Optical Condylograph for Mandibular Joint Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporomandibular joint recording systems face challenges with measurement accuracy, system complexity, ergonomic issues, and high maintenance costs, particularly in recording the rotational and translational movements of the lower jaw, which affects diagnostic precision and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A condylograph system with two cameras on the upper arch, angled between 30 to 150 degrees, capturing reference markers on the lower arch, which are anatomically aligned with the jaw joint axis, using infrared technology for precise measurement and data transmission via USB or radio connection, allowing for easy operation and reduced weight for improved accuracy and ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If remote joint recording systems are used, then the system structure is simpler and requires less space, but the measurement accuracy is reduced due to geometric/mathematical conversions and virtual hinge axis calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with optical measurement methods. Cameras capture images of reference markers, and computer vision algorithms calculate joint axis positions and movements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission devices while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference markers (optical copies) attached to the patient's head and jaw that represent the actual joint positions. Cameras capture images of these markers, creating a visual copy of the joint movement that can be analyzed computationally, avoiding direct mechanical contact with the joints.
2Measurement precision
If near-joint recording systems with stationary devices are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but a large space must be reserved for the stationary device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into portable segments (cameras mounted on the patient's head and jaw) rather than requiring a large stationary device. This segmentation allows the system to be distributed across the patient's anatomy, eliminating the need for a centralized space-consuming measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a stationary, space-consuming 3D measurement device to a distributed system where measurement points are positioned in different spatial dimensions on the patient's head and jaw. The camera system captures images from multiple angles simultaneously, eliminating the need for large physical measurement volumes.
3Reliability
If frames connected to head and lower jaw with cables are used, then joint movement can be recorded, but the frames become complex to assemble, heavy, and front-heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical cable connections with lightweight optical signal transmission. Cameras capture images of reference markers, and data is transmitted digitally, eliminating the need for heavy cables and mechanical linkages while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lightweight reference markers (potentially using thin film or lightweight materials) attached to the patient's head and jaw, replacing heavy mechanical frame structures. These markers can be flexible and thin while still providing accurate positional information for joint movement recording.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a condylograph for electronically registering the mobility of a lower jaw (7) of a patient. The condylograph comprises an upper bracket (1) which can be rigidly connected to the skull of the patient and which has at least one camera on at least one patient side and a lower bracket (2) which can be rigidly connected to the lower jaw and has at least one reference marker (4) in the field of view (10) of the at least one camera. Two cameras are provided on the upper bracket on at least one patient side, said cameras having visual axes that form an angle a relative to one another on the x-z plane, wherein each of the cameras is oriented towards the at least one reference marker on the respective patient side, and each of the reference marker(s) is/are arranged on a left and/or right end of the lower bracket.