Intraoral Scanner Waveguide Light Source Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intraoral scanners with structured light projectors at the distal end suffer from increased probe thickness, reducing patient comfort and maneuverability, and experience heat buildup due to the concentration of components at the distal end.

Innovation Solution

The intraoral scanner design features light sources positioned away from the distal end, using waveguides to redirect unpatterned light into patterned light at the distal end, allowing for a thinner probe and reducing heat buildup by dispersing components along the length of the wand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image sensors and light projectors are disposed at the distal end of the probe, then scan acquisition capability is improved, but probe thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan acquisition capabilityVSAvoidprobe thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the optical components by separating the light source function from the pattern projection function. The light source is positioned in the handle portion while waveguides in the probe portion transmit and transform the light into patterns at the distal end, dividing the system into functional segments that reduce probe thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Waveguides serve as intermediary elements that transmit light from the handle portion to the distal end of the probe and transform it into patterned light. This intermediary mechanism allows the light source to be positioned away from the distal end while still achieving pattern projection, thereby reducing probe thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If image sensors and light projectors are disposed at the distal end of the probe, then scan acquisition capability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan acquisition capabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides components between the handle portion and probe portion, placing only the necessary waveguides and image sensors in the distal probe while keeping the bulky light source in the handle. This segmentation creates a thinner, more maneuverable probe that can be easily positioned for optimal scan acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If light sources and components are concentrated at the distal end of the probe, then pattern projection is achieved, but heat buildup increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern projectionVSAvoidheat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The light source, which generates significant heat, is extracted from the distal end of the probe and positioned in the handle portion. The waveguides transmit the light to the distal end for pattern projection while the heat-generating component remains in the handle, reducing heat buildup in the probe and improving patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Waveguides act as intermediaries that separate the heat-generating light source from the distal end of the probe. The waveguides transmit optical energy while isolating the thermal energy, allowing pattern projection at the distal end without concentrating heat there, thus reducing heat buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 minimizes probe thickness, enhances patient comfort, and reduces heat buildup, while maintaining effective 3D scanning capabilities through the use of waveguides and focusing grating couplers to produce patterned light for accurate imaging.

Implementation Method 1

one or more waveguides disposed within the probe, wherein the one or more waveguides are configured to receive the unpatterned light generated by the one or more light sources and to output patterned light from one or more locations at the distal end of the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

each of the one or more pattern projectors comprises a focusing grating coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing grating coupler: Diffraction Grating

Data Source

PatentUS20230380942A1Intraoral scanner with waveguide pattern projector

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An intraoral scanner comprises an elongate wand comprising a probe at a distal end of the elongate wand, one or more light sources disposed within the elongate wand away from the distal end of the probe, one or more waveguides disposed within the probe, and one or more image sensors disposed at the distal end of the probe. The one or more light sources are configured to generate unpatterned light, The one or more waveguides are configured to receive the unpatterned light generated by the one or more light sources and to output patterned light from one or more locations at the distal end of the probe. The one or more image sensors are configured to capture images of intraoral objects illuminated by the patterned light.