Dental handpiece

Abstract

A dental handpiece comprising: a housing; a handpiece head; a tool receiver disposed in the handpiece head, the tool receiver being electrically conductive; a transmission chain comprising a drive unit and a transmission shaft drivable by the drive unit, the transmission shaft coupled to the tool receiver; a slip ring disposed around a section of the tool receiver and mechanically and electrically connected to the tool receiver; and a prestressing forked contact mechanically and electrically connected with the slip ring. During use of the dental handpiece, the prestressed furcation contact impinges on a slip ring that impinges on the tool receiver to deliver an electrical signal from the connection interface to a tool inserted in the tool receiver. The signal path includes a pre-stressed bifurcated contact. The transmission chain and the signal path are electrically isolated from the housing via the ball bearing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dental handpiece, and more particularly to providing reliable electrical signal transmission in a dental handpiece for endodontic treatment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Dental professionals can perform dental procedures, such as measuring the length of a root canal, using an endodontic handpiece system designed for root canal treatment. The handpiece system can feature a low-speed rotary mechanism that allows for precise drilling and cleaning of the root canal system. The handpiece systems often include design elements that enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during long-term use. Additionally, they can be equipped with advanced features such as adjustable speed settings, enhanced illumination to improve visibility and procedure outcomes. SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a dental handpiece comprises a housing, a handpiece head, a tool receiver disposed in the handpiece head, the tool receiver being electrically conductive, a drive train comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, the drive shaft being coupled to the tool receiver, a slip ring disposed around a section of the tool receiver and being in mechanical and electrical connection with the tool receiver, a pre-stressed bifurcated contact in mechanical and electrical connection with the slip ring, wherein during use of the dental handpiece, the pre-stressed bifurcated contact impinges on the slip ring, which impinges on the tool receiver, to deliver an electrical signal from a connection interface via a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool receiver, the signal path comprising the pre-stressed bifurcated contact, and wherein the drive train, the tool receiver, and the signal path are electrically isolated from the housing via a ball bearing.

[0004] In one embodiment, the balls of the ball bearing are made of a non-conductive material, such as ceramic or plastic.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a dental handpiece comprises providing a housing, providing a handpiece head, disposing a tool receiver in the handpiece head, the tool receiver being electrically conductive. The method further comprises providing a drive train comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, the drive shaft being coupled to the tool receiver. The method comprises disposing a slip ring around a section of the tool receiver such that the slip ring is in mechanical and electrical connection with the tool receiver, providing a pre-stressed bifurcated contact in mechanical and electrical connection with the slip ring, and during use of the dental handpiece, causing the pre-stressed bifurcated contact to impinge on the slip ring, which impinges on the tool receiver, to deliver an electrical signal from a connection interface via a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool receiver. The signal path comprises the pre-stressed bifurcated contact. The method further comprises electrically isolating the drive train, the tool receiver, and the signal path from the housing via a ball bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] To facilitate identification of any particular element or action, one or more of the most effective digits in the reference number indicate the number of the figure in which that element is first introduced.

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view depicting a dental handpiece with a vertical cross-section according to an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective view depicting a dental handpiece in a cross-section according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective view depicting a prestressed bifurcated contact according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view depicting the motor of a dental handpiece according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 Describe a routine according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 A computer system according to an illustrative embodiment is described. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Overview In the following detailed implementation, numerous specific details are illustrated by way of example to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be clearly understood that these teachings can be implemented without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuits are described at a relatively high level without detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of these teachings.

[0014] In one respect, spatially related terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “side,” “left,” and “right” are used in reference to the orientation of the described figures. Because components of embodiments of this disclosure can be positioned in multiple different orientations, the terms of orientation are used for illustrative purposes and are by no means limiting. Therefore, it will be understood that spatially related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element described as being “below” or “under” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, for example, the term “below” may encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or viewed or referenced in other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0015] As used in this article, the term "vertical" describes an orientation that is perpendicular to the large surface arrangement of the prestressed bifurcated contacts and aligned with the length of the dental handpiece.

