Intraoral Scanner Power Modes for Longer Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral scanners face challenges with high power consumption due to continuous scanning and processing requirements, limited battery capacity, and ergonomic constraints, necessitating a power management system to extend battery life without increasing size or weight.
Innovation Solution
An intraoral scanner with a power management unit that reduces power consumption by entering different modes based on motion and timer signals, gradually turning off components when not in use, and utilizing a detachable battery for efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery size is increased to extend operation time, then the battery life is improved, but the weight and size of the scanner increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit implements periodic action by transitioning the scanner between active scanning mode and low-power idle mode. During non-scanning periods, the system automatically reduces power consumption by disabling non-essential components while maintaining readiness to quickly resume scanning when needed, thereby extending battery life without requiring a larger battery
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery size is increased to extend operation time, then the battery life is improved, but the size of the scanner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action through automated power mode transitions. The power management unit monitors scanner usage and periodically switches between full-power scanning operations and reduced-power idle states, extending operational duration without increasing battery size or scanner volume
3Productivity
If all functionalities are activated during scanning, then the scanning performance is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit applies local quality by selectively controlling power supply to different functional components. During scanning, essential components receive full power while non-essential components are powered down. This selective power distribution maintains scanning performance while reducing overall power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics through adaptive power management that adjusts power consumption based on operational state. The power management unit dynamically transitions between power modes, activating all functionalities during scanning and disabling non-essential functions during idle periods, optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption
4Reliability
If the scanner remains ready during the entire session, then the readiness for use is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit implements periodic action by alternating between active and low-power states. During extended idle periods between scanning operations, the system automatically transitions to low-power mode while maintaining the capability to quickly resume scanning when motion is detected or a button is pressed, thus preserving reliability while reducing battery consumption
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple consecutive patient visits are supported, then the versatility is improved, but the need for frequent battery replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action through automated power mode transitions that extend operational duration. By reducing power consumption during idle periods between patient visits, the scanner can maintain readiness for multiple consecutive uses on a single battery charge, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements and supporting continuous 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
The power management system effectively extends battery life by reducing power consumption during non-use periods, ensuring the scanner remains ready for immediate use, and optimizing battery usage through intelligent power mode transitions.
Implementation Method 1
The motion sensor may include an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
The power management unit is configured to reduce the power consumption of the intraoral scanner based on a motion signal and a timer signal
Implementation Method 3
The intraoral scanner may include a battery for powering the intraoral scanner
Implementation Method 4
a projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient
Implementation Method 5
an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object
Implementation Method 6
The light passing region may include a optically transparent element with or without a λ/4 or a λ/2 waveplate for polarizing the light
Data Source
AI summary
An intraoral scanner includes a projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient; an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object; a battery for powering the intraoral scanner; a processor unit configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D images and/or 3D images; a wireless interface configured to communicate with an external device the one or more 2D images and/or 3D images, a motion sensor configured to sense a motion of the intraoral scanner; a timer unit; and a power management unit configured to reduce the power consumption of the intraoral scanner based on a motion signal provided by the motion sensor and a timer signal provided by the timer unit.Buchanan