Dental instrument with integrated power source

Abstract

A medical instrument, such as a dental instrument, is provided. The medical instrument includes a handle portion and a head portion, and can include a mechanical connection assembly operable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The mechanical connection assembly includes a first cooperative section and a second cooperative section. The first cooperative section can include a pathway successively comprising an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section, and the second cooperative section is configured to engage the first cooperative section and travel along the pathway. The medical instrument can also include an electrical connection assembly that includes a distal connector and a proximal connector, one of the distal and proximal connectors including at least one connection pin, and the other one of the distal and proximal connectors including at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.

Description

DENTAL INSTRUMENT WITH INTEGRATED POWER SOURCETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to dental instruments. More particularly, the technical field relates to dental instruments, such as dental mirrors, that include an integrated power source.BACKGROUND

[0002] It may be challenging for a health care provider, such as a dentist or a dental hygienist, to have a direct line of sight into a patient’s mouth to perform a dental exam or other dental procedures. Intraoral mirrors, also known as dental mirrors, are frequently used by such health care providers to facilitate the viewing of biological structures that are located inside the oral cavity of the patient’s mouth, such as teeth and gums, by enabling the observation of reflections of the biological structure of interest onto the reflective surface of the dental mirror.

[0003] Nonetheless, the oral cavity of a patient’s mouth is typically a humid, warm and dark environment. This type of environment can make it difficult to properly view the biological structure of interest on the reflective surface of the dental mirror. Therefore, in order to improve the visibility within the patient’s mouth, additional components can be provided to cooperate with the dental mirror, such as light sources, cameras, heating systems, etc. These components may require a power source which may be external to or integrated within a structure of the dental mirror.

[0004] However, known dental mirrors with integrated components are relatively bulky and can have various drawbacks, such as being difficult to manipulate by the health care provider, or a nearby assistant, thereby increasing the time during which the health care provider is providing treatment to the patient. In addition, the various components of the dental mirror can become disassembled and / or fall apart after repetitive manipulations of the dental mirror by the health care provider, requiring additional time to repair or replace the dental mirror.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains several challenges with respect to dental instruments.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a head-receiving end and a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end and an operative end; a head portion coupled to the head-receiving end of the distal portion, the head portion comprising a medical instrument operating component; a power source housed within the handle; a connection assembly comprising: a mechanical connection assembly comprising: a groove section coupled to one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end; and a tongue section couplable to the other one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, the tongue section being configured to engage the groove section to engage the distal portion and the proximal portion of the handle together, the mechanical connection assembly being operable between an unlocked configuration, wherein the tongue section is free to engage and disengage the groove section, and a locked configuration, wherein the tongue section is prevented from disengaging the groove section; and an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between the power source and the medical instrument operating component when the mechanical connection assembly is in the locked configuration.

[0007] In some implementations, the groove section comprises at least one groove and the tongue section comprises at least one corresponding tongue engageable with the at least one groove.

[0008] In some implementations, the at least one groove comprises a plurality of grooves spaced about the one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, and wherein the at least one corresponding tongue comprises a plurality of tongues spaced about the other one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, the plurality of tongues being configured to engage respective ones of the plurality of grooves.

[0009] In some implementations, the at least one groove successively comprises an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section respectively enabling axial and rotational movement of the at least one corresponding tongue along the at least one groove.

[0010] In some implementations, the axial pathway section of each groove of the at least one groove comprises an inlet having an inlet width larger than an axial pathway section width to define an alignment feature to facilitate insertion of a corresponding tongue of the at least one corresponding tongue into the groove.

[0011] In some implementations, in the unlocked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the at least one groove along the axial pathway section.

[0012] In some implementations, in the locked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the at least one groove section along the radial pathway section.

[0013] In some implementations, the axial pathway section and the radial pathway section together define a substantially L-shaped groove.

[0014] In some implementations, the at least one groove comprises a recess extending from the radial pathway section configured to hold and retain the at least one corresponding tongue therein for operation of the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.

[0015] In some implementations, the recess and the axial pathway section are generally parallel to one another.

[0016] In some implementations, the in the locked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the recess.

[0017] In some implementations, the axial pathway section, the radial pathway section and the recess together define a J-shaped pathway.

[0018] In some implementations, the groove section comprises an outer surface with the at least one groove being defined about the outer surface of the groove section, and wherein the tongue section comprises an inner surface, the at least one corresponding tongue extending radially inwardly from the inner surface.

[0019] In some implementations, the inner surface of the tongue section is configured to slidably contact the outer surface of the groove section upon engagement of the at least one corresponding tongue into the at least one groove.

[0020] In some implementations, an outer diameter of the groove section is less than an outer diameter of the tongue section to enable insertion of the groove section into the tongue section.

[0021] In some implementations, the groove section and the tongue section are configured to define a sealed interface therebetween when operating the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.

[0022] In some implementations, the proximal portion comprises a tubular casing configured to house the power source, the tongue section being coupled at a first end of the tubular casing, opposite the operative end.

[0023] In some implementations, the tongue section is removably coupled to the first end of the tubular casing.

