Wireless 3D Scanner Cradle Charging for Cable-Free Intraoral Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional scanners are limited by wired connections, restricting user mobility and requiring battery replacement or external power sources for charging, which complicates their use in narrow areas like the mouth.
Innovation Solution
A wireless scanner with a charging module that uses a magnetic field from a transmitting coil in a cradle to charge its battery, including a controller that deactivates scanning operations during charging to optimize power efficiency and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used to connect the scanner to an external device, then stable data transmission is achieved, but user mobility is greatly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The scanner uses wireless communication modules to transmit scan data to external devices, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and thereby significantly improving user mobility while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the scanner and external devices. This intermediary enables data transmission without direct physical contact, allowing the scanner to operate freely within wireless range while maintaining reliable communication through the wireless medium.
2Ease of operation
If a battery is used to power the wireless scanner, then user mobility is improved, but frequent battery replacement or external charging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service charging through wireless power transfer. When the scanner is placed on its base, the base automatically performs wireless charging on the scanner's battery without requiring user intervention for cable connection or power source selection. This allows the scanner to recharge autonomously during idle periods, minimizing charging time loss and maintaining user mobility.
3Ease of operation
If wireless charging is performed through the charging module, then battery replacement is eliminated, but scanning operations must be deactivated during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling scanning operations to occur during periods when the scanner is not charging. The system alternates between charging periods (when the scanner is on the base) and scanning periods (when the scanner is in use), ensuring that scanning operations are performed when battery power is available and charging is not interfering with operational availability.
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 wireless scanner offers increased user freedom and stable charging without external power sources, maximizing charging efficiency and minimizing power consumption by deactivating scanning operations during charging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one charging module configured to charge the battery by a current that is generated in a receiving coil formed in the scanner body by a magnetic field generated from a transmitting coil included in a cradle
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless scanner according to the present invention comprises: a scanner body having a plurality of components arranged on the inside; and a scanner tip coupled to one end of the scanner body and having a passage therein through which light passes. The scanner body includes: an optical heating unit including at least one camera and a light projector; a power heating unit including a battery for supplying power to at least one among the camera and the light projector; and at least one charging module for charging the battery by generating a current in a reception coil formed inside the scanner body, the current in the reception coil being generated by a magnetic field generated from a transmission coil included in a cradle for holding the scanner body.