Interchangeable mechanical covering device for dental unit with digital counter and suction volume regulator in suction

Abstract

The Interchangeable Mechanical Covering Device for Dental Unit with Digital Counter and Suction Volume Regulator in Suction is designed to address two fundamental challenges in clinical environments: firstly, the manual and unhygienic replacement of the unit covering, which leads to cross-contamination; and secondly, the fixed and unintelligent regulation of saliva suction intensity, which can cause patient dry mouth and disrupt the treatment process. This device utilizes a hands-free mechanical covering replacement mechanism, a pulling motor, a digital counter, a waste collection tank, a suction system connected to an adjustable pump, a touchscreen display, and a central processor. It automates the covering and suction processes, making them recordable and adaptable to treatment conditions. The innovation of this idea lies in the simultaneous combination of these two functions, the capability to store performance data, and the elimination of reliance on human intervention.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention : Interchangeable Mechanical Covering Device for Dental Unit with Digital Counter and Suction Volume Regulator in SuctionTechnical Field

[0001] This idea is in the field of mechanical devices used in dental equipment, specifically related to unit covering replacement mechanisms and suction volume control in the suction device.Background Art

[0002] In patent US20230234567A1 , disclosed by inventor LEE, Joon-Ho in 2023, biodegradable disposable coverings for dental units are introduced, which are replaced manually. The objective of this invention is to reduce crosscontamination in the treatment environment. In contrast, in the claimed design, the covering is presented as mechanically replaceable, without manual intervention, and with a digital counter for recording replacement instances.

[0003] In patent WO2021256620A1 , disclosed by Dentozone (Korea) in 2022, an auxiliary device for oral suction is designed that performs saliva suction by being placed between the posterior teeth, without requiring an assistant. In contrast, in the claimed design, in addition to the suction function, there is a digital and recordable suction volume regulation mechanism, and the mechanical covering replacement function for the unit is also included in the device.

[0004] In patent US11141250B2, registered by SafeVac (USA) in 2021 , a suction tool with a filtered tip is introduced that collects large particles and debris before entering the suction tube to prevent system blockage. In contrast, in the claimed design, the primary focus is on digital adjustment of suction intensity, recording performance data, and automatic unit covering replacement, while the suction filtering aspect is not a design priority.

[0005] In the ErgoFinger product, introduced around 2021 by a Finnish company, a suction tip is designed to be attached to the dentist's finger, enabling simultaneous suction with work without assistant help. In contrast, in the claimed design, suction is performed through the unit's internal mechanism with suctionvolume regulation capability and performance recording in a database, not through a wearable tool.

[0006] In the Monoart Chair Cover Kit commercial product from Euronda, launched in 2021 , disposable coverings for various parts of the dental unit are provided, which are placed manually on the unit. In contrast, in the claimed design, the covering is replaced through an internal mechanical mechanism with pedal control, and a digital counter for recording usage instances is also integrated into the system.

[0007] In the ATMOS C 451 Surgical Suction product, launched in 2020, a high- power and silent suction device is designed for use in medical and dental treatments. In contrast, in the claimed design, the focus is on suction volume adjustability suitable for treatment conditions, recording usage-related data in a database, and also the combined function with the unit covering section.

[0008] In a study published in Heliyon journal in 2023, a device named SS-suction underwent clinical evaluation. This device is a combination of an oral retractor and fixed suction, designed for pediatric dental treatments without requiring an assistant. In contrast, in the claimed design, suction is designed to be digital, adjustable, and recordable, and a mechanical unit covering mechanism is also present.

[0009] In an article in the Journal of Dental Hygiene (Vol. 97, No. 2, 2023), a review of the performance of common suction systems in dental clinics showed that in over 80% of units, suction intensity is adjusted manually and fixed, which can lead to problems such as dry mouth or treatment inefficiency. In contrast, in the claimed design, digital suction volume adjustment appropriate for treatment conditions and the capability to record patient data in a digital system are included.Technical Problem

[0010] Infection control and hygiene in the treatment environment are fundamental requirements in dentistry. According to a 2023 WHO report, over 30% of healthcare-associated infections resulted from inadequate sterilization of surfaces and shared instruments. Despite this importance, in some countries, over 85% ofgeneral dental units still have their covering replaced manually. This method, while increasing the risk of cross-contamination, lacks a system for recording and monitoring replacement instances for different patients. On the other hand, a review published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene (Vol. 97, Issue 2, 2023) indicates that approximately 80% of active units in general clinics have their suction intensity in suction devices adjusted manually and fixed. This situation leads to problems such as patient dry mouth, soft tissue damage, or discomfort during treatment.

