Visual Loupes with Point of View Modification for Ergonomic Dental Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinicians, such as dental professionals, often experience neck and eye strain due to the need to tilt their heads downward during procedures, which can lead to repetitive use injuries and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An optical medical device incorporating loupes integrated into protective glasses, featuring redirection members like prisms or mirrors that redirect image light to provide a magnified view from a different perspective, allowing clinicians to maintain a neutral head angle while working.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clinicians tilt their heads downward to see the work area, then they can view the environment from a lower angle, but they experience neck and eye strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical redirection members (prisms or mirrors) to change the angular dimension of light transmission. By redirecting light paths at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees), the system allows clinicians to view the work area from a different spatial perspective without physically tilting their head, thus eliminating neck and eye strain while maintaining an ergonomic upright position
2Ease of operation
If clinicians tilt their heads downward to see the work area, then they can view the environment from a lower angle, but repetitive use injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical redirection system changes the spatial dimension of light transmission by using prisms or mirrors to redirect light paths. This allows clinicians to maintain an upright head position while viewing the work area from a lowered angular perspective, eliminating the repetitive head tilting that causes injuries and improving long-term reliability of work
3Ease of operation
If loupes are integrated into protective glasses, then clinicians can maintain a neutral head angle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the loupe system with protective glasses into a single integrated unit. The redirection members, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses are merged into one wearable device that fits over the eyes, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the benefit of neutral head positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides eye protection, optical magnification, and light redirection all in one unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the capability to keep the head in a neutral position
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 device enables clinicians to perform procedures with reduced neck and eye strain, minimizing the risk of repetitive use injuries and allowing for extended periods of comfortable work without the need for frequent breaks.
Implementation Method 1
one or more redirection members structured to redirect image light that is received by the loupe
Implementation Method 2
one or more magnifying members structured to magnify the image light
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include glasses including one or more lenses that permit a wearer a broad view of the environment from a first perspective and contact members having one or more contact-surfaces formed to secure the glasses to a head of the wearer while the wearer is wearing the device. The device can include one or more loupes, each loupe including a redirection member structured to redirect image light that is received by the loupe; one or more magnifying members structured to magnify the image light; a viewport structured to allow passage of the magnified image light. The loupe is secured through one of the lenses such that the magnified image light is presented though the viewport to an eye of the wearer while the wearer is wearing the device.