Wireless Intra-oral X-ray Sensor Inductive Power and Data Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intra-oral X-ray imaging faces challenges with wireless sensor technology due to high power consumption, sensor size limitations, and the need for frequent battery changes or charging, which affects image quality and sterilization capabilities, and current wireless data transmission methods are prone to interference and require complex electronics.

Innovation Solution

A wireless intra-oral X-ray imaging system that uses inductive power transmission integrated with the radiation source, allowing energy and data to be supplied wirelessly to the sensor without physical contact, enabling bidirectional communication and immune to external disturbances, and allowing for hermetic sealing and cold-sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless power transmission is used to eliminate cables, then the sensor can be freely positioned and sterilized, but the power consumption of the sensor increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning freedomVSAvoidsensor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power transmission pulses instead of continuous power supply. The wireless power transmission device sends power in periodic pulses synchronized with the X-ray irradiation cycles, providing power only when needed for imaging operations. This reduces the sensor's average power consumption while maintaining operational capability during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If batteries are used to power the sensor wirelessly, then the sensor can be positioned freely, but the sensor size and complexity increase due to battery housing and charging mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless positioning capabilityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power storage function from the sensor by eliminating batteries entirely. Instead of incorporating rechargeable batteries with housing and charging mechanisms inside the sensor, the system uses external wireless power transmission that couples power delivery with the X-ray irradiation process. This removes complex internal components while maintaining wireless positioning freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmission device serves multiple functions: it provides power to the sensor, synchronizes with the X-ray irradiation timing, and can be integrated with the existing X-ray system infrastructure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery management systems within the sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If cables are used to supply power and transmit data, then the sensor can be reliably powered and controlled, but the cord wears out quickly due to repeated bending and positioning adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidcord lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic coupling system. The wireless power transmission device uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power and data between the X-ray system and sensor without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and tear on cords while maintaining reliable power supply and data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor is made hermetically sealable for cold-sterilization, then hygiene is improved, but the sensor size and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidsensor design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the hermetic sealing requirement from the sensor design by eliminating the need for physical cable connections that would compromise sealing. The wireless power and data transmission system allows the sensor to be fully hermetically sealed without openings for cables, enabling cold-sterilization while maintaining sensor functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 eliminates the need for precharging sensors, reduces wear and tear on components, ensures reliable data transmission, and allows for smaller, more efficient sensor design, enhancing imaging capabilities and hygiene while minimizing interference and mechanical vulnerabilities.

Implementation Method 1

inductive power transmission integrated with the radiation source, allowing energy and data to be supplied wirelessly to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7997796B2Arrangement for intra-oral X-ray imaging

Publication Date: 2011.08.16 PLANMECA

AI summary

This invention relates to x-ray imaging, especially to an imaging arrangement used in intra-oral x-ray imaging, to a wireless imaging sensor and to a base station for the sensor as well as methods for using the sensor and transmitting the information to the sensor and from the sensor wirelessly, in which invention such a wireless power transmission link is used, which is arranged to be used for supplying at least part of the energy needed by the sensor in connection with the imaging process.