Optical Handpiece Communication for Dental Light Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light curing devices, especially those with pin-shaped handpieces, face challenges in reliable calibration and parameterization due to manufacturing spreads and limited space for operating elements, which can lead to disruptions in data transmission affecting the reliability of the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of bidirectional optical communication using the light source as a transmission medium, with modulation techniques like frequency, amplitude, or pulse width modulation, enables reliable data transfer between the handpiece and base station, allowing for automatic adjustment and synchronization during charging, and includes a secondary sensor for detecting light emission and contamination, with a lower power light source at the base station for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contacts are used for data transmission between handpiece and base station, then charging function is achieved, but contact difficulties and vibrations cause disruptions in data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with an optical communication system. The handpiece contains a light sensor that detects light emissions from the base station, eliminating the need for physical contact between charging plug-in contacts. This substitution removes the harmful effect of contact difficulties and vibrations on data transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electrical contact, the base station emits light signals that are detected by the light sensor in the handpiece. This intermediary optical channel provides reliable communication without the mechanical contact issues that plague electrical connection systems.
2Reliability
If bidirectional optical communication is implemented, then interference immunity to contact difficulties is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light source in the base station serve multiple functions: it acts as both the curing light source and the communication signal emitter. The light sensor in the handpiece similarly serves dual purposes by detecting both curing light intensity and communication signals. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite implementing bidirectional optical communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing light source and light sensor components are utilized for both their primary functions and communication functions. The light source naturally emits light that can be modulated for communication, and the light sensor naturally detects light that can be used for both curing monitoring and signal reception. This self-service approach minimizes additional complexity by leveraging existing components.
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
This solution ensures interference immunity to contact difficulties, provides reliable calibration and parameterization, and allows for automatic adjustment and synchronization, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the light curing process while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
the light source used for the light curing operation, which light source emits light in a main wavelength range, at the same time is used as a transmission medium
Implementation Method 2
The emitted signal is modulated as a carrier signal for the transmission of information, either per frequency modulation, amplitude modulation or pulse width modulation
Implementation Method 3
enables a reliable transmission to a light sensor at the base station
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a light curing device with a light source (30) and a light guiding device, in particular a light guiding rod (18) with a light entry surface (31) that extends next to the light source (30) if regarded in the emission direction of the light source (30), and with at least one sensor (36) that is arranged next to the light entry surface (31), and with a control device (32) that is arranged within a handpiece (14) of the light curing device (10). The light curing device (10) further comprises a base station (12) of the light curing device (10). The base station (12) is provided with a second light source (24) and a second light sensor (26) for the bidirectional optical communication with the handpiece (14), which bidirectional communication takes place through the light guiding device (light guiding rod), in particular in the frequency range of visible light or UV light and in particular in a modulated manner.