[0016] As used in this article, the term "lateral" describes an orientation parallel to the large surface of the prestressed bifurcated contact.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “connected” and / or “electrically connected” do not imply that elements must be directly joined together—an intermediary element may be present between “connected” or “electrically connected” elements. In contrast, if an element is described as “directly connected” or “directly linked” to another element, then no intermediary element exists. The term “electrically connected” refers to a low-ohmic electrical connection between elements that are electrically connected together, such as two conductive metals in direct physical contact with each other.

[0018] While terms such as first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0019] It should be understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims. The description of the embodiments is not restrictive. In particular, elements of the embodiments described below may be combined with elements of different embodiments.

[0020] The illustrative embodiments recognize that, for endodontic treatment, electrical signals from the measuring device, via a motor, and via a counter-angle coupled to the motor, are provided to the file used to perform root canal drilling and measurement. If the electrical signal has a shortcut through the tissue, erroneous measurement results may be obtained, or no measurement results may be obtained. Therefore, it may be necessary to isolate the signal from the patient's mouth, the fingers holding the dental appliance, and the rest of the dental appliance.

[0021] The concept described herein relates to a dental handpiece designed to enhance electrical signal transmission during endodontic treatment and provide reliable insulation between the handpiece housing and the electrical signal. The dental handpiece may include a conductive tool receiver, a drive chain with a drive unit and shaft, and a slip ring that contacts the tool receiver. The device includes pre-stressed bifurcated contacts that ensure optimal signal transmission with the tool during use, while ball bearings (comprising at least non-conductive balls such as ceramic or plastic) electrically isolate the drive chain and electrical signal from the metal housing. The slip ring and bifurcated contacts may be gold-coated to enhance signal quality and reduce wear. Additionally, the device incorporates flexible electrical connections and spring-loaded contacts for secure signal transmission between the handpiece's diagonal portion and the motor. Insulation integrity is verified using an insulation detection contact device and an internal or external processor (such as a processor for a desktop device) to ensure safe and accurate measurements during dental procedures. In embodiments, the use of siliconized caps or housings for insulation of the dental handpiece is avoided due to the isolation techniques for drive and signal transmission described herein. Furthermore, the contact and signal transmission with the pulp file can be fully integrated into the dental handpiece, instead of using an external cable placed on the outside of the head to contact the pulp file from the outside of the handpiece. This integration avoids the use of external cables that could interfere with manipulation and visibility and potentially degrade hygiene.

[0022] Now go to Figure 1 The image shows a vertical cross-section of a first portion (reverse angle) of a dental handpiece 102. The dental handpiece 102 includes at least a housing 120, a handpiece head 118, and a tool receiver 128 disposed within the handpiece head 118, wherein the tool receiver 128 is conductive. The dental handpiece 102 also includes a drive chain 108 comprising a drive unit 112 and a drive shaft 110 drivable by the drive unit 112. The drive shaft 110 is mechanically coupled to the tool receiver 128, which receives a signal from a signal path in the tool receiver 128 for a tool 130, and thus there is a potential electrical transmission between the tool receiver 128 and the drive shaft 110. Electrical isolation of the drive chain 108 and the signal path from the housing 120 (and, in general, may include, all conductive materials that can be touched from the outside by a patient or physician) prevents the housing 120 from becoming charged. The tool receiver 128 is also electrically isolated from the housing 120 (or, additionally, the remainder of the handpiece) at the handpiece head 118. In some implementations, the motor may be considered part of the dental handpiece.

[0023] Electrical insulation between the housing and the electrical signals is provided by ball bearings 136 distributed inside the dental handpiece 102 to hold the tool receiver 128 and the drive chain 108 in place and prevent them from contacting the rest of the dental handpiece 102. The balls 104 of the ball bearings 136 may be non-conductive, such as those made of ceramic or plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 132 of the ball bearings 136 is metallic, but alternatively, it may be non-conductive. A cage 132 holds the balls 104 in place. In some cases, the cage 132 may not contact the outer ring of the ball bearings 136, especially if the cage 132 is made of a metallic material. Electrical insulation is further ensured by designing the cage 132 separately from the outer ring at a predetermined distance to prevent crosstalk or electromagnetic interference between the cage 132 and the housing 120.