[0024] In some implementations, the electrical connection assembly comprises: a proximal electrical assembly coupled to the proximal portion of the handle and having a proximal connector; and a distal electrical assembly coupled to the distal portion and having a distal connector; the proximal connector and the distal connector being configured to be in electrical communication with each other upon operation of the mechanical connectionassembly in the locked configuration.

[0025] In some implementations, the proximal electrical assembly comprises a power PCB operatively coupled to the power source, the proximal connector being operatively coupled to the power PCB such that the distal connector is configured to be operatively coupled to the power PCB via the proximal connector.

[0026] In some implementations, the proximal connector is provided within the tongue section of the mechanical connection assembly.

[0027] In some implementations, the distal portion comprises a distal casing configured to house the distal electrical assembly of the electrical connection assembly, and wherein the distal electrical assembly comprises a relay PCB operatively coupled to the distal connector and extending along the distal casing and into the head portion for establishing electrical communication with the medical instrument operating component.

[0028] In some implementations, the groove section is removably coupled to the distal connection end opposite the head-receiving end of the distal portion.

[0029] In some implementations, the distal connector is connected to the groove section of the mechanical connection assembly.

[0030] In some implementations, one of the distal connector and the proximal connector comprises at least one connection pin, and wherein the other one of the distal connector and the proximal connector comprises at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.

[0031] In some implementations, the distal connector comprises the at least one connector point, and the proximal connector comprises the at least one connection pin.

[0032] In some implementations, the at least one connector point is arcuate and configured to enable relative rotation between the distal and proximal connectors while maintaining electrical engagement between the at least one connector point and the at least one connection pin.

[0033] In some implementations, the at least one connection pin comprises a pogo-pin.

[0034] In some implementations, the medical instrument further comprises a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with one or more devices, the wireless transceiver being provided proximate the operative end of the proximal portion and operatively coupled to the power source.

[0035] In some implementations, the wireless transceiver is operatively coupled to the power source via the power PCB.

[0036] In some implementations, the medical instrument further comprises an operative end cap connectable to the operative end of the proximal portion, the operative end cap being shaped and configured to cover the wireless transceiver and being made of a cap material that facilitates a transmission of electromagnetic waves.

[0037] In some implementations, the medical instrument is a dental instrument.

[0038] In some implementations, the medical instrument operating component comprises a dental mirror and one or more sub-components.

[0039] In some implementations, the one or more sub-component comprises one or more of a camera, a heating system, light sources and a processor.

[0040] In some implementations, the one or more sub-component comprises a processor, and the operative end further comprises a support plate comprising a longitudinally extending plate to receive the processor thereon.

[0041] In some implementations, the support plate is made of a heat dissipation material.

[0042] In some implementations, the medical instrument further comprises a thermally conductive glue provided between the longitudinally extending plate and the processor.

[0043] In some implementations, the support plate further comprises a proximal casing engaging feature provided distally from the longitudinally extending plate and having an outer surface.

[0044] In some implementations, a thermally conductive glue provided between the outer surface of the proximal casing engaging feature and the proximal casing to dissipate heat.

[0045] In some implementations, the power source is housed within the proximal portion of the handle.

[0046] In some implementations, the medical instrument comprises one or more features as described herein.

[0047] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a head-receiving end and a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end and an operative end; a head portion coupled to a head-receiving end of the distal portion, the head portion comprising a medical instrument operating component; a mechanical connection assembly operable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, the mechanical connection assembly comprising: a first cooperative section defined proximate the proximal connection end of the proximal portion, the first cooperative section defining a continuous pathway successively comprising an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section; and a second cooperative section provided proximate the distal connection end of the distal portion and configured to engage the first cooperative section and travel along the continuous pathway.

[0048] In some implementations, the first cooperative section comprises a groove section defining a groove and the second cooperative section comprises a tongue section comprising a tongue, or vice versa.

[0049] In some implementations, in the unlocked configuration, the tongue is located along the axial pathway section of the continuous pathway to enable disconnection of theproximal portion and the distal portion from one another.

[0050] In some implementations, in the locked configuration, the tongue is located along the radial pathway section of the continuous pathway to prevent disconnection of the proximal portion and distal portion from one another without a rotation of the distal portion or the proximal portion of the handle.

[0051] In some implementations, the axial pathway section and the radial pathway section of the continuous pathway together define a substantially L-shaped continuous pathway.

[0052] In some implementations, the continuous pathway further comprises a recess extending from the radial pathway section.

[0053] In some implementations, the recess and the axial pathway section are generally parallel to one another.

[0054] In some implementations, the axial pathway section, the radial pathway section and the recess of the continuous pathway together define a substantially J-shaped continuous pathway.

[0055] In some implementations, in the locked configuration, the tongue is located in the recess of the continuous pathway to prevent disconnection of the proximal portion and the distal portion from one another without an axial movement of the proximal portion of the handle relative to the distal portion.

[0056] In some implementations, continuous pathway section is arcuate.

[0057] In some implementations, the medical instrument further comprises: a power source housed within the handle; and an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between the power source and the medical instrument operating component when the mechanical connection assembly is in the locked configuration.

[0058] In some implementations, the medical instrument comprises one or more features as described herein.

