Modular Veterinary Dental Sensor Holder With Visual Alignment References
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Veterinary dental radiographic procedures face challenges in maintaining accurate film or sensor orientation and alignment within the oral cavity, especially under general anesthesia, leading to distorted or unusable images due to movement of the film or sensor, and repeated radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor holder assembly with a sensor mount, tooth plane reference, and aiming ring reference mounted on an extension arm, allowing for visual indication of sensor orientation and alignment relative to the teeth plane and bisecting angle, facilitating accurate radiographic captures without requiring patient cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual reference indicators (aiming ring and tooth plane reference) are added to the sensor holder, then alignment precision and orientation accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual reference indicators (aiming ring and tooth plane reference) as intermediary elements that mediate between the operator and the sensor positioning task. These indicators serve as visual mediators that translate complex alignment requirements into simple visual cues, allowing operators to achieve precise alignment without complex mechanical guidance systems
Solution Approach 2:
The aiming ring and tooth plane reference utilize visual properties (color, transparency, contrast) to provide clear differentiation between various reference elements. This allows operators to quickly identify and align with the correct reference planes without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor holder is designed to accommodate multiple species and sensor types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate multiple sensor types (digital sensors and film) and adapt to different species. The holder structure incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that provide multi-functionality without requiring completely separate devices for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular segments including the sensor holder, extension arm, and reference indicators that can be independently adjusted or configured. This segmentation allows flexibility in adapting the device to different sensors and species while keeping each individual component relatively simple
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aiming ring can move longitudinally along the extension arm, then adaptability to different oral cavity sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming ring is designed to be movable along the extension arm rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment to match different oral cavity sizes and lengths. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to various anatomical configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through straightforward mechanical movement
Data Source
AI summary
A dental radiographic positioner and film holder assembly has a film plane reference component (2) configured to detachably affix to a shaft (1a) extending from the edge of the film holder (1). Affixing surfaces (1b, 2b) are provided between the shaft (1a) and film plane (2) to enable longitudinal movement and restrict rotational movement. A teeth plane reference component (3) is detachably affixed to the shaft (1a). A bisecting angle reference component (4) is detachably affixed to the shaft (1a). Both the bisecting angle plane (4) and teeth plane (3) are attached to allow for longitudinal motion along the shaft (1a) as well as rotational motion around the axis of the shaft (1a).