[0011] The objective of this idea is to design and construct a device that: a. Enables mechanical and hands-free replacement of the unit covering while simultaneously featuring a digital counter for recording replacement instances. b. Provides a mechanism for precise and recordable suction volume regulation during treatment, adjustable according to the dentist's instrument status and treatment conditions.Solution to Problem

[0012] To simultaneously address two significant problems in dental units, namely the manual, unhygienic, and unrecorded replacement of the chair covering, and the fixed and inefficient regulation of saliva suction volume, the present claimed design provides a mechanical-electronic device. This device is designed to be installed on the unit's body without requiring changes to its main structure, thereby enhancing hygiene and control processes.

[0013] At the back or top of the dental chair, a housing is designed for the covering roll, where the nylon covering roll is placed. This roll is guided out through an inlet housing and passed over the unit's surface. At the point where the dental chair bends (i.e., the patient's lower back area), a guide roller bearing is installed. With the help of its holding shaft, this roller bearing keeps the covering flat and prevents it from twisting.

[0014] To initiate covering replacement, the user only needs to press the mechanical pedal. This pedal is connected to the main board and, upon receiving a command, activates the precision stepper motor housed within its own compartment. Themotor, via its integrated shaft, grasps the end of the covering and pulls it backward. After the covering passes over the final guiding shaft, the used nylon is transferred into a special tank for waste collection.

[0015] Concurrently, the number of covering replacements is automatically counted by the central board and microcontroller and stored in the system's internal memory. The user can view the number of replacements, unit length, remaining roll footage, and end-of-roll warning via a color touchscreen monitor installed on the device. This monitor is also connected to adjustment keys, allowing for manual modification of settings. All these control components are housed within a secure electronic compartment to protect them from physical damage and moisture.

[0016] In another section of the device, to control and improve saliva suction from the patient's mouth, a liquid collection tank is provided. This tank is connected to the unit's suction tube via a suction inlet. Liquids enter this tank and are then discharged outwards with the help of a suction pump physically connected to the tank.

[0017] The key feature of this section is the automatic adjustment of suction intensity. If the dentist uses rotary tools or tools with water, the suction power immediately and automatically increases. When the tool is inactive, the suction intensity decreases to prevent excessive patient dry mouth. The suction intensity adjustment, like other functions, is performed by the ESP32 microcontroller via the same main board, and this setting information is recorded in the system.

[0018] All mechanical and electronic components of the device, from the pedal, roller bearing, shafts, stepper motor, touchscreen, central board, microcontroller, suction pump, and their respective connections, work in complete harmony with each other.Advantageous Effects of Invention1 . Mechanical and hands-free replacement of the dental unit covering, aiming to enhance hygiene and reduce cross-contamination.2. Automatic counting of covering replacement instances and digital data recording for each patient.3. Precise and programmable adjustment and control of the covering length to match the dimensions of each unit.4. Collection of used covering in a separate housing without manual contact and no need for operator intervention.5. Elimination of the need for tools or assistant help for covering replacement, thereby simplifying operation for the dentist or assistant.6. Automatic adjustment of saliva suction volume based on treatment conditions and the type of instrument used.7. Reduced probability of patient dry mouth and improved treatment experience through intelligent suction intensity control.8. Recording and storage of suction volume and usage frequency data for performance monitoring and treatment reporting.9. Integration of two important functions (covering and suction) into a single device, with the capability to be installed on existing units without structural modification.Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] Fig 1 : Perspective View (3D View)

[0020] Fig 2: Side View

[0021] Fig 3: Exploded ViewFig.1Description of Embodiments

[0022] The various components of this invention include the following sections:1. Dental Unit (5)2. Pedal for Covering Replacement (6)3. Collected Suction Water Tank (7)4. Tank Lid (8)5. Suction Inlet to Tank (9)6. Suction Pump Connection to Tank (10)7. Suction Pump (11)8. Covering Guiding Shaft (12)9. ESP32 Microcontroller (13)10. Electronic Board Adjustment Keys (14)11 . Electronic Components Housing (15)12. Roller Bearing for Expanding Covering to Unit Width (16)13. Roller Bearing Holding Shaft (17)14. Color Monitor (18)15. Plate for Holding Covering Collection Tank Under Unit (19)16. Stepper Motor with Integrated Shaft (20)17. Motor Housing (21 )18. Covering Collection Tank (22)19. End-of-Path Guiding Shaft to Tank (23)20. Nylon Covering (24)21 . Electronic Board for Pedal and Motor Control (25)22. Covering Inlet Housing (26)

[0023] At the back or top of the dental chair, a housing is designed for the covering roll, where the nylon covering roll (25) is placed. This roll is guided out through the inlet housing (24) and passed over the unit's surface. At the point where the dental chair bends (i.e., the patient's lower back area), a guide roller bearing (13) is installed. With the help of its holding shaft (14), this roller bearing keeps the covering flat and prevents it from twisting.

