Plaque Detection Device Using Optical Probe Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plaque detection technologies require additional consumables, are not easily applicable during tooth brushing, and fail to detect all types of plaque, especially younger plaque, without the use of contrast agents.
Innovation Solution
A plaque detection device that combines a mechanical probe with a probe tip configured to move along a tooth surface and an optical sensor to detect light reflected or emitted from a second surface of the probe tip, allowing for real-time detection of plaque during brushing without contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disclosing stain or fluorescent disclosing stain is used to detect plaque, then plaque can be detected, but additional consumables are required and stains remain temporarily on the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush itself performs the detection function through its bristles acting as mechanical probes that interact with plaque during normal brushing, eliminating the need for separate disclosing agents. The brush bristles mechanically engage with plaque and transfer it to the brush surface where it can be detected optically.
2Reliability
If red auto-fluorescent plaque imaging is used to detect plaque, then some plaque can be detected, but only a small fraction of plaque types are detected and special equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical imaging systems with a simple mechanical probe system using toothbrush bristles that physically interact with plaque. The mechanical action of brushing transfers plaque to the brush surface, where a simple optical sensor detects it, eliminating the need for blue light illumination, filters, and complex image analysis equipment.
3Loss of information
If plaque detection is performed after brushing using mirror or camera, then plaque location can be seen, but it requires an extra step after brushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the plaque detection function with the toothbrush itself, combining mechanical cleaning and optical detection into a single device. The bristles serve dual purposes as both cleaning elements and detection probes, allowing plaque detection to occur during the brushing process rather than requiring a separate post-brushing examination step.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical probe with optical sensing is used to detect plaque during brushing, then detection can be performed during brushing without contrast agents, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush bristles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they mechanically clean teeth, act as probes that interact with plaque, and provide a surface for optical detection. This multi-functionality allows the device to perform both cleaning and detection without requiring separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
The device enables reliable and comfortable plaque detection during tooth brushing, detecting all types of plaque, including younger plaque, without the need for additional consumables, and provides a plaque map for improved oral hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor, the optical sensor being directed towards the second surface of the probe tip and configured for detecting light that is reflected and/or emitted from the second surface of the probe tip
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a plaque detection device for the detection of plaque on a surface of a tooth. The plaque detection device comprises a mechanical probe including a probe tip being configured for moving along a surface of a tooth and comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being configured for moving along the surface of the tooth, and the second surface being directed away from the surface of the tooth. The plaque detection device comprises further an optical sensor, the optical sensor being directed towards the second surface of the probe tip and configured for detecting light that is reflected and/or emitted from the second surface of the probe tip. The plaque detection device comprises further a processing unit, the processing unit being configured for receiving a signal of the optical sensor indicative of the light that is reflected and/or emitted from the second surface of the probe tip, and configured for determining a presence of plaque on the surface of the tooth based on a variation of the light that is reflected and/or from the second surface of the probe tip.