Tooth Whitening System with Dynamic Wavelength Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooth whitening systems using blue light and hydrogen peroxide face inconsistency and suboptimal results due to varying stain profiles among users.
Innovation Solution
A tooth whitening system comprising a light source, light detector, and processing unit that adjusts the light wavelength to peak absorption based on detected absorption measures, ensuring optimal whitening efficacy and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed wavelength of blue light is used for tooth whitening, then the system structure is simple, but the whitening results are inconsistent and suboptimal due to varying stain profiles among users
Solution Approach 1:
The light source wavelength is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system scans through a wavelength range (e.g., 400-500nm) to identify the peak absorption wavelength for the user's specific stain profile, then operates at that optimized wavelength. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving consistent, personalized whitening results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the detector measures light absorption at different wavelengths, and the processing unit uses this information to determine the peak absorption wavelength. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to individual user characteristics, ensuring consistent and optimized whitening results without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Productivity
If the light wavelength is adjusted to match peak absorption for each user, then whitening efficacy is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to wavelength adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically scanning the wavelength range and identifying the peak absorption wavelength for each user's stain profile. The processing unit controls the light source to operate at this self-determined optimal wavelength, eliminating the need for external configuration or complex pre-programming. This self-service approach maximizes whitening efficacy while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (wavelength) of the light source based on detected absorption characteristics. By varying the wavelength parameter to match the peak absorption of the user's specific stains, the system achieves optimized whitening efficacy. The processing unit manages this parameter change automatically, balancing performance optimization with device simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelengths are scanned to identify peak absorption, then personalized treatment is achieved, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary wavelength scan before the actual whitening treatment to identify the peak absorption wavelength. This preliminary action characterizes the user's stain profile in advance, allowing the main treatment phase to proceed at the optimized wavelength without time loss. The scan time is minimized and separated from the treatment time, maintaining both personalization and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength scanning is performed as a periodic preliminary step before the continuous whitening treatment. The system rapidly scans through the wavelength range to identify the peak, then maintains operation at that wavelength for the duration of the treatment. This periodic approach to wavelength selection minimizes time loss while achieving personalized treatment optimization.
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 system automatically targets the most prevalent stains, providing personalized and efficient tooth whitening with higher efficacy and shade consistency compared to current systems.
Implementation Method 1
determine a measure of absorption for different wavelengths on the basis of the detected light for the different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
Blue light absorbed by staining molecules inside the teeth can be used in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to facilitate teeth whitening
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tooth whitening system (10), comprising a light source (30), a light detector (40), and a processing unit (50). The light source is configured such that a wavelength of the light emitted is adjustable over a wavelength range of operation. The detector is configured to detect light emitted from the light source. The processing unit is configured to control the light source to adjust the wavelength of the light emitted by the light source and determine a measure of absorption light detected that was emitted from the light source as the wavelength is adjusted. The processing unit is configured to utilize the determined measure of absorption to operate the light source at a wavelength at a peak in absorption.