Optical Scanner Tip With Releasable Magnetic Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-oral scanners face challenges in effectively cleaning their tips to prevent disease transmission between patients, as existing designs often require aggressive cleaning methods that can damage components, and permanent attachments make replacement of individual parts difficult.
Innovation Solution
A tip for an optical scanner featuring a framework with a releasable attachment mechanism for the optical element, utilizing magnetic interaction or mechanical constriction, allowing for separate cleaning and replacement of components without damaging the tip or main body, enabling more aggressive cleaning of the framework while using gentler disinfection for the optical element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical element is permanently attached to the framework using aggressive cleaning methods, then the framework can be thoroughly disinfected, but the optical element may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is divided into separable components: the framework and the optical element. The holding means allows the optical element to be detached from the framework, enabling independent cleaning of each component. The framework can undergo aggressive disinfection while the optical element receives gentler treatment, resolving the contradiction between thorough disinfection and optical element protection
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the framework and optical element. It provides a controlled attachment that allows for deliberate separation and reattachment, facilitating different cleaning protocols for each component without permanent damage
2Stability of the object's composition
If the optical element is permanently attached to the framework, then the attachment is secure, but replacement of individual parts becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means provides a dynamic attachment system that transitions between secured and replaceable states. During normal operation, the optical element is securely held in position. When maintenance is needed, the holding means allows for easy removal and reattachment of the optical element or framework, enabling flexible repair and replacement without permanent bonding
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the tip into separable components (framework and optical element) connected through the holding means, the design enables independent replacement of faulty parts. This segmentation maintains operational security during use while facilitating easy maintenance and repair
3Reliability
If the entire tip is replaced when one part needs replacement, then the functional integrity is maintained, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is segmented into replaceable modules (framework and optical element) connected through the holding means. This allows selective replacement of only the defective component rather than the entire assembly, reducing waste and cost while maintaining functional integrity through proper reattachment
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of functional components. When one part fails, the other component can be recovered, cleaned, and reused by detaching the faulty part through the holding means, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost
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
This design ensures secure attachment during use and easy removal for cleaning, allowing for independent replacement of parts, enhancing hygiene and extending the scanner's lifespan by enabling thorough disinfection and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the first and/or second part comprises a magnetic material such that magnetic interaction between the first and second part provides for the releasable attachment of the optical element to the framework
Data Source
AI summary
A tip for an optical scanner, where said tip includes a framework and an optical element. For some configurations the optical element is releasable attaching to the framework by a holding means of the tip. For some configurations the tip framework is formed in two materials of different thermal conductivities.