[0024] A slip ring 126 is disposed around a section 124 of the tool receiver 128 and is mechanically (e.g., press-fitted) and electrically connected to the tool receiver 128. This section may be a circumferential recess that receives the slip ring 126. In the handpiece head 118, a prestressed bifurcated contact 122 is designed to be mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring 126. During use of the dental handpiece 102, the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 impacts the slip ring 126, which in turn impacts the tool receiver 128, to provide a robust mechanical and electrical connection for delivering an electrical signal from an internal electrical contact 114 at the connection interface 106 via a signal path (which includes an internal electrical contact 114 such as a flat washer, a flexible electrical connection device 116, the prestressed bifurcated contact 122, the slip ring 126, and the tool receiver 128) to the tool 130 inserted into the tool receiver 128. The drive chain 108 can also be energized by contact with the tool receiver 128.

[0025] Impact (see) Figure 2 This includes direct contact between the tool receiver 128 and the slip ring 126 in the handheld head 118 to produce a wear-optimized contact spring design, wherein further impact by the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 contributes to optimal and uniform contact pressure (see...). Figure 2Both the slip ring 126 and the prestressed bifurcated contact can have a gold coating, which facilitates signal transmission and reduces wear. The bifurcated shape of the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 and its prestress / spring load provide sufficient contact points and contact safety on the opposite side of the slip ring 126 to increase redundancy and provide a consistent contact path for signal transmission during device use via prestress. They also provide just enough inward pressure to mitigate wear. Excessive pressure may cause the gold to wear away relatively quickly. Insufficient pressure may produce vibrations and interrupted signals. Therefore, the contact spring design herein works in conjunction with the slip ring 126 disposed in section 124 and the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 and the prestress, bifurcation, contact structure and / or the plating of the slip ring 126 and the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 with the tool receiver 128 to provide consistent and isolated signal transmission to the tool 130 via the signal path.

[0026] The signal path from connection interface 106 to tool 130 may include prestressed bifurcated contact 122 and electrical connection means, such as flexible electrical connection means 116, which may include, for example, cables, wires, flexible printed circuit boards, etc. Of course, other possibilities are possible given the description herein. For example, a non-flexible connection may electrically connect the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 to contact the internal electrical contact 114 at connection interface 106.

[0027] In an embodiment, the dental handpiece 102 includes an internal electrical contact 114 (such as a flat pad, a concave pad, or any other pad or other electrical contact) located at a connection interface 106, electrically connected to a flexible electrical connection device 116. When the motor 406 is coupled to the dental handpiece at the connection interface 106, an external electrical contact 402 (see [link to external contact]) that is spring-loaded and disposed on the motor 406 is made possible. Figure 4 It is electrically connected to the internal electrical contact 114.

[0028] Figure 2 A cross-section of the dental handpiece 102 is shown, passing through a plane parallel to the large surface of the prestressed bifurcation contact 122. As shown, a flexible electrical connection 116 is directly or indirectly connected to the prestressed bifurcation contact 122. A connection device 202 facilitates this connection. In one example, the connection device 202 holds the electrical components of the prestressed bifurcation contact 122 and the flexible electrical connection 116 in place. In some embodiments, the flexible electrical connection 116 is welded to the prestressed bifurcation contact 122.

[0029] Figure 3A perspective view of the prestressed forked contact 122 is shown, illustrating the arm 302. As discussed, the prestressed forked contact 122 may be gold-coated to facilitate signal transmission and reduce wear at the contact surface between the slip ring 126 and the prestressed forked contact 122. A flexible electrical connection device 116 can be connected to the prestressed forked contact 122 at any point. In some embodiments, the arm 302 is shaped similarly to the interface of the flexible electrical connection device 116 where they are welded together, such that the arm 302 and the base 304 provide sufficient surface area for molten weld material to flow at the interface, ensuring proper alignment of the prestressed forked contact 122 with the slip ring 126 to apply similar amounts of force on both sides of the slip ring 126. More specifically, during reflow soldering, the molten weld tends towards mechanical equilibrium to minimize its internal energy, causing the prestressed forked contact 122 to move to a minimum energy state and provide self-alignment.

