Integrated Optical Engine Alignment for Intraoral Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraoral scanners face difficulties in aligning the camera lens and light projector due to their separate coupling structures, which can lead to precision issues and increased risk of misalignment under external impacts.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical engine design featuring a camera body with insertion recesses for easy alignment and coupling of the projecting and imaging systems, including a base with heat-emitting capabilities, a mirror for light reflection, and securing members for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera lens and light projector are coupled separately onto the exterior of the main body, then the coupling process is simple, but the alignment precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera lens and light projector into a unified coupling structure on the main body. The camera lens is coupled to a first coupling portion while the light projector is coupled to a second coupling portion, creating a coordinated integrated assembly that maintains simple coupling while achieving precise alignment through the unified structural design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the camera lens and light projector are coupled separately onto the exterior of the main body, then the coupling process is simple, but the stability under external impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera lens and light projector into an integrated coupling structure where both components are secured to the main body through a unified mechanism. This integration ensures that external impacts affect both components simultaneously, maintaining their relative positioning and overall system stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the camera lens and light projector are coupled separately onto the exterior of the main body, then the coupling process is simple, but the alignment maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an integrated coupling structure where the camera lens and light projector are positioned and secured together as a unified assembly. This integration simplifies alignment maintenance by treating both components as a single operational unit, reducing the complexity of individual alignment adjustments.
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
Facilitates easy coupling and alignment of the projecting and imaging systems, enhancing precision and stability, while allowing for efficient heat management and secure positioning within the camera body.
Implementation Method 1
a base, within which a light source is coupled, and which is formed from a material having a heat-emitting capability
Implementation Method 2
a mirror for reflecting light that has entered the imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated optical engine based on an embodiment of the invention includes: a projecting system for projecting light to the exterior; an imaging system for receiving light from the exterior; a camera body, to which the projecting system and the imaging system are coupled; and a base coupled to the rear of the camera body. A first insertion recess extends along the lengthwise direction of the camera body and has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the projecting system such that the projecting system is movable within the first insertion recess along only the lengthwise direction, and a second insertion recess extends along the lengthwise direction of the camera body and has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the imaging system such that the imaging system is movable within the second insertion recess along only the lengthwise direction.