[0059] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end; a connection assembly for removably engaging the distal connection end and the proximal connection end together; an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between a power source and the operating component, the electrical connection assembly comprising: a distal connector provided at the distal connection end and a proximal connector provided at the proximal connection end, the proximal and distal connectors being configured to be in electrical communication with each other; wherein one of the distal and proximal connectors comprises at least one connection pin, and wherein the other one of the distal and proximal connectors comprises at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.

[0060] In some implementations, the distal connector comprises the at least one connector point, and the proximal connector comprises the at least one connection pin.

[0061] In some implementations, the at least one connector point is arcuate and configured to enable relative rotation between the distal and proximal connectors while maintaining electrical engagement between the at least one connector point and the at least one connection pin.

[0062] In some implementations, the at least one connection pin comprises a pogo-pin.

[0063] In some implementations, the dental instrument further comprises a medical instrument operating component configured to be in electrical communication with thepower source.

[0064] In some implementations, the medical instrument further comprises a head portion coupled to a head-receiving end of the distal portion located opposite the distal connection end, wherein the medical instrument operating component is provided in the head portion.

[0065] In some implementations, the medical instrument further comprises the power source, and wherein the power source is housed within the proximal portion of the handle.

[0066] In some implementations, the medical instrument is a dental instrument.

[0067] In some implementations, the medical instrument operating component comprises one or more of a camera, a heating system, light sources and a processor.

[0068] In some implementations, the medical instrument comprises one or more features as described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Figs 1 to 19 illustrate various views related to aspects and implementations of the system and units described herein.

[0070] Fig 1 is a perspective view of a dental instrument including a head portion and a handle.

[0071] Fig 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dental instrument of Fig 1 , showing a proximal portion and a distal portion of the handle having a longitudinal axis A, and a mechanical assembly to enable connection of the proximal portion with the distal portion.

[0072] Fig 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dental instrument of Fig 2 showing a first cooperative section configured to be coupled to a distal end of the proximal portion and a second cooperative section configured to be coupled to a proximal end of the distal portion.

[0073] Fig 3A is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first cooperative section configured to be coupled to the distal end of the proximal portion and the second cooperative section configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the distal portion.

[0074] Fig 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first cooperative section and the second cooperative section shown in Fig 3A.

[0075] Fig 5 is an enlarged exploded side view of the first cooperative section configured to be coupled to the distal end of the proximal portion and the second cooperative section configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the distal portion shown in Fig 3A.

[0076] Figs 6A to 6J are example pathways that can be defined on a first cooperative section along which a tongue of a second cooperative section can be configured to travel when coupling the distal portion and the proximal portion of the handle together.

[0077] Fig 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dental instrument of Fig 2 showing a first cooperative section configured to be coupled to a distal end of the proximal portion and a second cooperative section configured to be coupled to a proximal end of the distal portion, and a battery.

[0078] Fig 8 is a perspective view of the battery of Fig 7.

[0079] Fig 9 is a perspective exploded view of the battery of Fig 7, showing a power PCB, a proximal connector and a transceiver.

[0080] Fig 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the dental instrument of Fig 1.

[0081] Fig 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the dental instrument of Fig 10, showing a proximal connector and a distal connector operatively engaged and a relay PCB.

[0082] Fig 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a tongue section including a proximal coupling side and a tongue connection side, with tongues being provided on the tongue connection side and the proximal coupling side including an extension defining a power PCB receiving cavity.

[0083] Fig 12 is an enlarged exploded front perspective view of the first cooperative section and the second cooperative section shown in Fig 3A and a proximal connector provided between first cooperative section and the second cooperative section.

[0084] Fig 13 is an enlarged exploded back perspective view of the first cooperative section and the second cooperative section shown in Fig 3A and a proximal connector provided between first cooperative section and the second cooperative section, the first cooperative section including a distal connector having connection points.

[0085] Fig 14 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first cooperative section and the distal connector of Fig 14, and relay connection points configured to be operatively coupled to the distal connector.

[0086] Fig 15 is an enlarged side view of the distal connection end of the dental instrument of Fig 4.

[0087] Fig 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the distal connection end of Fig 15, showing the engagement between the distal connector, the relay PCB and the relay connection points.

[0088] Fig 17 is a side view of a first cooperative section including a groove section having a groove connection side and a distal coupling side, the distal coupling side including an outwardly extending protrusion and a seal.

[0089] Fig 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the groove section of Fig 17.

[0090] Fig 19 is a side perspective view of an operative end including a support plate having a longitudinally extending plate and a proximal casing engaging feature.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] The present disclosure describes devices, systems and methods for assisting health care providers, such as dentists and dental hygienists, to perform various procedures.

[0092] In some implementations, the present disclosure describes medical instruments, such as dental instruments, provided with a connection assembly configured to enable structural assembly of the medical instrument while simultaneously enabling electrical connection between various components of the dental instrument. More specifically, the connection assembly can include a mechanical connection assembly and an electricalconnection assembly configured to cooperate with each other such that operation of the mechanical connection assembly can enable establishing an electrical connection between different components of the electrical connection assembly. In some implementations, the mechanical connection assembly can be operated in a locked configuration for securing and maintaining the electrical connection provided by the electrical connection assembly, and an unlocked configuration facilitating the disengagement of the different components of the electrical connection assembly.