[0030] Go to Figure 4 The image shows a motor 406. The motor 406 includes one or more external electrical contacts 402 and an insulation detection contact device 404. The insulation detection contact device 404 may be one of the external electrical contacts 402.

[0031] External electrical contact 402 and insulation detection contact device 404 may include pins 408, which, when connected to Figure 1 When the first portion of the dental handpiece 102 shown is presented, the pin 408 is spring-loaded or pressable. The spring-loaded external electrical contact 402 provides a robust and repeatable / reliable physical and electrical connection between the external electrical contact 402 and the corresponding internal electrical contact 114 for transmitting electrical signals for pulp or root canal measurements.

[0032] The insulation detection contact 404 is used to verify the electrical isolation of the drive chain 108 and signal path from the rest of the dental handpiece 102. More specifically, when the motor 406 is coupled to the reverse angle at the connection interface 106, the insulation detection contact 404 (which can be any device that can conduct electricity in the electrical path) or the pin 408 of the insulation detection contact 404 makes physical contact with the housing extension 134. The insulation detection contact 404 can be coupled to an external device for measuring impedance. If the touchable surface of the handpiece 102 is not insulated (e.g., if there is a short circuit between the housing 120 and the signal path or drive chain 108), the circuit of the signal path, drive chain 108, and housing extension 134 is closed, and the impedance between the housing extension 134 and the internal electrical contact 114 drops below a predetermined threshold. More specifically, in some embodiments, the processor of the system including the dental handpiece 102 can be configured to transmit electrical signals via a signal path when the motor 406 is coupled to the connection interface, and to measure the resulting impedance change (insulation path) between the internal electrical contact 114 and the housing extension 134. The processor can then calculate an electrical insulation decision based on the measured impedance.

[0033] In addition, the spring-loaded insulation detection contact 404 provides a repeatable and reliable physical and electrical connection between the insulation detection contact 404 and the housing extension 134 for determining whether the housing is insulated.

[0034] Figure 5A manufacturing or assembly routine 500 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. This routine may be executed, for example, by a processor or processor assembly in a manufacturing apparatus, or with its assistance. In block 502, routine 500 provides a housing 120. In block 504, routine 500 provides a handheld head 118. In block 506, routine 500 provides a tool receiver 128 disposed in the handheld head 118, the tool receiver 128 being conductive. In block 508, routine 500 provides a drive chain 108 including a drive unit 112 and a drive shaft 110 driveable by the drive unit 112, wherein the drive shaft 110 is coupled to the tool receiver 128. In block 510, routine 500 provides a slip ring 126 around a segment 124 of the tool receiver 128, such that the slip ring 126 is mechanically and electrically connected to the tool receiver 128. In block 512, routine 500 provides a prestressed bifurcated contact 122 that is mechanically and electrically connected to slip ring 126. In block 514, during use of the dental handpiece 102, routine 500 causes the prestressed bifurcated contact 122 to impact slip ring 126, which in turn impacts tool receiver 128, to deliver an electrical signal from connection interface 106 via a signal path to tool 130 inserted into tool receiver 128. The signal path may include the prestressed bifurcated contact 122. In block 516, routine 500 electrically isolates drive train 108, tool receiver 128, and signal path from housing 120 via non-conductive ball bearings (such as ball bearing 136 having non-conductive balls 104).

[0035] When using the manufactured dental handpiece, an insulation detection contact device 404 disposed on the motor (which is connected at the connection interface) can be used to measure insulation. More specifically, the processor is configured to transmit an electrical signal through a signal path and measure the impedance between the internal electrical contact 114 and the housing extension 134 to calculate the insulation index of the handpiece.

[0036] The dental handpiece 102 has been described; now reference will be made to... Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a block diagram of a computer system 600 that can be employed according to at least some of the illustrative embodiments described herein. While various embodiments may be described herein with reference to this exemplary computer system 600, after reading this description, it will become clear to those skilled in the art how to implement this disclosure using other computer systems and / or architectures.

