Intraoral Scanner Sheath Optical Window Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanning devices for intraoral cavities face challenges in preventing contamination and maintaining image quality due to internal reflections and polarization changes, especially when using disposable tips or sterilization methods.
Innovation Solution
A sheath for an intraoral scanning tip is designed with a hollow body and an optical window that maintains polarization and prevents internal reflections, allowing for 3D scanning without contaminating the device. The optical window is made of a material that does not substantially alter polarization and is thick enough to prevent deformation during scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable tip is used for each patient, then contamination is prevented, but cost increases due to high-cost elements like reflective elements and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three separable components: the reusable scanning device, the disposable sheath, and the disposable tip. This segmentation allows the expensive scanning device to be reused while discarding only the low-cost sheath and tip after each use, resolving the contradiction between preventing contamination and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath and tip are designed as disposable components that are discarded after single use, while the expensive scanning device with reflective elements and electronics is reused. This approach prevents contamination through disposable barriers while significantly reducing overall cost compared to disposable tips containing high-cost elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tip is sterilized by autoclaving between patients, then contamination is prevented, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the scanning device from the patient-contact components (sheath and tip), the system eliminates the need for autoclaving the tip. The reusable scanning device remains simple and does not require sterilization, while the disposable sheath and tip prevent contamination through their single-use nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable sheath and tip replace the need for autoclaving. Instead of investing in and maintaining autoclave equipment and processes, the system uses inexpensive disposable barriers that prevent contamination without requiring any sterilization infrastructure or procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical element is inserted in the path of the scanning device, then contamination is prevented, but internal reflections occur reducing 3D data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed with different properties at different locations: the distal end contains an optical window with specific optical properties to prevent internal reflections, while the proximal end provides a barrier to contamination. This local differentiation allows the sheath to simultaneously protect against contamination without degrading 3D data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical window in the sheath is designed with specific optical parameters (transparency, refractive index) to minimize internal reflections. By carefully selecting and optimizing these optical parameters, the sheath prevents contamination while maintaining high 3D data quality through accurate light transmission.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical element is inserted in the path of the scanning device, then contamination is prevented, but polarization is altered affecting image acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The optical window in the sheath is specifically designed with optical properties that preserve polarization. This local optimization at the optical window ensures that while the sheath provides contamination protection, it does not alter the polarization state of light used for 3D scanning and image acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical window is designed with specific optical parameters including refractive index and thickness to minimize polarization alteration. By optimizing these parameters, the sheath maintains contamination protection while preserving the polarization state necessary for accurate 3D imaging and model building.
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 sheath effectively prevents contamination of the scanning device, maintains image quality by avoiding internal reflections and polarization changes, and is cost-effective by eliminating the need for high-cost anti-reflective coatings.
Implementation Method 1
The optical window is made of a material configured for not substantially altering the polarization of the light that exits and enters the intraoral scanning device through the optical aperture of the tip and through the optical window to and from the intraoral cavity
Implementation Method 2
If the path of the light is obstructed, even by a transparent surface, the scanning device may experience internal reflections of the light being emitted by the light source inside the scanning device
Data Source
AI summary
A sheath for an intraoral scanning tip, where polarization is not substantially altered during scanning.