WO2022043912A1

WO2022043912A1 - Moving apparatus for medical use

Info

Publication number: WO2022043912A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/057830
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laszlo Rajmund HAVASI; Attila Balogh
Original assignee: Dental Scanner Solutions Kft.
Priority date: 2020-08-28
Filing date: 2021-08-26
Publication date: 2022-03-03
Also published as: HU5372U

Abstract

A moving apparatus for medical use, which is fitted with a head unit (1) and a holding part (2) connected to the head unit (1). The head unit (1) includes at least two curved shell parts (3), and the shell parts (3) are fixed to each other in a way that allows them to be telescopically displaced.

Description

Moving apparatus for medical use

The disclosure relates to a moving apparatus, suitably for medical use and in particular for dental use.

In the field of dentistry, dental technology and oral diagnostics, moving apparatuses that are capable of moving, and moving other items, with a sufficiently large degree of freedom even in a small and space are particularly important. For example, dental and gingival diagnostics, testing, and imaging of teeth and gums using sensors are all tasks that require appropriate equipment. Currently, moving sensors around small objects is primarily possible using robotic arms with a large degree of freedom. The purpose of moving a sensor around an object is to produce an image of or carry out a measurement concerning the object. The problem is exacerbated when space is tight and the joints of the robotic arm do not fit. A further problem concerning actuators with a high degree of freedom is that they are complex and, consequently, expensive.

The state of the art includes the following solutions.

US patent document No. US8414470B2 describes a telescopic tilting device that moves along a curve and is intended for medical use: the device is used to move an endoscope probe. The telescopic structure consists of two elements; a disadvantage of this fact is that the device requires a relatively large space and it can only move in one direction, but it cannot move along the other part of the arc. It is also disadvantageous that, due to the complicated movement, it is not possible to miniaturize its mounting point, and, for example, it does not fit between two dentures.

U.S. patent document No. US5820623A discloses a relatively large device for positioning and moving medical devices (e.g. diagnostic or surgical devices, such as endoscopes). The device has an arm that moves along an arc, which, at the same time, holds and moves various medical devices. The length of the curved support element can basically be changed by pulling it out. This solution requires a toothed bar that moves along the entire path, which requires a large space, making it unusable in many applications.

It can be concluded that there is no device that takes up little space, can travel large distances in multiple directions relative to its size, so that it could move with great freedom in a small space, such as inside the mouth and around the teeth, and it could even move one or more other devices, such as a sensor.

The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the shortfalls of the known solutions and to implement an apparatus that is small, simple in design, inexpensive and can travel as much and as large an angle and direction as possible, in order to be able to move, and move other items, within the mouth painlessly. Another purpose of the invention is to implement a device that is also suitable for dentistry purposes, for example for moving a sensor around the teeth in all directions.

The inventive step is based on the recognition that a solution, which is more advantageous than the previous ones, may be created by implementing the design according to claim 1. It is also part of this recognition that moving, examining or moving a sensor around a small object can be performed optimally with the help of a telescopic element, where the element is able to move and extend in a suitably chosen curved path. As the device takes up little space even when folded, and it extends only as much as needed, it is also excellent for oral diagnostics. A further part of the recognition is that if the device is equipped with more than one telescopic elements, they can travel at an even greater angle, and they can perform continuous, unobstructed movements by sliding in and out of each other. A further recognition is that the shell parts can move even at the same time, thus further improving and accelerating the movement.

In line with the desired purpose, the most general implementation form of the solution according to the invention may be realized according to claim 1. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a moving apparatus for medical use, the apparatus comprising a head unit and a holding part that is connected to the head unit. It is characterized in that the head unit includes at least two curved shell parts, wherein the shell parts are connected, releasably fixed to each other in a way such that they are capable of telescoping movement.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the shell parts are arranged on top of each other along concentric circular arcs; and at least one sensor is attached in a removable manner to the shell part located on the circular arc with the smallest radius. In another possible implementation form, the number of shell parts may be three, or at least three.

In another possible implementation form, the head unit is connected to the holding part via a rotation point, so that the head unit can turn around at least one rotation axis.

In another possible implementation form, the rotation axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the holding part.

In another possible implementation form, the apparatus comprises a motor, the motor being in a wired connection with at least one shell part, and the motor is housed in the head unit, the holding part, or an external unit that is in a wired connection with the head unit.

Another distinctive feature may be that a rotating shaft is connected to the head unit, and the rotating shaft is connected to a toothed wheel and to a toothed bar via the toothed wheel. Another distinctive feature may be that the rotating shaft is connected to the motor.

