Introduction

In the era of digital dentistry, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become indispensable for implantology, orthodontics, and endodontics. However, traditional CBCT systems often present challenges with their complex structures, imposing presence, and patient anxiety. To address these pain points, LKK Design partnered with Neoway Medical to first create the groundbreaking Pirox CBCT, and subsequently, the Jirox Simple Series Oral CBCT—a testament to how minimalist design and deep humanistic care can converge to redefine medical device excellence.

Client and Project Background

The growing demand for advanced dental diagnostics necessitated more accessible and user-friendly CBCT solutions. In 2020, LKK Design and Neoway Medical successfully collaborated on Pirox, the world's first dual-source, wide-field-of-view CBCT, which was widely acclaimed and won the iF Design Award in 2021.

Building on this success, the partnership aimed to address a broader range of clinical scenarios by developing the Jirox Simple Series. The goal was to create a system that prioritized patient comfort, operational simplicity, and accessibility without compromising on image quality or performance.

The core objectives for the Jirox Simple Series were:

• Enhance Usability and Comfort: Simplify the patient positioning process and minimize discomfort, particularly for elderly patients with limited mobility and active children.

• Ensure Safety and Image Quality: Maintain high image clarity while actively reducing the patient's radiation exposure dose.

• Create a Patient-Friendly Aesthetic: Soften the clinical, intimidating feel of medical equipment through design to alleviate patient anxiety and convey a sense of safety and care.

• Ensure Robustness and Adaptability: Design a stable system suitable for the diverse environments of dental practices, from large hospitals to private clinics.

LKK Design employed a comprehensive, user-centric design process to bring the Jirox Simple Series to life.

1. Design Research
The team conducted in-depth ethnographic research in dental clinics, observing and interviewing technicians, dentists, and patients. Key insights revealed that the enclosed space of traditional scanners induced claustrophobia, complex positioning increased technician workload, and patient movement (especially in children and the elderly) led to motion artifacts, compromising image quality.

2. Industrial Design
Guided by the principles of "Minimalism" and "Humanistic Care," the industrial design introduced several key innovations:

• Simplified Positioning: A unified positioning system supports three imaging modes: CT, Panoramic, and Cephalometric. An ergonomic head clamp allows for one-handed operation, maintaining a natural cervical spine angle for reduced patient fatigue.

• Comfortable Seated Imaging: The seated scanning position is ideal for less mobile seniors and fidgety children, minimizing movement and ensuring clearer images.

• Friendly Design Language: The use of bent tubes instead of sharp, straight pipes at the column corners softens the product's appearance, reducing coldness and alleviating patient nervousness. This distinctive "F" shape also subtly echoes the client's brand identity.

• Open and Non-Restrictive Experience: Departing from oppressive overhead scanning gantries, the Simple CT features an open-top, non-compressive design, significantly enhancing patient comfort and accommodating all body types.

3. Mechanical Structure Design
The mechanical architecture was engineered for stability, safety, and durability:

• Stable Chassis: A floor-standing design provides a solid and stable foundation for the entire system.

• Deformation-Resistant Structure: The reinforced mechanical frame resists long-term deformation, ensuring consistent imaging accuracy over the product's lifecycle.

• Low-Dose Consideration: The radiation source was strategically positioned farther from the patient's head, resulting in an exponential reduction in the actual radiation dose received.

4. Prototyping and Testing
Multiple iterative prototypes were built and rigorously tested. The team validated ergonomics, structural integrity, patient workflow, and image calibration against real-world scenarios, ensuring every design detail met the project's stringent objectives before final delivery.

The Jirox Simple Series Oral CBCT design delivers multifaceted value:

• Superior Patient Experience: The open architecture and friendly design significantly reduce patient anxiety, embodying the humanistic care essential to modern healthcare.

• Enhanced Clinical Efficiency: The streamlined positioning and stable seated imaging reduce technician burden and the need for retakes, improving clinic workflow.

• Strengthened Brand Image: The distinctive and approachable design communicates Neoway Medical's commitment to innovation and patient-centricity, strengthening its competitive edge.

• Broader Market Accessibility: The system's combination of stability, safety, and ease of use makes it suitable for a wide spectrum of dental practices.