Hand-held Light Curing Device Automatic Initialization Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light curing devices require manual initialization, which can lead to delayed or failed curing cycles due to incorrect actuation of the actuating switch, and frequent switching on and off reduces the lifespan of halogen light sources, posing safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A sensor that automatically initiates the initialization program when the light curing device is removed from a base station or docking station, eliminating the need for manual actuation and ensuring consistent operation without interfering with the user's focus on the curing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual initialization is required by actuating the actuating switch, then the device can be controlled, but initialization may be delayed or failed due to incorrect actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitialization reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor automatically detects when the light curing device is removed from the base station and initiates the initialization program before the user needs to use the device. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual actuation of the actuating switch during initialization, ensuring reliable startup without requiring precise user action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If frequent switching on and off is used for cleaning purposes, then accessibility is improved, but the service life of halogen light sources is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidlight source lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic initialization triggered by sensor detection eliminates unnecessary switching cycles. The system only activates when the device is removed from the base station, preventing premature or accidental switching that would occur with manual actuation, thereby extending light source lifespan while maintaining cleaning accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic switching on is implemented when objects enter exposure range, then convenience is improved, but safety risks increase due to inadvertent activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching convenienceVSAvoiduser safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base station serves as an intermediary that houses the sensor and controls the initialization process. The sensor detects device removal from the base station and triggers initialization automatically, providing convenient automatic switching while ensuring safety through controlled activation only when the device is properly positioned and ready for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If program control is implemented for automatic initialization, then operational consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitialization consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light curing device performs self-initialization through the sensor detecting device removal from the base station. The microprocessor automatically executes the initialization program without requiring manual user input, achieving consistent and reliable initialization while keeping the control system relatively simple through self-service operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8113831B2Hand-held light curing device
Publication Date: 2012.02.14 IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG
  • US8113831B2 patent drawing
  • US8113831B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present Invention relates to a hand-held light curing device (10), in particular for the dental sector, with a base station (30) or a rest, on which the light curing device (10) having a light source (10) is supported. A sensor (40) is fitted on the base station (30) or the rest or on the light curing device (10), and the sensor (40) initializes the light curing device (10).