Magnetic Positioning for Dental Tool Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental procedures face challenges in achieving precise positioning and orientation of dental handpieces due to visual impairments from debris and lack of magnet-guided systems, which affect the accuracy and success of procedures like fillings, crowns, and dental implant surgery.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic positioning system that uses electromagnets affixed to objects in a patient's mouth and magnetometers on dental tools to estimate the position and orientation of the tools relative to the objects, providing feedback for precise automation and improving procedural accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual methods are used to track dental handpiece position, then the system is simple to implement, but positioning precision deteriorates due to debris and poor visibility in the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual/optical tracking methods with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Electromagnets are placed on reference objects (teeth, bone, or surgical guides) and electromagnets on the dental handpiece interact through magnetic fields to determine position and orientation, eliminating the need for visual tracking in the mouth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the reference objects and the dental handpiece. The magnetic field serves as a non-line-of-sight communication medium that penetrates oral debris and provides reliable positioning data without requiring direct visual contact
2Manufacturing precision
If magnet-guided systems are implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic positioning system into separate modular components: reference electromagnets attached to stable oral objects, mobile electromagnets on the dental handpiece, and a processing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the magnetic positioning system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: tracking position, determining orientation, and providing real-time feedback for automated control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and manages complexity through integration
3Measurement precision
If electromagnets and magnetometers are used for positioning, then positioning precision achieves better than 0.3 mm accuracy, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system that continuously updates position and orientation data in real-time during dental procedures. The system adapts to mouth movements and maintains accurate tracking through ongoing magnetic field measurements and computational processing
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 system achieves better than 0.3 mm level accuracy, enhances the precision of dental procedures, and operates effectively in the presence of other magnetic fields, improving the success rate of robotic-assisted dental surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electromagnets removably affixed to an object positioned in a patient's mouth
Implementation Method 2
receive, from the plurality of magnetometers, magnetic field measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for estimating a position and an orientation of a dental tool are described. An example system for estimating a position and an orientation of a dental tool includes multiple electromagnets are removably affixed to an object positioned in a patient's mouth, the object being movable at least based on movements of the patient's mouth, and multiple magnetometers affixed to a dental tool that is non-stationary. The system further includes at least one processor configured to drive the plurality of electromagnets with at least one programmed signal, receive, from the plurality of magnetometers, magnetic field measurements, and determine, based on the magnetic field measurements, the position and the orientation of the dental tool relative to the object.