[0093] In the context of the present description, the medical instrument is exemplified as a dental instrument. It is to be understood that the description of the various features of the dental instrument presented herein is also application to other types of medical instruments, and that for sake of conciseness, the expression “dental instrument” can thus be understood as encompassing other types of medical instruments.

[0094] In some implementations, the dental instrument includes an elongated handle having a distal portion and a proximal portion configured to be removably connectable to one another via the mechanical connection assembly. The dental instrument can also include a head portion coupled at one end of the distal portion, the head portion typically providing a medical instrument operating component (e.g., a functional part of the medical instrument), which can also be referred to as a dental instrument operating component if the medical instrument is a dental instrument. When the medical instrument is a dental instrument, the dental instrument operating component can be for instance a dental mirror that can include various types of sub-components. Examples of sub-components can include for instance a camera, light sources, a heating system, a processor, etc. These sub-components of the dental instrument can include electrical components requiring power to operate. As will be described herein, the handle is configured to house a power source, which is operatively coupled to the electrical components of the dental instrument via the electrical connection assembly. For instance, the power source can be housed within the proximal portion of the handle and can be configured to provide power to one or more of the sub-components of the medical instrument operating component via the electrical connection assembly upon operation of the mechanical connection assembly to assemble the handle by connecting the proximal and distal portions together.

[0095] With reference to Figs 1 and 2, an example of a dental instrument 10 is shown. In this implementation, the dental instrument 10 corresponds to a dental mirror 12, although other medical instruments, dental instruments or types of tools can be used and are within the scope of the present description. The dental instrument 10 includes a handle 14 enabling the dental instrument 10 to be grasped and handled by a user (e.g., a dentist), and a head portion 18 coupled to the handle 14. The head portion 18 typically includes the functional part of the dental instrument 10, which can be for instance a sickle, a scaler, a dental pick, a probe, a cleaner, a scraper, a mirror, etc. As will be described below, in the illustrated implementation, the head portion 18 includes a mirror 19 configured to assist the user in viewing the interior of the patient’s mouth during certain procedures.

[0096] In the implementation shown, the handle 14 includes a distal portion 20 and a proximal portion 22 connectable to one another. The distal portion 20 has a head-receiving end 24 configured to receive and connect with the head portion 18, and a distal connection end 26. Similarly, the proximal portion 22 has an operative end 28 (e.g., the end of the dental instrument opposite the head portion 18) and a proximal connection end 30. As will be described further below, the distal and proximal connection ends 26, 30 are configured to be removably connectable to one another to enable selective connection and disconnection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 20, 22 of the handle 14. More particularly, the dental instrument 10 includes a connection assembly 32 configured to engage the different structural components of the dental instrument 10 together (e.g., the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14) and establish electrical connections between components coupled to and / or housed within the different structural components.

[0097] In the implementation shown, the connection assembly 32 includes a mechanical connection assembly 34 configured for enabling connection between the different structural components of the dental instrument. The connection assembly 32 also includes an electrical connection assembly 36 (see Figs 7 to 9) configured for enabling the electrical connections between different components of the dental instrument 10. For instance, the head portion 18 can include a light source, a camera, a sensor, a heating system, etc., as sub-components of the dental instrument operating component, such sub-components requiring power (e.g., an electrical connection) to operate. Examples of light sources, a camera and a heating system provided in the head portion of a dental instrument aredetailed in PCT Application Nos. PCT / CA2023 / 051642 and PCT / CA2024 / 051700, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0098] In some implementations, the mechanical connection assembly 34 includes cooperative sections configured to removably connect to one another. For example, a first cooperative section can be coupled to one of the proximal connection end 30 and the distal connection end 26, and a second cooperative section can be coupled to the other one of the proximal and distal connection ends. It is thus appreciated that the proximal and distal connection ends 26, 30, and therefore the proximal and distal portions 20, 22 of the handle 14, can be removably engaged to one another. With reference to Figs 2 to 4, in addition to Figs 1 and 2, the first cooperative section can include a groove section 38 provided with grooves 40, and the second cooperative section can include a tongue section 42 provided with tongues 44 (shown in Fig 4) shaped and sized to engage respective grooves 40. In this implementation, the tongues 44 are configured to engage the grooves 40 in order to engage the groove section 38 with the tongue section 42, thereby connecting the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together.

[0099] The mechanical connection assembly 34 is operable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the tongue section 42 is free to engage and disengage the groove section 38, for instance via an axial movement of the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 relative to the distal portion 20, which in turn can enable disconnection of the distal portion 20 from the proximal portion 22. In the locked configuration, the tongue section 42 can be prevented from disengaging the groove section 38, thereby preventing disconnection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 from one another. In some implementations, the electrical connection assembly 34 is configured to establish various electrical connections throughout the dental instrument 10 upon connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together. Therefore, operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 in the locked configuration can assist in maintaining and securing electrical connections established by the electrical connection assembly 34.

