Intraoral Sensor Mirror for Precise Dental X-Ray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental radiology systems face challenges in accurately positioning intraoral sensors due to the darkness and limited access of the oral cavity, leading to difficulties in minimizing X-ray exposure and obtaining clear images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mirror on the external face of the sensor or its support accessories to reflect visible light and facilitate precise positioning of the sensor relative to the anatomical area, allowing practitioners to adjust the sensor's placement by observing the reflected image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mirror is added to the sensor assembly to provide visual feedback for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is integrated directly into the sensor assembly housing, merging the visual feedback function with the existing sensor structure. This combination allows the mirror to be positioned precisely relative to the sensor without requiring separate mounting mechanisms, thereby improving positioning accuracy while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror acts as an intermediary element that provides indirect visual feedback about sensor positioning. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight observation of the sensor's active face, the practitioner can observe the reflection in the mirror, which mediates the visual information and enables positioning verification in the dark oral cavity environment.
2Measurement precision
If the practitioner performs multiple X-ray exposures to achieve correct positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is provided in advance on the sensor assembly, enabling the practitioner to verify sensor positioning before each X-ray exposure. This preliminary visual check allows the practitioner to make necessary adjustments without taking unnecessary X-ray shots, thereby reducing the number of repeated exposures and minimizing radiation exposure to the patient and staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror provides immediate visual feedback about the sensor's position relative to the anatomical structure. This feedback mechanism allows the practitioner to make real-time adjustments to the sensor positioning, ensuring correct alignment before each exposure and eliminating the need for trial-and-error X-ray shots that would increase radiation exposure.
3Ease of operation
If the oral cavity is illuminated to improve visibility for sensor positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but X-ray image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of illuminating the oral cavity from the front (the same dimension as the X-ray path), the solution uses the mirror to provide visual feedback from a different dimensional perspective. The practitioner can observe the reflection in the mirror without introducing light sources that would interfere with the X-ray path, thus maintaining image quality while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror serves as an intermediary that allows visual observation without requiring direct illumination of the oral cavity. By reflecting ambient light or using minimal lighting that doesn't interfere with the X-ray path, the mirror enables the practitioner to see the sensor positioning while preserving the quality of the subsequent X-ray images.
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
Enhances the accuracy of sensor positioning, reduces the need for repeated X-ray exposures, and minimizes patient and staff radiation exposure by providing a visual aid for correct alignment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mirror which is placed in front of the active face of the sensor, the mirror forming a face reflecting the visible light
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns medical imaging and, more specifically, intraoral dental radiology. The invention proposes a radiological imaging assembly comprising an intraoral image sensor 10, in which the sensor has an active face A corresponding to the photosensitive surface, and a mirror M1 that is positioned in front of the active face of the sensor, the face of the mirror reflecting visible light being turned in the same direction as the active face of the sensor, towards an X-ray source. The mirror can be arranged on the sensor itself, on the front face cover 23 of the encapsulating housing 20 of the sensor and/or on the outer face of an accessory containing or supporting the sensor, the outer face being turned in the same direction as the active face of the sensor.