It may also be a distinctive feature that a wire is connected to the head unit and/or at least one shell part.

Another distinctive feature may be that at least one shell part is connected to a synchronising toothed wheel and at least two other shell parts are connected to a synchronising toothed bar; the synchronising toothed wheel and the synchronising toothed bars are mechanically connected to each other.

It may also be a distinctive feature that the synchronising toothed wheel and the synchronising toothed bars are located on the side of the shell parts, so that at least one synchronising toothed wheel and at least two synchronising toothed bars are located on each side of the head unit, and the synchronising toothed bars are covered by cover parts.

It may also be a distinctive feature that it has a control unit, and the control unit is connected to the motor and is located in the holding part.

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows the spatial drawing of a possible implementation form of the apparatus,

Figure 2 shows the spatial drawing of another possible implementation form of the apparatus that is fitted with a sensor,

Figure 3 shows the spatial drawing of another possible implementation form of the apparatus where it is suitable for manual use and the shell parts are extended, Figure 4 shows the spatial drawing of another possible implementation form of the apparatus where it is suitable for manual use, it is fitted with a sensor, and the shell parts are closed, Figure 5 shows the spatial drawing of the implementation form shown on Figure 4 where the shell parts are extended,

Figure 6 shows the spatial drawing of a possible implementation form of the apparatus, also showing the parts that move the shell parts,

Figure 7 shows a traverse cross-section of the implementation form shown on Figure 6, Figure 8 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the implementation form shown on Figure 6, Figure 9/a shows the side view of another possible implementation form of the apparatus, where it is fitted with two shell parts and can be moved using a wire,

Figure 9/b shows a spatial drawing of the implementation form shown on Figure 9/a,

Figure 10/a shows the side view of another possible implementation form of the apparatus, where it is fitted with three shell parts and can be moved using a wire, and

Figure 10/b shows a spatial drawing of the implementation form shown on Figure 10/a.

Figure 1 shows the spatial drawing of an implementation form of the apparatus that is suitable for telescopic movement. The head unit 1 of the apparatus is fitted with arched shell parts 3 that are releasably arranged and connected to each other in a telescopic manner, so that they can slide and move on each other (telescoping mechanism). For the purposes of this application, telescopic design means a device or apparatus that is implemented using parts that can be pushed into each other in order to reduce its size. The head unit 1 takes up a very small space when its closed and the shell part 3 are on top of each other. The arched shell parts 3 are arranged on top of each other along concentric arcs. The shell parts 3 can move along the arcs in both directions both simultaneously and separately. The number of shell parts 3 may be two, three, four, or possibly even more. The number of the parts is determined by the needs (required range of movement), dimensions, and the technology of manufacturing. Having three shell parts 3 may be considered the optimal solution; the apparatus shown on this Figure is also fitted with three shell parts 3. Three shell parts 3 may be able to move and examine small objects around in a range of +-120 to 140 degrees. The shell parts 3 may be moved in a sequence or in a synchronised manner. The implementation form shown on this Figure uses synchronised movement; thus, a synchronising toothed wheel 4 and synchronising toothed bars 5 are located on the side of the head unit 1. In an apparatus fitted with at least three shell parts 3, these are responsible for moving the shell parts 3 simultaneously. The synchronising toothed wheel 4 shown on the Figure provides a connection between the three shell parts 3. Advantageously, the first shell part 3 does not move. The second, or middle, shell part 3 is connected to the synchronising toothed wheel 4, and it is able to move in both directions. This movement forces the third, or internal, shell part 3 to follow in a synchronised manner. A synchronising toothed wheel 4 and the synchronising toothed bars 5 are needed where the head unit 1 includes at least three shell parts 3, provided that the shell parts 3 are to move in a synchronised manner. Continuous and unobstructed movement can be easily achieved by moving the shell parts 3 in a synchronised manner.

Thus, the synchronising toothed wheel 4 is optional and the apparatus can work even without it; for example, it is possible that the third, or internal, shell part moves first, and where further movement is required even when it is fully extended, then the second, or middle, part begins to move. The synchronising toothed bars 5 shown on the Figure on the side of the two outside shell parts 3 are also optional; they also allow the shell parts 3 to move simultaneously.

The head unit 1 advantageously has the following approximate dimensions. The shell parts 3 are suitably approximately 10 to 25 mm wide, and their radius is suitably approximately 10 to 30 mm. When the shell parts 3 are closed, the head unit 1 is suitably approximately 10 to 20 mm high, including its connection to the holding part 2. The angle of the arch covered by the shell parts 3 (central angle) can be anywhere between 0 to 180 degrees in both directions; typically, the shell parts 3 are able to cover +-120 to 140 degrees comfortably when three shell parts are used.

