Laser Dental Preparation System with Feedback Beam Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based dental treatment systems face challenges in accurately targeting irregularly shaped cavities, leading to potential damage of unaffected tissue and uneven energy application due to the need for manual precision and the powerful nature of laser beams.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled optical system with a feedback-controlled beam guidance system and adjustable energy profiles, allowing for precise targeting and uniform energy distribution within selected treatment areas, including irregular shapes, using lenses and galvanometers to accurately position and control the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual laser beam positioning is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the treatment precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately target irregularly shaped cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled beam guidance system that uses position sensors to detect the actual location of the laser beam and automatically adjusts the beam direction to compensate for deviations. This closed-loop control ensures high treatment precision by continuously correcting the beam position, while the automated nature of the feedback mechanism prevents excessive system complexity through efficient sensor-integration and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical-electrical control system. Instead of relying on manual manipulation of the laser beam, the system uses computer-controlled optical elements (such as galvanometer mirrors or acousto-optic deflectors) to precisely position the beam based on digital instructions, thereby achieving high treatment precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Power
If high power laser beams are used, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging unaffected tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering high laser power only to the specific affected areas (cavities) while maintaining low or zero power in surrounding healthy tissue. The beam guidance system precisely targets the irregularly shaped cavities, ensuring that the high power laser beam is concentrated only where treatment is needed, thereby eliminating the risk of damaging unaffected tissue while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the treatment area into affected and unaffected zones, applying different laser power levels to each segment. The beam guidance system divides the laser output into discrete beam paths that selectively target only the cavities, leaving healthy tissue segments untouched. This segmentation approach allows high power treatment where needed while protecting unaffected areas from harmful effects.
3Area of stationary object
If the laser beam is directed to cover the entire treatment area, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the energy distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam guidance that continuously adjusts the laser beam position and energy distribution in real-time based on the irregular geometry of the treatment area. The system uses computer-controlled optical elements to dynamically redirect the beam, ensuring that each portion of the irregularly shaped cavity receives the appropriate amount of energy. This dynamic adjustment maintains uniform energy distribution across the entire treatment area while achieving complete coverage.
4Measurement precision
If computer-controlled beam guidance is implemented, then the treatment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computer control system that acts as a mediator between the operator and the complex beam guidance mechanisms. The computer software handles the complexity of coordinating multiple optical elements, sensors, and actuators, presenting a simplified interface to the operator while achieving high beam positioning accuracy. This intermediary layer manages the device complexity through automated algorithms and centralized control, preventing excessive operational complexity.
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
Facilitates high-accuracy treatment with reduced pain by minimizing unnecessary tissue exposure and ensuring uniform energy application, effectively treating affected areas while avoiding damage to unaffected tissue.
Implementation Method 1
A computer-controlled optical system with a feedback-controlled beam guidance system and adjustable energy profiles, allowing for precise targeting and uniform energy distribution within selected treatment areas
Implementation Method 2
effectively treating affected areas while avoiding damage to unaffected tissue
Implementation Method 3
computer-controlled optical system with a feedback-controlled beam guidance system and adjustable energy profiles, allowing for precise targeting
Implementation Method 4
feedback-controlled beam guidance system for targeting the laser beam within a specified area of a surface of the dental tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.