[0100] Referring to Figs 3 to 5, the groove section 38 is connectable to the distal connection end 26 of the distal portion 20 while the tongue section 42 is connectable to the proximal connection end 30 of the proximal portion 22. In alternative implementations,other configurations are possible, such as inverting the position of the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42, for instance. Still referring to Figs 3 to 5, in this implementation, the groove section 38 is removably coupled to the corresponding handle portion (e.g., the distal portion 20) and includes a distal coupling side 45 configured to engage and connect to the distal portion 20, and a groove connection side 46, opposite the distal coupling side 45, provided with one or more of the grooves 40. Similarly, the tongue section 42 can be removably coupled to the corresponding handle portion (e.g., the proximal portion 22) and includes a proximal coupling side 47 configured to engage and connect to the proximal portion 22 of the handle, and a tongue connection side 48 provided with one or more of the tongues 44 (shown in Figs 4, 11 and 12).

[0101] The groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 can include a corresponding number of grooves 40 and tongues 44. For example, in the illustrated implementation, the groove section 38 defines three (3) grooves 40 spaced from one another about the groove connection side 46, and the tongue section 42 includes three (3) corresponding tongues 44 spaced apart from one another about the tongue connection side 48. Therefore, each tongue 44 can be configured to engage a corresponding groove 40, each defining a tongue-and-groove connection. Other configurations are possible, such as having a different number of pairs of grooves 40 and tongues 44. The grooves 40 and tongues 44 can be spaced from one another at regular intervals about respective sections, although irregular spacing is possible and may be implemented.

[0102] Still referring to Figs 3 to 5, the grooves 40 are spaced about an outer surface 39 of the groove section 38, and the tongues 44 are spaced about an inner surface 43 of the tongue section 42. More specifically, the tongue connection side 48 of the tongue section 42 can be substantially hollow, defining an interior volume configured to receive the groove connection side 46 of the groove section 38 therein. It is thus noted that the outer diameter (OD) of the groove connection side 46 is equal or less than the inner diameter (ID) of the tongue connection side 48. This configuration enables the groove connection side 46 to engage and extend within the interior volume of the tongue connection side 48. As shown in Fig 4, the tongues 44 extend radially inwardly into the interior volume and are configured to engage respective grooves 40 upon engagement of the groove connection side 46 within the tongue connection side 48. In some implementations, the relative shape and size of the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 can enable the inner surface 43of the tongue connection side 48 and the outer surface 39 of the groove connection side 46 to contact one another. In other words, when engaging the tongues 44 into respective grooves 40, the inner surface 43 of the tongue section 42 and the outer surface 39 of the groove section 38 can be configured to be in a sliding engagement with one another. This configuration can define a snug fit between the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42, while enabling relative movement thereof to permit operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 from the unlocked to the locked configuration. As will be described below, the tongue-and-groove connections are configured to enable operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 between the unlocked and locked configurations.

[0103] Referring to Fig 5, each groove 40 defines a pathway 50 along which a corresponding one of the tongues 44 is configured to travel when coupling the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together. In the implementation shown, the pathway 50 successively includes an axial pathway section 52 shaped and configured to enable movement of the tongue 44 along the groove 40 in a first direction, and a radial pathway section 54, communicating with the axial pathway section 52 and shaped and configured to enable movement of the tongue 44 along the groove 40 in a second direction. Each groove 40 also includes an inlet 55 communicating with the axial pathway section 52, and the groove section 38 further defines a terminus 57 at an end 56 of the radial pathway section 54. In order to engage the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together, each tongue 44 engages a corresponding groove 40 initially via a corresponding inlet 55, with the tongue 44 subsequently travelling along the pathway 50 towards the terminus 57 as the proximal portion 22 is engaged with the distal portion 20. In some implementations, each one of the grooves 40 can have substantially identical shapes such that the tongues 44 can simultaneously engage and travel along corresponding grooves 40 in order to arrive at the corresponding terminuses 57 substantially simultaneously. The substantially identical shape of the grooves 40 also enable any one of the tongues 44 to engage any one of the grooves 40, although other configurations are possible. For instance, in some implementations, specific tongues can be designed to engage specific grooves in order to have the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 be in a predetermined selective rotational position relative to each other.

[0104] In some implementations, the mechanical connection assembly 34 can include an alignment feature 60 configured to assist in aligning the tongues 44 with the grooves 40, and thereby facilitate connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14. In the implementation shown in Figs 4 and 5, the tongue connection side48 of the tongue section 42 includes a lip 62 extending past the tongues 44 towards a distal end 63 of the tongue section 42, the lip 60 corresponding to the alignment feature 60. The lip 62 can be configured so as to define a same internal diameter (ID) as the rest of the tongue connection side 48, and defines the opening 65 into which the groove section 38 can be inserted to engage the interior volume of the tongue section 42. The lip 62 is configured to contact the outer surface 39 of the groove connection side 46 prior to the tongues 44 engaging the grooves 40. As such, the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 can be axially aligned with one another by having the groove section 38 inserted into the opening 65 and by having the lip 62 contact and / or extend over the outer surface 39 of the groove connection side 46 of the groove section 38.

