Rotatable Dental Image Sensor with Disposable Protective Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct digital image sensors for dental radiography are cumbersome, uncomfortable for patients, and pose sanitary risks due to limited disinfection methods and the need for multiple holders to capture complete tooth images.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held direct digital image sensor device with a connection handle and a soft protective cover that allows 180-degree directional adjustment, minimizing patient discomfort and ensuring sanitary safety through disposable or high-temperature disinfection options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the direct digital image sensor is held in a fixed direction by the conventional holder, then the sensor is securely positioned, but the dentist needs to frequently change holders to capture images at different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the holding structure rotatable relative to the handle. The holding structure can rotate 180 degrees to change the direction in which the sensor points, allowing the same holder to capture images at different positions without needing multiple fixed holders. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the retaining brackets abut on the outer edges of the sensor to hold it, then the sensor is secured to the holder, but the overall size of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the sensor inside a protective cover that fits closely around it. The holding brackets engage with features on the cover rather than directly on the sensor edges, allowing secure holding without adding significant volume to the sensor itself. The cover acts as an intermediary structure that provides mounting surfaces without substantially increasing the overall package size.
3Device complexity
If the sensor is simply abutted by retaining brackets, then the holder structure is simple, but the sensor tends to displace in the patient's oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a protective cover that closely conforms to the shape of the sensor. The cover acts as a flexible intermediary structure that provides multiple engagement points for the holding brackets, distributing the holding forces more evenly and preventing sensor displacement. The cover's close fit to the sensor ensures stable positioning without requiring a complex holder structure.
4Reliability
If the sensor is removed from the patient's mouth, then it can be taken out for disinfection, but it cannot be directly put in high-temperature sterilization box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the sensor from the handle through a removable protective cover. The cover can be detached and disposed of or disinfected independently, while the sensor itself remains protected and does not need direct exposure to high-temperature sterilization. This segmentation allows the disposable cover to bear the disinfection burden, simplifying the overall disinfection process and improving sanitary safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by making the protective cover disposable. The cover is designed to be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex disinfection procedures for the sensor itself. This disposable approach ensures sanitary safety while simplifying operation, as the cover can be thrown away rather than disinfected, and the sensor remains protected and reusable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hand-held direct digital image sensor device includes a connection handle having a grip portion, a bite portion, and a carrier portion provided with at least one male coupling unit; a soft protective cover provided with at least one female coupling unit for engaging with the male coupling unit; and a direct digital image sensor received in a receiving cavity defined in the protective cover. Through engagement of the male and female coupling units with one another, the soft protective cover and accordingly the direct digital image sensor received therein can be connected to an end of the connection handle and be extended into a patient's oral cavity without bringing too much discomfort to the patient. The used protective cover is discarded or disinfected to meet sanitary requirements in medical treatment.