Robotic Teeth Cleaning With Scan-Guided Technique Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a shortage of dental hygienists leading to delays in routine cleaning appointments, inconsistent care due to human error and variability in cleaning force, and lack of standardization in dental cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A dental cleaning robot that uses scanned images to determine the cleanliness state of teeth, selects appropriate cleaning techniques, and allows for dentist approval and modification of cleaning plans to ensure precision and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual dental cleaning by hygienists is used, then flexibility in adapting to individual patient needs is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to severe shortage of dental hygienists causing delays of 8-9 months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cleaning system performed by dental hygienists with an automated robotic system. The robot uses automated end effectors (scalers, polishers, air polishers) controlled by robotic manipulators to perform dental cleaning tasks, eliminating the need for human hygienists and enabling high-volume, consistent cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates autonomous decision-making capabilities where the robot can independently assess tooth cleanliness states through sensors, select appropriate cleaning techniques, and execute cleaning procedures without continuous human intervention. The system self-regulates based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring cleaning effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cleaning by hygienists is used, then variability in cleaning force and technique occurs due to human error, but adaptability to individual patient needs is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning system incorporates multiple sensors (force sensors, optical sensors, tactile sensors) that provide real-time feedback on cleaning effectiveness and tooth response. The control system processes this feedback and automatically adjusts cleaning parameters such as pressure, speed, and end effector selection to maintain optimal cleaning force consistency across all teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including cleaning force, movement speed, end effector type, and cleaning technique based on real-time sensor data and pre-programmed protocols. The robot adapts parameters automatically to match the specific needs of each tooth and patient, ensuring consistent and precise cleaning results.
3Productivity
If automated robotic cleaning is implemented, then productivity increases and wait times are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: robotic manipulators for positioning, end effectors for cleaning (scalers, polishers, air polishers), sensor systems for detection, and control units for coordination. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while enabling complex overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple cleaning functions using different end effectors (ultrasonic scalers, manual scalers, polishers, air polishers) on the same robotic manipulators. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices or human operators into a single versatile system.
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed are robotic dentistry methods comprising teeth cleaning methods and article of manufacture comprising components to perform teeth cleaning. Robotic teeth cleaning may comprise determining if the correct teeth are targeted, based on a scanned image; determining a cleanliness state of each of the individual teeth based on the scanned image; selecting a cleaning technique determined as a function of the cleanliness state; and cleaning the teeth using the selected cleaning technique. Robotic teeth cleaning may comprise receiving an initial cleaning plan to clean a tooth or teeth; presenting, to a dental professional for approval, the initial cleaning plan for approval; upon approval, cleaning the teeth according to the approved initial cleaning plan; upon rejection, modifying the initial cleaning plan based on dental professional input; receiving the modified cleaning plan to clean the teeth; presenting, to a dental professional for approval, the modified cleaning plan for approval; and upon approval of the modified cleaning plan, cleaning the teeth according to the approved modified cleaning plan.