[0105] It is noted that the tongues 44, if not aligned with the inlets 55, can abut against the groove connection side 46 (e.g., against a front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46), thereby preventing connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together. In some implementations, once the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 are aligned with one another (e.g., via the lip 62 of the alignment feature 60), the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be rotated relative to each other until the tongues 44 align with corresponding inlets 55 for engaging the grooves 40. In such implementations, the alignment feature 60 is further configured to assist in having the tongues 44 engage corresponding inlets 55. More specifically, each inlet 55 can include curved sidewalls 67 configured to join the front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46 in order to facilitate engagement of the tongues 44 into the groves 40. For instance, when attempting to engage the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together, the tongues 44 can be made to abut against the front surface49 of the groove connection side 46. Then, rotating the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 relative to each other slides the tongues 44 along the front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46. Once proximate the inlet 55, the tongues 44 can slide inside corresponding grooves 40 and follow the shape of the curved sidewalls 67 to engage respective grooves 40 and subsequently follow the pathways 50 of the grooves 40.

[0106] Still referring to Fig 5, the terminus 47 provided on the groove connection side 46, at the end 56 of the radial pathway section 54 of the pathway 50, can further contribute to defining a recess 64. The terminus 57 is thus illustratively shown at the end of the groove 40, e.g., at the end of the recess 64. The recess 64 can be sized and configured to receive and retain the tongue 44 therein. In some implementations, the recess 64 can extend in a third direction transverse to the general direction of the radial pathway section 54 in order to hold a corresponding tongue 44 therein and prevent accidental and / or undesired disconnection of the proximal portion 22 from the distal portion 20 of the handle 14, for instance without pressing axially onto the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14. In such implementations, the axial pathway section 52, the radial pathway section 54 and the recess 64 thus define the overall pathway 50 of the groove 40.

[0107] Figs 6A to 6J illustrate example implementations of pathways 50 for a groove 40. In some implementations, the pathway 50 has a substantially J-shaped configuration, as shown in Figs 5 and 6A. In other implementations, the pathway 50 has a substantially L- shaped configuration. As will be described below, successively sliding the tongues 44 into the groove 40 in a first direction and then in a second direction having a different orientation than the first direction, and optionally within a recess, can correspond to operating the mechanical connection assembly 34 to place the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 in the locked configuration. For instance, when the pathway 50 is as shown in Fig 5, the first direction can be defined by the axial pathway section 52 and the second direction can be defined by the radial pathway section 54, the axial pathway section 52 and the radial pathway section 54 having different orientations.

[0108] In some implementations and as exemplified in Fig 5, the axial pathway section 52 can extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (A) of the handle 14 (shown in Fig 2), and the radial pathway section 54 can extend substantially transversely relative to the axial pathway section 52. In other words and as shown in Fig 5 (and schematically in Fig 6A), in some implementations, the radial pathway section 54 can extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the axial pathway section 52. The recess 64 illustratively extends from the radial pathway section 54 towards the front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46. In other words, the recess 64 extends substantially transversely relative to the radial pathway section 54 and generally in the same direction as the axial pathway section 52. In some implementations, the recess 64and the axial pathway section 52 can be parallel to one another, although other configurations are possible. For instance, and with reference to Figs 6A to 6J, various exemplary implementations of the pathway 50 of the groove 40 are illustrated. It is noted that the axial pathway section 52, the radial pathway section 54 and the recess 64 can extend from one another at any other suitable angles. Additionally, in some implementations, different portions of the pathway 50 can be defined by a single continuous section. For instance, in Figs 6E and 61, the recess 64 and the radial pathway section 54 are defined by a single continuous arcuate section of the pathway 50. Similarly, in Fig 6J, the axial pathway section 52, the radial pathway section 54 and the recess 64 are defined by a single continuous arcuate section of the pathway 50. It is appreciated that any other shapes, configurations or combinations thereof are possible for defining the groove 40 and associated pathway 50. For instance, although the axial pathway section 52 and radial section pathway 54 and the recess 64 are illustrated as being relatively straight in Figs 5, 6A to 6D, 6F and 6G, it is to be understood that any one of these pathway sections can be at least partially arcuate such as shown in Figs 6E and 6H to 6J.

[0109] In the implementation shown in Fig 5, in order to position the tongues 44 in corresponding recesses 64, the tongues 44 are axially inserted into the grooves 40 via the inlets 55. This step can be facilitated by the alignment feature 60, as previously described. Each tongue 44 then follows the pathway 50 of the groove 40 towards the terminus 57. Initially, each tongue 44 travels in the first direction along the axial pathway section 52, where the relative movement of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 relative to each other is axial (e.g., along the longitudinal axis (A)). Once at the end of the axial pathway section 52, such as at an intersection with the radial pathway section 54, each tongue 44 can keep travelling along the pathway 50 to engage the radial pathway section 54. Along the radial pathway section 54, each tongue 44 travels in the second direction, such as a radial or circumferential direction (e.g., around a circumference of the groove section 38). In order to have the tongues 44 travel along the radial pathway section 54, at least one of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be rotated relative to the other. At the end of the radial pathway section 54, each tongue 44 can then engage the recess 64, and therefore travels in a third direction, such as an axial direction, for instance along the longitudinal axis (A). The tongues 44 are configured to be received in corresponding recesses 64 and abut against an end surface of the terminus 57, thereby operatively engaging the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together.