[0024] To initiate covering replacement, the user only needs to press the mechanical pedal (2). This pedal is connected to the main board (26) and, upon receiving a command, activates the precision stepper motor (19) housed within its motor housing (20). The motor, via its integrated shaft, grasps the end of the covering and pulls it backward. After the covering passes over the final guiding shaft (23), the used nylon is transferred into a special tank for waste collection (21 ).

[0025] Concurrently, the number of covering replacements is automatically counted by the central board (26) and microcontroller (10) and stored in the system's internal memory. The user can view the number of replacements, unit length, remaining roll footage, and end-of-roll warning via a color touchscreen monitor (15) installed on the device. This monitor is also connected to adjustment keys (11 ), allowing for manual modification of settings. All these control components are housed within a secure electronic compartment (12) to protect them from physical damage and moisture.

[0026] In another section of the device, to control and improve patient saliva suction, a liquid collection tank (3) is provided. This tank is connected to the unit's suction tube via a suction inlet (5). Liquids enter this tank and are then discharged outwards with the help of a suction pump (7) physically connected to the tank via a suction pump connection (6).

[0027] The key feature of this section is the automatic adjustment of suction intensity. If the dentist uses rotary tools or tools with water, the suction power immediately and automatically increases. When the tool is inactive, the suction intensity decreases to prevent excessive patient dry mouth. The suction intensity adjustment, like other functions, is performed by the ESP32 microcontroller (10) via the same main board (26), and this setting information is recorded in the system.

[0028] All mechanical and electronic components of the device — from the pedal (2), roller bearing (13), shafts (14 and 23), stepper motor (19), touchscreen (15), central board (26), microcontroller (10), suction pump (7), and their respective connections (5, 6, 24, 25, and 21 ) — work in complete harmony with each other.Examples

[0029] To use this device in a dental clinic environment, after installing it on an existing unit, the user follows these steps to fully utilize both device functions (covering and suction):

[0030] First, the nylon covering roll is placed in its designated location, and its end is threaded through the specified path to spread over the unit's surface (backrest and seat). Via the touchscreen monitor, the user enters the unit's length and theremaining footage on the roll. This allows the device to consume a precise amount of covering each time it is replaced. The internal digital counter automatically records the number of replacements from the start and stores this data in memory.

[0031] After each patient's treatment is complete, the user simply needs to press the covering replacement pedal. The device automatically collects the used covering and replaces it with a new covering. The used covering is stored in a dedicated collection tank. If the roll runs out, an end-of-roll warning is displayed on the monitor.

[0032] During treatment, patient saliva suction is performed by the suction section of the device. This section includes a central suction pump connected to the unit's suction tube. Saliva and liquids enter the device's tank through a dedicated inlet and are then discharged by the pump.

[0033] This pump features automatic suction intensity adjustment. This means that whenever the dentist uses high-power instruments, such as rotary handpieces or sprays, the suction intensity increases. In normal conditions or during breaks, the suction intensity decreases to prevent excessive patient dry mouth. All data related to suction volume, usage frequency, and real-time device performance are automatically recorded in the system and are viewable and reportable as needed.

[0034] This process is designed to be executable by any dentist or assistant without requiring technical expertise or complex training. While simple, the device's performance significantly enhances accuracy, hygiene, and treatment comfort.Industrial Applicability

[0035] The present idea is applicable in the field of dental equipment and can be installed and used in all treatment centers, clinics, private practices, health and treatment centers, and mobile dental treatments.

Claims

Claims

1. An automatic dental chair covering replacement device comprising: a. A housing for holding a disposable nylon covering roll; b. A mechanical covering guiding mechanism; c. A hands-free mechanical covering replacement mechanism; d. A mechanical pedal connected to an electronic board; and e. A digital control unit; whereby upon actuation of the pedal, the covering unrolls from the roll, moves towards a roller bearing and a shaft positioned in the patient's predefined lower back area on the chair, and is then guided towards a collection tank featuring a pulling motor.

2. The automatic dental chair covering replacement device according to Claim 1 , wherein the digital control unit counts the number of replacement instances and notifies the user when the roll needs replacement.

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