Larger radius does not necessary imply larger size; it has an impact on how much the end points curve back when all shell parts are fully extended, that is what part of an entire arc is shown. On the one hand, shells of a large radius are slightly arched when they are slightly extended. On the other hand, shells of a small radius are more capable of curving backwards. Thus, these two parameters have a significant impact on the part (angle in degrees) a shell part 3 is able to cover.

Figure 2 also shows a head unit 1 with three shell parts 3, which is also fitted with a sensor 6. The first shell part 3a is outermost, and the synchronising toothed bar 5 is located on its side. In this implementation form, the first shell part 3a does not move; it allows the head unit 1 to connect to a holding part, handle. The second shell part 3b is the middle shell part, and a synchronising toothed wheel 4 is located on its side. The third shell part 3c is the innermost, i.e. internal, shell part, and it travels the arc with the smallest radius from among the shell parts 3. In the course of using the apparatus, i.e. moving the head unit 1, the third shell part 3c is closest to the object under examination, e.g. a tooth. A synchronising toothed bar 5 is also implemented on the side of the third shell part 3c. The synchronising toothed wheel 4 and the synchronising toothed bars 5 are responsible for moving the shell parts 3 in a synchronised manner. The device to be moved, such as an imaging sensor 6, can be located in the bay 7 of the third shell part 3c. The sensor 6 moves together with the third shell part 3c. The implementation form shown on this Figure can be used to take images of an object from an angle of up to 270 degrees.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus with a holding part 2, which is a handle in this example. The holding part 2 may be a handle, shaft, grip, platform, or another holding element through which the apparatus is connected to a moving lever. The holding part 2 may transmit two types of movements toward the head unit 1 : first, it may move the shell parts 3, and second, it may turn the head unit 1 around its axis Al. Optionally, a motor 11 and/or control unit and/or computing unit and/or power source may be built into the holding part 2. It is also possible to build either of these into the holding part 2 on its own, while communications with the other elements may be made possible through a wired or wireless connection. For example, the motor 11 suitably built into the holding part 2, as shown on the Figure. The motor 11 may also be built into the head unit 1, but such a setup is less suitable in terms of saving space, i.e. the goal of reducing the size of the head unit 1. If size is not of critical importance, the motors 11 that drive the movement may also be located in the head unit 1. It is also a possible solution to install the power source and the motor 11 into a separate unit connected to the head unit 1 via a wire. The control unit may still be built into the holding part 2 even in such a scenario. These may also be implemented in any manner known to a professional, as it does not have an impact on functioning. The necessary electric cables, wires can be tunnelled through the rotation point 12 located at the juncture of the first shell part 3a and the holding part 2. The rotation point 12 may be implemented as a point, an axis, a mounting component, a ball-joint, or another suitable joint at the juncture of the head unit 1 and the holding part 2.

Suitably, the motor 11 is wired to at least one shell part 3. Once it drives at least one shell part 3, it can pass on the driving force to the other parts. The control unit is connected to the motor 11. Similarly to Figure 3, Figures 4 and 5 show the apparatus with a holding part 2; in this implementation form, it is fitted with a handle that enables manual use. The head unit 1 includes three arched shell parts 3, i.e. the first shell part 3a, the second shell part 3b, and the internal third shell part 3c. The third shell part 3c includes a sensor 6, which moves together with the third shell part 3c. The sensor 6 may even be a traditional camera. When observing a small object, the camera needs to have a close depth of focus.

Figure 4 shows the synchronising toothed bars 5 covered by a cover part 8, which is important to prevent as much contamination from entering the mechanical parts as possible. This Figure also shows the rotation axis Al of the head unit 1, around which it may turn as an option. Thus, the sensor 6 can take images from even more directions. In this implementation form, the axis Al is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 of the holding part 2. Thus, there is a possible implementation form where the entire head unit 1 may be turned in addition to performing telescopic movement. Such turning is executed by the motor, which may be located in the head unit 1, the holding part 2, or in a wired external unit, as described above. It is also feasible to turn the head unit 1 around more than one axes; for example, a ball-joint can be implemented at the rotation point 12 located at the juncture of the head unit 1 and the holding part 2.

