaging methods (hand mirrors, direct vision) are used, then the practitioner can visualize the operative field, but the practitioner must contort their body causing physical strain and musculoskeletal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the intraoral operative field and displays them on a screen positioned in front of the practitioner. This creates a visual copy of the difficult-to-reach area, allowing the practitioner to view the operative field without physical contortion, thereby eliminating body strain while maintaining visualization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system acts as an intermediary between the practitioner and the operative field. Instead of direct visual contact requiring physical contortion, the camera and display system mediate the visualization process, transmitting the image of the operative field to the practitioner in an ergonomic position
2Productivity
If the practitioner sits at the traditional three-six-twelve position, then they can perform dental procedures, but they experience cervical and lumbar spine stress and musculoskeletal pathology
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a visual copy of the operative field on a display screen, the system allows practitioners to maintain an upright, ergonomic seating position while still performing dental procedures effectively. The copied image replaces the need for physical positioning that causes spine stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct visual inspection (requiring physical positioning and body contortion) with an optical-electronic system (camera and display). This substitution eliminates the mechanical strain on the practitioner's cervical and lumbar spine while maintaining procedural capability
3Ease of operation
If a dental hand mirror is used for visualization, then the operative field can be viewed, but the practitioner experiences difficulty maintaining hand-eye coordination and physical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The camera creates a stable, magnified copy of the operative field displayed on a screen, eliminating the need for the practitioner to manually manipulate a small hand mirror. This copied image provides superior visualization without requiring complex hand-eye coordination or physical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the visualization function from the practitioner's hands and eyes by using a camera to capture and display the image. This removes the complexity of hand mirror manipulation and hand-eye coordination requirements, leaving the practitioner to focus solely on the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to visualizing an operative field in the context of a dental operating theater, and more specifically, to a portable, modular, multifunctional intraoral imaging system to assist a practitioner in performing a medical or dental procedure in a confined space (e.g., intraoral cavity or mouth of a patient). The system may include an intraoral camera apparatus having a camera unit equipped with a wireless transmitter, and a viewscreen mounted to an articulated stand or dental delivery unit, wherein the camera wirelessly may transmit an image to a viewscreen located directly in front of a dental practitioner. The practitioner may look directly ahead at a high-definition screen to view the operative field. A dental practitioner may use the apparatus to perform micro-surgical procedures in a confined operative area with less-than-ideal visibility and access, without the present, though generally accepted, physical difficulties and limitations.