Pen-Type LED Curing Device for Dental Light-Curable Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-curable materials used in dentistry for temporary restorations require inefficient UV lamp curing, which can be cumbersome and lacks precise control, especially in bonding or repairing objects with complex geometries or underwater applications.
Innovation Solution
A pen-type flashlight device with an LED lamp emitting specific wavelengths for curing light-curable materials, combined with a focusing unit and protection features, allows for targeted and efficient curing of light-curable materials, including those used in bonding, gluing, and modeling, with options for hands-free operation and use in liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UV lamps are used for curing light-curable materials, then curing can be achieved, but the curing process is cumbersome and lacks precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-curable material reservoir and the LED curing lamp into a single integrated pen-type device. The reservoir is positioned at the first end while the LED lamp is coupled at the second end, allowing the user to apply material and cure it in one unified tool, eliminating the need for separate UV lamp equipment and improving operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-contained with the light-curable material already loaded in the reservoir. The user simply needs to activate the LED lamp to cure the material that is already positioned at the application point, eliminating the need for separate material application and curing steps.
2Productivity
If conventional UV lamps are used, then curing is possible, but curing time is extended and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source from conventional UV lamps to LED lamps that emit specific wavelengths optimized for curing light-curable materials. This parameter change in light emission characteristics enables faster and more efficient curing, directly improving productivity and reducing curing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED lamp can be activated in controlled periodic cycles, allowing precise control over when curing occurs. This enables the user to apply material and then activate curing only when needed, optimizing the curing process efficiency and reducing overall curing time compared to continuous UV lamp operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light-curable material is applied to complex geometries, then bonding capability is achieved, but precise curing control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pen-type device delivers light locally at the application point through the LED lamp positioned at the second end. This localized light delivery enables precise curing control even on complex geometries, as the curing is confined to the specific area where material is applied, improving both adaptability and positioning precision.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If user exposure to light is minimized, then safety is improved, but operational control may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the light emission function into a controlled LED lamp that can be activated only when needed. The LED lamp is coupled at the second end opposite the reservoir, allowing the user to control light emission independently from material application. This segmentation minimizes unnecessary light exposure while maintaining full operational control through the activation mechanism.
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
Enables rapid, precise, and efficient curing of light-curable materials, reducing curing time and allowing for bonding in complex geometries and underwater applications, with the ability to use different light guides for various uses and minimizing user exposure to light.
Implementation Method 1
an LED lamp configured to emit a light having a wavelength or a spectrum of wavelengths at which the light-curable material is selectively cured
Data Source
AI summary
A set for at least one of gluing, bonding, modeling and repairing of an object. The set includes a pen-type housing with a first end, a second end, and a reservoir, a light-curable material arranged in the reservoir, and an LED lamp which emits a light having a wavelength or a spectrum of wavelengths at which the light-curable material is selectively cured. The LED lamp is coupled to the pen-type housing at the second end so that the light emitted by the LED lamp is only emitted in a direction which faces away from the first end. The reservoir has an exit opening which selectively discharges the light-curable material at the first end.