Figure 5 shows the shell parts 3 while they are moving. The first shell part 3a, the second shell part 3b, and the third shell part 3c slide on top of each other in a telescopic manner, and they can move together in a synchronised manner or after each other in a sequential manner. As this Figure also indicates, position can be calculated better when they move in a synchronised manner. In such a scenario, the synchronising toothed bar 5 is connected to the first shell part 3a and the third shell part 3c, and the synchronising toothed wheel 4 is mounted onto the second shell part 3b. In this implementation form, the synchronising toothed bar 5 is realized on both edges of the first shell part 3a and the third shell part 3c along the entire arc, and one synchronising toothed wheel 4 is also mounted onto each side of the second shell part 3b. The edges of the shell parts 3 are not the only places where a synchronising toothed wheel 4 or the synchronising toothed bar 5 may be located. The synchronising toothed wheel 4 and the synchronising toothed bar 5 allow the shell parts 3 to move simultaneously, but they do not have a role in driving such movement themselves.

Figures 6 to 10 show the movement of the shell parts 3, and the possible manners of such movement, from various views. For example, a suitably rigid, but still flexibly bendable thread (e.g. a spring steel thread) may be used to move the shell parts 3. The shell parts 3 and the sensor 6 can be moved by pushing or pulling the thread.

Figure 6 shows a scenario where this moving part is a rotating shaft 9, which drives the shell parts 3 via a toothed wheel 4a located in the middle in the implementation form. The rotating shaft 9 is an axis that transfers rotating movement, i.e. a rod that moves in a linear manner. Suitably, the rotating shaft 9 is driven by a motor, because driving it manually, even though possible, would be more difficult.

Thus, in this implementation form, the rotating shaft 9 transmits the kinetic energy of the motor. The linear movement of the rotating shaft 9 rotates the middle toothed wheel 4a. As indicated on Figures 7 and 8, the toothed wheel 4a is connected, and transmits its kinetic energy, to the toothed bar 5a. In this implementation form, the toothed bar 5a is connected to the middle second shell part 3b at the middle of the second shell part 3b. Thus, the toothed bar 5a is responsible for the telescopic movement.

As explained above, this arrangement represents only one of the possible solutions, and the shell parts 3 may be driven by any other means known to professionals. Another possible form of movement is also shown on Figures 9 to 10.

Figures 7 and 8 show the implementation form also shown on Figure 6 in more detail and using spatial sections. As explained above, this implementation form utilises a motor that drives a rotating shaft 9 and is located in the head unit 1, the holding part 2, or an external unit. The rotating shaft 9 is connected to the toothed wheel 4a and, through that wheel, a toothed bar 5a. The middle toothed bar 5a is realized on the second shell part 3b, meaning that the motor, in fact, moves the second shell part 3b. If the head unit 1 includes more than two shell parts 3, the other shell parts 3 can be suitably moved along by the second shell part 3b. In this implementation form, the second shell part 3b and the third shell part 3c can move and slide in a synchronised manner, as the first shell part 3a does not move. This is executed so that the synchronising toothed wheel 4 is mounted onto the second shell part 3b, and it forces the third shell part 3c to move via the synchronising toothed bar 5 located on the third shell part 3c. The plane of the synchronising toothed wheel 4 is perpendicular to that of the toothed wheel 4a. As for the implementation form shown on Figures 6 to 8, the movement of shell parts 3 can be described as follows.

The first shell part 3a does not move, as it merely leads to synchronising toothed wheel 4, which is connected to the second shell part 3b and transmits movement to the third shell part 3c.

The second shell part 3b takes over the external driving force via the toothed bar 5a located in the middle. The external driving force is received from the rotating shaft 9, which rotates the toothed wheel 4a. The third shell part 3c conveys movement via a synchronising toothed wheel 4 located on its two sides. In this implementation form, the synchronising toothed wheel 4 is mounted on the side and it is not driven directly; its role is to ensure that the synchronising toothed bars 5 located on the edges of the first shell part 3 a and the third shell part 3 c move in a synchronised manner. Typically, the planes of the toothed wheel 4a and the synchronising toothed wheel 4 are perpendicular to each other.

The third shell part 3c receives kinetic energy from the synchronising toothed wheel 4 via the synchronising toothed bar 5 located on its edges. This is the innermost shell, and it may house the sensor or any other object, part, or device that needs to be moved.

Figure 8 shows the head unit 1, cut at the middle toothed bar 5a, and the connected rotating shaft 9. In this implementation form, the middle toothed bar 5a is located in the middle of the second shell part 3b. It may be located at another location as well, but this implementation is the optimal one, as it provides the most space for the sensor located in the third shell part 3c.

