Compact, disposable, distributed-flow, low-pressure-drop filter device for dental suction systems

Abstract

A disposable filter device (1) for dental suction systems, comprising a tubular capsule (2) provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) adapted for pressure coupling between a suction cannula and a suction duct, characterized in that the capsule (2) contains within it at least one filter (5) of mesh, non-woven fiber, or porous material, arranged peripherally with respect to a central passage channel (6), and in that the capsule (2) comprises a transparent or translucent area through which a saturation indicator (7) is visible.

Description

Compact, disposable, distributed-flow, low-pressure-drop filter device for dental suction systems Technology sector The present invention falls within the sector of devices used in dental aspiration systems, in particular those intended for the retention of particles present in the fluids aspirated during dental clinical procedures. More specifically, the invention relates to filtering devices arranged in-line in suction circuits, designed for direct coupling between a suction cannula and a suction duct. Background of the invention In dental suction systems, various devices are known for the retention of solid and liquid waste, such as filters integrated into the equipment, amalgam separators, and other waste treatment systems. Also known are in-line filter devices in suction ducts, whose purpose is to capture particles present in the aspirated flow. However, known devices have limitations related to their size, their location at points far from the source of suction, the difficulty of immediate replacement, the increase in system pressure loss, and the absence of simple means of indicating saturation. Furthermore, existing systems are not optimized for the preliminary retention of fine particles at a point close to the source of suction without negatively impacting system performance. Explanation of the invention The invention relates to a compact, disposable filtering device for in-line arrangement in dental suction systems. The device comprises a tubular capsule with an inlet and outlet adapted for pressure coupling between a suction cannula and a suction line. The capsule has compact dimensions, preferably between 10 and 20 mm in length, allowing for direct use in an area close to the patient. Inside the capsule there is at least one filter made of mesh, non-woven fiber or porous material, located in a peripheral configuration with respect to a central passage channel. The peripheral arrangement of the filter with respect to the central channel allows the fluid to pass through the inside of the capsule via the filter and the flow channel, maintaining continuity between the inlet and the outlet. The capsule can be transparent or translucent, so that the user can observe the internal state of the device during use. The device may incorporate a visual saturation indicator located inside the capsule. In one embodiment, this indicator comprises a movable element visible through the transparent or translucent capsule. The device is a sealed, non-removable and disposable cartridge, intended to be replaced after use or when a certain saturation level is reached. The invention allows for a compact consumable element that can be installed without modification of the suction equipment and that facilitates the preliminary retention of particles present in the aspirated flow. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the disposable filter device, in which the tubular capsule, inlet, outlet, and visual saturation indicator can be seen. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device, in which the filter arranged in a peripheral configuration with respect to a central flow channel can be seen. Figure 3 shows a schematic of the flow distributed inside the device between the inlet and the outlet, through the filter arranged in the capsule. Preferred embodiment of the invention In a preferred embodiment, the filtering device (1) comprises a tubular capsule (2) made of plastic material, preferably transparent or translucent. The capsule (2) has an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), both adapted for pressure coupling to a dental suction cannula and a suction duct, respectively. Inside the capsule (2) is a filter (5) made of mesh, non-woven fiber, porous material, or combinations thereof. The filter (5) is arranged in a peripheral configuration with respect to a central channel (6), so that the central channel (6) is located inside the capsule (2) and extends between the input (3) and the output (4). The device may incorporate a visual saturation indicator (7), such as a movable element visible through the capsule (2), arranged to move according to the saturation of the filter (5). Likewise, the device may comprise an auxiliary passage channel (8) arranged in the capsule (2), intended to maintain an internal fluid passage under partial saturation conditions of the filter (5). The device is a sealed, non-removable cartridge intended for single clinical use. The invention has potential for industrial application in dentistry, particularly as a consumable component in clinical suction systems.

Claims

1. A disposable filter device (1) for dental suction systems, comprising a tubular capsule (2) provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) adapted for pressure coupling between a suction cannula and a suction conduit, characterized in that the capsule (2) contains within it at least one filter (5) of mesh, non-woven fiber, or porous material, arranged peripherally with respect to a central passage channel (6), and in that the capsule (2) comprises a transparent or translucent area through which a saturation indicator (7) is visible.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the capsule (2) has a length of between 10 and 20 mm.

3. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter (5) comprises mesh, non-woven fiber, porous materials, or combinations thereof. 4.A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the saturation indicator (7) comprises a movable element visible through the transparent or translucent capsule (2).

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule (2) is transparent or partially transparent.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device constitutes a sealed, non-removable, single-use clinical cartridge.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule (2) comprises an auxiliary flow channel (8).