Hand-grip Oral X-ray Device Gyro Sensor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hand-grip type oral X-ray devices require cumbersome manual alignment of the X-ray tube and sensor, leading to potential image distortion and misdiagnosis due to visual verification of horizontal, lateral, and distance alignments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of gyro-sensors, Hall sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and proximity sensors in both the X-ray tube and receiver, along with a handle and image processing unit for wireless communication and alignment check, enabling accurate alignment verification and image generation without manual insertion into the oral cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment is used to align the X-ray tube and sensor, then the device structure remains simple, but the alignment precision deteriorates leading to image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment system with an automated sensor-based alignment system. Gyro-sensors, Hall sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and proximity sensors automatically detect and verify the alignment status of the X-ray tube and sensor, eliminating the need for manual visual alignment and achieving precise alignment without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system performs self-verification through integrated sensors that automatically check whether the X-ray tube and sensor are properly aligned. The system serves itself by using the sensors to detect alignment status and provide feedback, eliminating the need for practitioner intervention in the alignment verification process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If visual verification of alignment is performed manually, then the device remains simple, but the image quality deteriorates due to magnification rate changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual verification with automated sensor-based detection. Gyro-sensors measure orientation angles, Hall sensors detect magnetic field positions, ultrasonic sensors measure distance, and proximity sensors verify spatial relationships, providing objective data to ensure consistent image magnification rates and prevent distortion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment verification system provides real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the alignment status. The system detects deviations from proper alignment and can alert the user or automatically adjust positioning, ensuring consistent image quality by maintaining correct magnification rates throughout the imaging process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If manual alignment check is performed, then the device structure remains simple, but the time consumption increases for alignment verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment verification timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system performs self-verification automatically without requiring practitioner time. The gyro-sensor, Hall sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and proximity sensor continuously or on-demand check alignment status and provide immediate feedback, eliminating the time-consuming manual verification process while maintaining simple device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment verification is performed preliminarily before X-ray imaging begins. The sensors check whether the X-ray tube and sensor are properly aligned in advance, ensuring that when imaging starts, the alignment is already confirmed, thus preventing time-consuming adjustments during the imaging process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures precise alignment for consistent image magnification, reduces radiation exposure, and allows for immediate image review without cable discomfort, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and convenience during dental treatments.

Implementation Method 1

an alignment check unit configured to check whether position, lateral, distance, and horizontal alignments between the X-ray tube and the X-ray receiver have been made; a second display unit configured to display information of whether the position, lateral, distance, and horizontal alignments between the X-ray tube and the X-ray receiver have been made

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyro-sensor: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

a Hall sensor configured to sense the magnetic force formed by the magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 3

an ultrasonic sensor configured to sense the X-ray receiver by generating ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 4

a proximity sensor configured to sense a distance between the X-ray tube and the X-ray receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensor:

Implementation Method 5

an X-ray tube configured to generate and emit X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 6

configured to receive the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube to acquire X-ray data about an object in an oral cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12178628B2Hand-grip type oral X-ray device having alignment function
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 NANORAY CO LTD
  • US12178628B2 patent drawing
  • US12178628B2 patent drawing
  • US12178628B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hand-grip type oral X-ray device having an alignment function according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube configured to generate and emit X-rays, an X-ray receiver including a first gyro-sensor and a first communication module, having, at a corner thereof, a magnet configured to generate a magnetic force, and configured to receive the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube to acquire X-ray data about an object in the oral cavity, and a handle including a rod-shaped grip operable by the hand of a user and an extension arm connecting the X-ray receiver and the grip to each other, and coupled to the X-ray receiver.