[0037] In one example embodiment of this document, at least some components of a dental pulp system or device, including a dental handheld device 102 and a desktop device, may be formed or included. Figure 6In a computer system 600. For example, a computer processor 606 may be part of or be the processor used for insulation measurement or for motor control. The computer system 600 includes at least one computer processor 606. The computer processor 606 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), etc. The computer processor 606 may be connected to a communication infrastructure 602 (e.g., a communication bus, a crossbar switch, a network). In the illustrative embodiments herein, the computer processor 606 includes a CPU that controls a root canal measurement process, including operating electrical signal transmission, operating a drive train 108, and operating insulation measurement.

[0038] Display interface 608 (or other output interface) can forward text, video graphics, and other data from communication infrastructure 602 (or from frame buffer (not shown)) for display on display unit 614. For example, display interface 608 may include a video card with a graphics processing unit, or may provide an interface for an operator to control the system.

[0039] The computer system 600 may also include an input unit 610, which an operator of the computer system 600 can use in conjunction with the display unit 614 to send information to the computer processor 606. The input unit 610 may include a keyboard and / or a touchscreen monitor. In one example, the display unit 614, the input unit 610, and the computer processor 606 may together form a user interface.

[0040] One or more steps of root canal measurement or dental handpiece fabrication / assembly may be stored in the form of computer-readable program instructions on a non-transitory storage device. To execute the program, the computer processor 606 loads the appropriate instructions (such as those stored on the storage device) into memory and then executes the loaded instructions.

[0041] Computer system 600 may further include main memory 604, which may be random access memory (“RAM”), and may also include auxiliary memory 618. Auxiliary memory 618 may include, for example, hard disk drive 620 and / or removable storage drive 622 (e.g., floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, flash memory drive, etc.). Removable storage drive 622 reads from and / or writes to removable storage unit 626 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 626 may be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, flash memory device, etc., which can be written to and read from by removable storage drive 622. Removable storage unit 626 may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable software instructions and / or data.

[0042] In another illustrative embodiment, auxiliary storage 618 may include other computer-readable media storing a computer-executable program or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 600. Such means may include removable storage unit 628 and interface 624 (e.g., program cartridge and cartridge interface); removable memory chip (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”) or programmable read-only memory (“PROM”)) and associated memory sockets; and other removable storage units 628 and interfaces 624 that allow software and data to be transferred from removable storage unit 628 to other parts of computer system 600.

[0043] Computer system 600 may also include a communication interface 612 that enables the transfer of software and data between computer system 600 and external devices. Such an interface may include a modem, a network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card or an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN interface), a communication port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port or a FireWire® port), a PCMCIA (“PCMCIA”) interface, Bluetooth®, etc. Software and data transferred via communication interface 612 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic signals, electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or another type of signal that can be transmitted and / or received by communication interface 612. Signals may be provided to communication interface 612 via a communication path 616 (e.g., a channel). Communication path 616 carries signals and may be implemented using lines or cables, fiber optic cables, telephone lines, cellular links, radio frequency (“RF”) links, etc. Communication interface 612 may be used to transfer software or data or other information between computer system 600 and a remote server or cloud-based storage (not shown).

[0044] One or more computer programs or computer control logic may be stored in main memory 604 and / or auxiliary memory 618. The computer program may also be received via communication interface 612. The computer program includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by computer processor 606, cause computer system 600 to perform the methods described below. Accordingly, the computer program may control computer system 600 and other components of the dental pulp system.

[0045] In another embodiment, the software may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and loaded into main memory 604 and / or secondary memory 618 using a removable storage drive 622, a hard disk drive 620, and / or a communication interface 612. When executed by the computer processor 606, the control logic (software) causes the computer system 600 (and more generally, the dental pulp system) to perform some or all of the methods described herein.

[0046] While the techniques for using a dental pulp handpiece with a pulp counterangle and a motor, as well as devices including a dental pulp handpiece with a pulp counterangle and a motor, have been described in language specific to features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments.