Figures 9/a, 9/b, 10/a, and 10/b show an implementation form where the shell parts 3 are moved by moving or pulling wire 10 threads. In this implementation form, a rotating shaft or a toothed wheel is not necessary. Nonetheless, this movement is also suitably controlled by a motor. In this implementation form, toothed bars may be necessary for the motor to drive the second shell part 3b. However, the use of a toothed bar or a motor is optional.

On Figures 9/a and 9/b, the head unit 1 includes two arched shell parts 3, which arrangement allows for tilting and moving up to 70 to 90 degrees in both directions.

In the implementation form shown on Figures 10/a and 10/b, the head unit 1 includes three arched shell parts 3. The use of three shell parts 3 allows for moving more than 90 degrees, possibly even 120 to 140 degrees, in both directions. The apparatus described above has numerous advantages. One of its advantages is that it is perfectly suitable for moving, moving items, and examining objects all around in small and enclosed spaces, e.g. in a mouth. It has a structural design that works perfectly even in a miniaturized form, and it is suitable for large displacements compared to its size. The apparatus is excellent for use on the field of healthcare and dentistry, for example for diagnostic purposes. It is suitable, for example, for creating a multispectral image of a tooth, even for making a 3D model. Scanning around the teeth is very difficult, as the space between the two dentures is quite small and it is not recommended to place larger mechanical devices in the oral cavity. However, a sensor holder must be able to move around a tooth. The present telescopic apparatus can be produced in several sizes with different arc radius. It is advantageous that it requires little space, takes up little space, but is capable of extremely large movements due to the telescopic movement. It can perform continuous, unobstructed movement. It is advantageous that the apparatus has a simple structure and can be implemented inexpensively. It can include any number of shell parts, and the top part is ideal for carrying the sensor(s), but it can move other items as well. The shell parts can move both in a synchronised manner and separately as required by the task at hand. It is advantageous that the movement of the head unit can be motorised and/or automated. Due to the curved design of the shell parts and the telescopic movement, the apparatus can move around an object or a tooth with an up to +-120 to 140 degrees angle. Thus, if an imaging sensor, for example, is placed in the inner shell, a tooth can be photographed almost from all directions using a single sensor. It is also advantageous that the apparatus, as well as its connection to the holding part, is designed in such a way that the curved shell parts are not obstructed in either direction, meaning that they can move in both directions. It is also advantageous that the apparatus can be built into a holding part or handle into which a motor and/or a power source and/or a control unit and/or a computing unit can also be integrated, if necessary.

Typically, the apparatus is applied on the field of moving devices, moving and moving items around small objects, primarily in a small and confined space (e.g. within a mouth), advantageously on the field of diagnostics, dentistry, and dental technology.

In addition to the above examples, the invention can be implemented in other forms within the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A moving apparatus for medical use, comprising a head unit (1) and a holding part (2), the holding part (2) being connected to the head unit (1), characterized in that the head unit (1) comprises at least two curved shell parts (3), the shell parts (3) being releasably connected to each other allowing them to be telescopically displaced.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the shell parts (3) are arranged on top of each other along concentric circular arcs, and at least one sensor (6) is removably attached to the shell part (3) located on the circular arc with the smallest radius.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of shell parts (3) is at least three.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the head unit (1) is connected to the holding part (2) via a rotation point (12), such that the head unit (1) can turn around at least one rotation axis (Al).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotation axis (Al) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the holding part (2).

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a motor (11), the motor (11) is in a wired connection with at least one shell part (3), and the motor (11) is housed in the head unit (1), the holding part (2), or an external unit that is in a wired connection with the head unit (1).

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a rotating shaft is (9) connected to the head unit (1), and the rotating shaft (9) is connected to a toothed wheel (4a) and to a toothed bar (5a) via the toothed wheel (4a).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the rotating shaft (9) is connected to the motor (11).

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a wire (10) is connected to the head unit (1) and/or at least one shell part (3).

10. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one shell part (3) is connected to a synchronising toothed wheel (4) and at least two other shell parts (3) are connected to a synchronising toothed bar (5); the synchronising toothed wheel (4) and the synchronising toothed bars (5) are mechanically connected to each other.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the synchronising toothed wheel (4) and the synchronising toothed bars (5) are located on the side of the shell parts (3), so that at least one synchronising toothed wheel (4) and at least two synchronising toothed bars (5) are located on each side of the head unit (1), and the synchronising toothed bars (5) are covered by cover parts (8).

12. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a control unit being connected to the motor (11) and located in the holding part (2).