[0110] In this implementation, given that recesses 64 are present, the mechanical connection assembly 34 can be considered as being in the locked configuration once the tongues 44 are received in respective recesses 64 (e.g., at the terminus 57 of their corresponding groove 40). In other words, the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle are at least partially locked together, where separation of these portions via an application of a force along the longitudinal axis (A) is prevented. In some implementations, the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 are configured to define a sealed interface 70 (see Fig 1) therebetween when operating the mechanical connection assembly 34 in the locked configuration. In addition, in the locked configuration, the forward edge of the tongue section 42 (e.g., the lip 62) can be configured to at least partially extend over a base 72 of the groove section 38 to provide the sealed interface 70 shown in Fig 1. In some implementations, and as will described further below, the mechanical connection between the groove section 38 and tongue section 42 enables establishing an electrical connection between different components of the dental instrument 10. Accordingly, the sealed interface 70 can be configured to enable preventing impurities from infiltrating into cavities of the dental instrument 10 and / or into the interior volume of the tongue section 42 via the opening 65.

[0111] With reference to Figs 4 and 5, in some implementations, at least one of the lip 62 and the base 72 can be provided with a seal, such as an elastomeric element (e.g., an O-ring) configured to assist in providing the sealed interface 70. Alternatively, the sealed interface 70 can be provided by the cooperation between the structure of the tongue section 42 (e.g., the lip 62) and the structure of the groove section 38 (e.g., the base 72). In other words, the lip 62 and the base 72 can be held together by any suitable manner enabling sealing of interstices that could undesirably remain therebetween, such as via interference fit, for example. In some implementations, the sealed interface 70 can be obtained following connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 to each other. For example, the lip 62 can be configured to extend over the base 72 as the tongues 44 travel from the axial pathway section 52 into the radial pathway section 54. In other words, the lip 62 can be configured to extend over the base 72 proximate the end of the axial movement of the tongues 44 along corresponding axial pathway sections 52.

[0112] With reference to Figs 17 and 18, in some implementations, the lip 72 can be omitted, and the groove section 38 can define an annular region configured to receive aseal 74 therein, such as an O-ring seal. The seal 74 can provide a tight engagement between the internal surface 41 of the tongue section 42 and the seal 74 of the groove section 38, enabling to seal the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 together. In addition, the distal coupling side 45 of the groove section can be further engageable with the tongue section 42 via a snap-fit configuration. In order to do so, the distal coupling side 45 can include an outwardly extending protrusion 75 configured to be received into a corresponding distal casing recess 77 defined on the inside surface of the distal casing 25. It is to be understood that in some implementations and as shown in Figs 17 and 18, both the seal 74 and the snap-fit provided by the combination of the outwardly extending protrusion 75 and the distal casing recess 77 can be present, while in other implementations, either one of the seal 74 and the snap-fit can be present.

[0113] In order to disengage the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 from each other, the reverse order of movements described above can be followed. For example, the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be pushed (e.g., axially) towards each other in order to have the tongues 44 disengage the terminuses 57 and recesses 64 and reach the radial pathway sections 54. The distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can then be rotated to have the tongues 44 travel along the radial pathway sections 54 and reach the intersection with the axial pathway sections 52. Finally, the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be pulled apart as the tongues 44 follow the axial pathway sections 52 to exit the grooves 40 via the inlets 55, thus disengaging the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22. It should be noted that the mechanical connection assembly 34 can be in the unlocked configuration when the tongues 44 are positioned along the axial pathway section 52 or the radial pathway section 54 of respective grooves 40, and in the locked configuration, the tongues 44 can be positioned and held within respective recesses 64, although other configurations are possible. For instance, in other implementations, the mechanical connection assembly 34 can be in the unlocked configuration when the tongues 44 are positioned along the axial pathway section 52 of respective grooves 40, and in the locked configuration the tongues 44 can be positioned along the radial pathway section 54.

[0114] With reference to Figs 7 to 13, the electrical connection assembly 36 of the dental instrument 10 is configured to enable electrical connections between different components of the dental instrument 10. For example, the head portion 18 can include a medicalinstrument operating component 80 having a sub-component such as a light source, a camera, a sensor, a heating system, etc., configured to operate to perform a given task. The electrical connection assembly 36 is thus configured to establish electrical connections to provide electrical power to one or more sub-components of the medical instrument operating component 80. In the illustrated implementation, the dental instrument 10 is configured to house a power source 82 within one of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14. As shown in Fig 7, the proximal portion 22 can define a generally hollow casing 23 shaped and sized to receive the power source 82 therein. The power source 82 can be a battery 84 housed within the casing 23 of the proximal portion 22. In other implementations, the power source can be provided as an external power source, for example. In some implementations, the battery 84 can be rechargeable or disposable, for instance depending on the configuration of the dental instrument 10 and its intended use. In some implementations, the battery 84 can be a lithium-ion battery.