[0047] The following are some examples: Example 1: A dental handpiece, comprising: a housing; a handpiece head; A tool receiver, disposed in the head of the dental handpiece, is conductive; a drive chain, including a drive unit and a drive shaft driven by the drive unit, connected to the tool receiver; a slip ring, disposed around a section of the tool receiver and mechanically and electrically connected to the tool receiver; a prestressed bifurcated contact, mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring; wherein, during use of the dental handpiece, the prestressed bifurcated contact impacts the slip ring, which in turn impacts the tool receiver, to deliver an electrical signal from the connection interface via a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool receiver, the signal path including the prestressed bifurcated contact; and wherein the drive chain, the tool receiver, and the signal path are electrically isolated from the housing via ball bearings.

[0048] Example 2: The dental handpiece of Example 1, wherein the signal path further includes a flexible electrical connection device, and a prestressed bifurcated contact is connected to an external electrical contact at the connection interface via the flexible electrical connection device.

[0049] Example 3: The dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example further includes an internal electrical contact located at the connection interface, which is electrically connected to a flexible electrical connection device; and a spring-loaded contact located at the connection interface, which is disposed on a motor opposite to the internal electrical contact and is electrically connected to the internal electrical contact when the motor is connected to a drive unit.

[0050] Example 4: A dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example, wherein the balls of the ball bearing are non-conductive.

[0051] Example 5: A dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example, wherein a slip ring is press-fitted to a tool receiver.

[0052] Example 6: A dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example, wherein the section is circumferentially recessed.

[0053] Example 7: A dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example, wherein the prestressed bifurcated contact and slip ring are coated with gold.

[0054] Example 8: A dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example, further comprising an insulation detection contact device disposed on a motor for connection to a housing at a connection interface. A system for a handpiece also includes a processor configured to transmit electrical signals via a signal path and to measure the impedance between internal electrical contacts and a housing extension to calculate insulation parameters of the handpiece.

[0055] Example 9: A dental handpiece of Example 1 or any other example, wherein the housing is metal.

[0056] Example 10: A method of manufacturing a dental handpiece, the method comprising: providing a housing; providing a handpiece head; disposing a tool receiver in the handpiece head, the tool receiver being conductive; providing a drive chain including a drive unit and a drive shaft driveable by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the tool receiver; providing a slip ring around a section of the tool receiver such that the slip ring is mechanically and electrically connected to the tool receiver; providing a prestressed bifurcated contact mechanically and electrically connected to the slip ring; during use of the dental handpiece, causing the prestressed bifurcated contact to impact the slip ring, the slip ring impacting the tool receiver, to deliver an electrical signal from a connection interface via a signal path to a tool inserted into the tool receiver, the signal path including the prestressed bifurcated contact; and electrically isolating the drive chain, the tool receiver, and the signal path from the housing via a ball bearing, the ball bearing being non-conductive at least by means of non-conductive balls.

[0057] Example 11: The method in Example 10 or any other example also includes coating the prestressed bifurcated contacts and slip rings with gold.

[0058] Example 12: The method of Example 10 or any other example further includes mounting an insulation detection contact device on a motor for connection to the housing at a connection interface. The handheld device also includes a processor configured to transmit electrical signals via a signal path and to measure the housing potential via the insulation detection contact device to calculate the insulation index of the handheld device.

[0059] in conclusion The various embodiments described in this teaching are presented for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or improvements to techniques found in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0060] While the foregoing has described what is considered the best-case scenario and / or other examples, it is to be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the subject matter disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms and examples, and the teachings can be applied to many applications, only some of which are described herein. The following claims are intended to claim protection for any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of this teaching.

[0061] The components, steps, features, objectives, benefits, and advantages discussed herein are illustrative only. None of them are intended to limit the scope of protection, nor are the discussions relating to them. While various advantages are discussed herein, it will be understood that not all embodiments need to include all advantages. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, levels, locations, quantities, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the following claims) are approximate and not precise. They are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function they pertain to and with things customary in the field to which they pertain.

[0062] Many other embodiments are also contemplated. These include embodiments with fewer, additional, and / or different components, steps, features, objectives, benefits, and advantages. These also include embodiments in which components and / or steps are arranged and / or ordered differently.

