Retractable Frankfort Plane Indicator for Dental X-Ray Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental x-ray imaging systems, particularly in cephalometric and panoramic modes, face challenges in accurately positioning the Frankfort plane, leading to blurred images and increased costs due to the use of lasers and cumbersome visual indicators that either pollute the image or hinder practitioner visibility.
Innovation Solution
A retractable, partially transparent Frankfort plane positioning indicator attached to the cephalometric collimator, allowing the dentist to align the Frankfort plane without obstructing the view and remaining outside the x-ray beam, facilitating precise patient positioning for improved image quality at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser is used as a visual indicator for Frankfort plane alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive laser with a simple visual indicator that copies the alignment function using a transparent shield with printed horizontal lines. This simple copy performs the same positioning function without the complexity and cost of a laser system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a inexpensive transparent plastic shield with printed lines instead of an expensive laser. The shield is a low-cost, simple object that can be easily replaced or modified, eliminating the need for expensive laser components
2Ease of operation
If a visual indicator is placed inside the x-ray beam to assist positioning, then positioning visibility is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visual indicator from the x-ray beam path by positioning the transparent shield with alignment lines outside the beam area. The indicator remains visible to the practitioner for positioning but does not interfere with the x-ray imaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a transparent shield as an intermediary element that provides visual alignment guidance without blocking or contaminating the x-ray beam. The transparency allows x-rays to pass through while the printed lines provide visual reference
3Ease of operation
If the Frankfort plane is tilted during panoramic scanning, then patient positioning is simpler, but image quality deteriorates due to blurred anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides visual alignment indicators before the imaging process begins, allowing the practitioner to pre-position the patient's head correctly. The horizontal lines on the transparent shield enable preliminary alignment of the Frankfort plane without tilt, ensuring proper positioning before scanning starts
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
Enhances image clarity by ensuring the Frankfort plane is accurately aligned, reducing costs by eliminating the need for expensive lasers and maintaining clear visibility for the practitioner, while maintaining the indicator's functionality outside the x-ray beam.
Implementation Method 1
x-ray source and digital sensor usually having the shape of a vertical slot facing each other
Implementation Method 2
x-ray beam impinging a full (e.g., square) sensor after radiating the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient positioning apparatus for an extra-oral imaging system that includes a support base adjustable in at least one dimension and a cephalometric module coupled to the support base and configured to position a cephalometric imaging sensor about an imaging area formed with an x-ray source, where x-rays from the x-ray source impinge the cephalometric sensor after radiating the imaging area. A patient positioning unit is positioned operatively near the imaging area, and a retractable Frankfort plane positioning indicator and methods for using the same are provided.