Movable Reflector Dental Polymerization Light Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental light polymerization devices lack a convenient and cost-effective solution that simultaneously enables full-intensity polymerization of dental materials and image capturing, often requiring separate devices or compromising on functionality.
Innovation Solution
A dental light polymerization device incorporating a polymerization light source, a camera, and an actively movable light reflector that alternates between two optical paths, allowing for full-intensity polymerization and image capturing by switching between polymerization and image capture modes using a motor-driven or electrostatically controlled mirror system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single device is used for both polymerization and image capturing, then device versatility is improved, but functional performance of each function deteriorates due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable mirror that can dynamically switch between two positions: one directing light to the polymerization tip and another directing light to the camera sensor. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the single device to alternate between polymerization and imaging functions, achieving full performance in each mode without permanent structural compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mirror acts as an intermediary element that redirects light between two different destinations (polymerization tip and camera sensor). By introducing this intermediate component, the system resolves the conflict between two functions that would otherwise interfere with each other, allowing both to operate at full capacity in alternating sequence
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for polymerization and image capturing, then functional performance of each function is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a polymerization light source, camera, and movable mirror into a single integrated handpiece device. By merging these components and using the movable mirror to time-share the light path between polymerization and imaging functions, the system achieves the functionality of two separate devices while reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both a polymerization light source and a camera within a single handpiece. The movable mirror enables this universal device to perform both tooth restoration polymerization and documentation imaging, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing clinical workflow complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If light intensity is reduced for image capturing, then camera functionality is enabled, but polymerization effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mirror operates periodically, alternating between directing light to the polymerization tip and directing light to the camera sensor. This periodic switching ensures that full light intensity is available for polymerization during its designated time slot, while the camera receives full light intensity during its designated time slot, eliminating the need to reduce light intensity for either function
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
Enables simultaneous and efficient polymerization of dental materials and image capture without interference, maintaining full performance in each function by alternately activating the light reflector between polymerization and image capture modes, thus providing a convenient and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
an actively movable light reflector... the reflector establishes a first optical path between the polymerization light source and an object, and a second positional arrangement, in which the reflector establishes a second optical path between the object and the camera
Implementation Method 2
The light typically activates photoinitiators in the dental material that cause the matrix material to polymerize... light hardenable materials often include a polymerizable matrix material... light of a desired wavelength
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental light polymerization device has a polymerization light source and a camera. The dental light polymerization device comprises an actively movable light reflector. The invention provides for emitting light for polymerization of a dental material and capturing an image in the same dental light polymerization device.