Multi-Sensor Dental Imaging Trays for Shorter Chair Time

Solution Overview

Problem

Dental imaging processes, such as obtaining radiographs and 3D scans, are time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients due to the use of large intraoral devices, leading to staff and patient frustration and increased chair time.

Innovation Solution

A dental imaging system comprising multiple imaging trays shaped to surround teeth, equipped with sensors for various light and radiation types, and a workstation connected via an umbilical for power, data, and light transfer, capable of performing digital x-ray, 3D dental scanning, and intraoral imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of dental images are obtained using separate imaging devices, then comprehensive dental imaging is achieved, but imaging time increases and patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging sensors (x-ray sensor, visible light sensor, infrared sensor, ultraviolet sensor) into a single imaging tray that can be simultaneously inserted into the patient's mouth. This merging of multiple imaging functions into one device allows comprehensive dental imaging without requiring multiple separate procedures, thereby reducing total imaging time while maintaining full imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging tray is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple imaging functions simultaneously. The tray includes sensors for different wavelengths (x-ray, visible light, infrared, ultraviolet) and can capture various types of dental images in a single insertion, making it a multi-functional tool that eliminates the need for separate imaging devices and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of dental images are obtained using separate imaging devices, then comprehensive dental imaging is achieved, but patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple imaging functions into a single tray, the patient only needs to tolerate one insertion rather than multiple separate device insertions. This significantly reduces patient discomfort while still achieving comprehensive imaging across all necessary wavelengths and modalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate imaging procedures are performed, then comprehensive dental imaging is achieved, but chair time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidchair time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple imaging procedures into a single simultaneous operation. The imaging tray captures x-ray, visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet images all at once during one patient visit, dramatically reducing chair time while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous simultaneous imaging across multiple wavelengths without interruption. All sensors operate concurrently during a single tray insertion, eliminating the sequential nature of traditional multi-device imaging and maximizing efficiency during the brief period the tray is in the patient's mouth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate imaging procedures are performed, then comprehensive dental imaging is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidpractice profitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple imaging functions into one procedure, the practice can complete comprehensive dental imaging in a single patient visit rather than requiring multiple appointments. This increases productivity and reduces lost productivity from repeated chair time, directly improving practice profitability while maintaining full imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces imaging time, enhances patient comfort, and improves efficiency by allowing simultaneous execution of multiple imaging techniques, thereby improving the patient experience and practice profitability.

Implementation Method 1

one or more imaging sensors mounted on at least one of the exterior sidewall and the interior sidewall, each of the one or more imaging sensors configured to sense at least one of x-ray radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

one or more imaging sensors mounted on at least one of the exterior sidewall and the interior sidewall, each of the one or more imaging sensors configured to sense at least one of x-ray radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light detection: Light

Implementation Method 3

one or more imaging sensors mounted on at least one of the exterior sidewall and the interior sidewall, each of the one or more imaging sensors configured to sense at least one of x-ray radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet light detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

one or more imaging sensors mounted on at least one of the exterior sidewall and the interior sidewall, each of the one or more imaging sensors configured to sense at least one of x-ray radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared light detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 5

one or more cables within the umbilical, each of the one or more cables configured to transmit at least one of power, data, and light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical power transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 6

one or more cables within the umbilical, each of the one or more cables configured to transmit at least one of power, data, and light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS12453525B2Dental imaging devices and systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 MOSTATAB REBECCA

AI summary

A dental imaging systems provides multiple dental imaging functions, including digital x-ray, 3D dental scanning, and intraoral imaging. The system includes imaging trays that can be inserted into the mouth and positioned around the teeth. Each imaging tray has exterior and interior sidewalls connected by a floor. One or more imaging sensors are mounted on the sidewalls and can sense x-ray radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. The imaging trays are designed to interface with an umbilical, which contains cables for transmitting power, data, and light. A workstation communicates with the imaging trays via the umbilical. The dental imaging system is capable of performing digital x-ray imaging, 3D dental scanning, and intraoral imaging, providing improved speed and patient comfort.