[0063] While the foregoing has been described together with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the term "exemplary" is intended only as an example and not as the best or optimal. Nothing in what has been stated or shown is intended or should be construed as causing any element, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage or equivalent to be offered to the public, whether or not it is recited in the claims.

[0064] It will be understood that, except where otherwise set forth in this document, the terms and expressions used herein have the general meaning given to them in relation to their respective fields of investigation and research. Relational terms such as "first" and "second" may be used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element beginning with "an" or "a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0065] This summary of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, as can be seen in the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplification. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment has more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim exists on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A dental handpiece, comprising: a housing; a handpiece head; a tool receiver disposed in the handpiece head, the tool receiver being electrically conductive; a drive train comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, the drive shaft being coupled to the tool receiver; a slip ring disposed about a section of the tool receiver and in mechanical and electrical connection with the tool receiver; a pre-stressed bifurcated contact in mechanical and electrical connection with the slip ring; wherein, during use of the dental handpiece, the pre-stressed bifurcated contact impinges on the slip ring, the slip ring impinges on the tool receiver to deliver an electrical signal from a connection interface to a tool inserted in the tool receiver via a signal path, the signal path comprising the pre-stressed bifurcated contact, and wherein the drive train and the signal path are electrically isolated from the housing via a ball bearing.

2. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein: the signal path further comprises a flexible electrical coupling device, and the pre-stressed bifurcated contact is further coupled to an internal electrical contact at the connection interface by the flexible electrical coupling device.

3. The dental handpiece of claim 2, wherein: the signal path further comprises the slip ring, the tool receiver, and the internal electrical contact.

4. The dental handpiece of claim 2, further comprising: an internal electrical contact electrically coupled to the flexible electrical coupling device at the connection interface; wherein an external electrical contact is spring loaded and disposed on a motor opposite the internal electrical contact and in electrical connection with the internal electrical contact when the motor is connected to the drive unit.

5. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein, a plurality of balls of the ball bearing are non-conductive.

6. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein, the slip ring is press fit to the tool receiver.

7. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein, the section is a circumferential recess.

8. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein, the pre-stressed bifurcated contact and the slip ring are coated with gold.

9. The dental handpiece of claim 1, further comprising: an insulation detection contact device disposed on a motor for connection to the housing at the connection interface, wherein a processor is configured to: transmit an electrical signal through the signal path when the motor is coupled at the connection interface, and measure an impedance between an internal electrical contact and a housing extension to calculate an insulation index of the dental handpiece.

10. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein, the housing is metallic.

11. The dental handpiece of claim 1, wherein, the flexible electrical coupling device further comprises a plurality of arms configured for self-alignment during a welding process.

12. A method of manufacturing a dental handpiece, the method comprising: providing a housing; providing a handpiece head; disposing a tool receiver in the handpiece head, the tool receiver being electrically conductive; providing a drive train comprising a drive unit and a drive shaft drivable by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the tool receiver; disposing a slip ring about a section of the tool receiver such that the slip ring is in mechanical and electrical connection with the tool receiver; providing a pre-stressed bifurcated contact in mechanical and electrical connection with the slip ring; impacting the pre-stressed bifurcated contact on the slip ring, the slip ring impacting on the tool receiver to deliver an electrical signal from the connection interface to a tool inserted in the tool receiver via a signal path, the signal path including the pre-stressed bifurcated contact, and electrically isolating the drive train, the tool receiver, and the signal path from the housing via a ball bearing.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: coating the pre-stressed bifurcated contact and the slip ring with gold.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing an insulation detection contact arrangement on a motor for connecting to the housing at the connection interface, wherein the processor is configured to: transmit an electrical signal through the signal path, and measure an impedance between an internal electrical contact and a housing extension to calculate an insulation index of the dental handpiece.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing a plurality of arms to the pre-stressed bifurcated contact that enable self-alignment of the pre-stressed bifurcated arms when the pre-stressed bifurcated contact is welded to a flexible coupling of the dental handpiece.

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