[0115] In some implementations, the electrical connection assembly 36 can include a proximal electrical assembly 86 coupled to the proximal portion 22, and a distal electrical assembly 88 coupled to the distal portion 20. The proximal electrical assembly 86 is operatively coupled to the power source 82 (e.g., the battery 84 housed within the proximal portion 22), while the distal electrical assembly 88 is operatively coupled to the medical instrument operating component 80. It is thus appreciated that establishing an electrical connection between the proximal electrical assembly 86 and the distal electrical assembly 88 can establish an electrical connection between the power source 82 and the medical instrument operating component 80.

[0116] In this implementation, the proximal electrical assembly 86 includes a proximal connector 90 and the distal electrical assembly 88 include a distal connector 92 (shown in Fig 13). The proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 are configured to be operatively connected to each other to establish electrical communication between the power source 82 and the medical instrument operating component 80. As will be described further below, the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 are operatively connected together during operation of the mechanical connection assembly, e.g., during connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14. The proximal connector 90 can be coupled to (e.g., housed within) the tongue section 42 andthe distal connector 92 can be coupled to the groove section 38 such that connecting the groove section 38 and the tongue sections 42 together can also connect the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 together.

[0117] As shown in Figs 7 to 9, the proximal electrical assembly 86 has an electrical connection that includes a power PCB 94 for establishing electrical communication between the proximal connector 90 and the power source 82. The power PCB 94 is in electrical communication with the power source 82, and the proximal connector 90 is coupled to the power PCB 94 and is thus in electrical communication with the power source 82. In some implementations, the battery 84 is positioned within the proximal casing 23 in a manner defining an annular region 85 therebetween, as shown in Fig 10A. In Figs 8 to 10A, the power PCB 94 extends along the battery 84 within the annular region 85 in order to enable connection of the power PCB 94 at opposite ends of the battery 84. In the implementation shown, the power PCB 94 is exemplified as a flex power PCB 95 having a power connection point 96 configured to connect with the proximal connector 90. The use of the power PCB 94 as described herein, and for example of the flex power PCB95, can enable providing a component of the electrical connection assembly 86 that is sufficiently thin to fit within the casing 23, and more specifically, within the annular region 85.

[0118] With reference to Figs 10 to 12, the proximal connector 90 is configured to be operatively coupled to the power PCB 94 via a connection with the power connection point96. In this implementation, the proximal connector 90 is housed within the tongue section 42 of the mechanical connection assembly 34. More specifically, the proximal coupling side 47 of the tongue section 42 can include a proximal connector receiving cavity 98 configured to receive the proximal connector 90 therein. The proximal connector receiving cavity 98 can include a seat 100 shaped and sized to have the proximal connector 90 abut thereon. The seat 100 can be substantially ring-shaped, having an annular surface 102 defining a central aperture 104. The proximal connector 90 can thus be positioned within the proximal coupling side 47 (e.g., within the proximal connector receiving cavity 98) and engage the seat 100 (e.g., the annular surface 102) to have at least a portion thereof extend through the central aperture 104 and connect with the power connection point 96.

[0119] In some implementations, the proximal connector receiving cavity 98 and the proximal connector 90 can have complementary shapes configured to enable engagement of the proximal connector 90 relative to the tongue section 42 in a predetermined position / configuration. For example, in this implementation, the proximal connector 90 can have a generally disk-shaped configuration and include a depression 114. The proximal coupling side 47 can therefore include a complementary bulge or protuberance (not shown) extending from an inner surface thereof and configured to engage the depression 114, thus having the proximal connector 90 be positioned in the predetermined position.

[0120] As shown in Figs 10A to 13, the power connection point 96 can similarly extend within the proximal coupling side 47 to facilitate connection with the proximal connector 90. In some implementations, the proximal coupling side 47 includes an extension 105 defining a power PCB receiving cavity 106 configured to receive at least a portion of the power PCB 94, 95 therein, including the power connection point 96. In the illustrated implementation, the power PCB receiving cavity 106 is shaped and sized to position the power connection point 96 in general alignment with the central aperture 104 to facilitate connection with the proximal connector 90. The power PCB receiving cavity 106 can similarly include a seat 110 having an annular surface 112 configured to have a portion of the power PCB 94, 95 abut thereon. It is noted that, in this implementation, both seats 100 and 110 are defined by a common structural feature and that the annular surfaces 102, 112 therefore correspond to opposite sides of the common structural feature. In other words, the proximal connector 90 and the power connection point 96 are configured to engage respective annular surfaces 102, 112 defined on opposite sides of the structure of the seat 110. It should also be noted that any one of the proximal connector 90 and the power connection point 96 can be configured to extend through the central aperture 104 to establish the electrical connection therebetween.

[0121] With reference to Figs 10 to 16, the distal electrical assembly 88 has an electrical connection that includes a relay PCB 120 for establishing the electrical communication between the distal connector 92 and the medical instrument operating component 80 (e.g., provided at the head portion of the dental instrument 10). The relay PCB 120 is configured to establish electrical communication between the distal connector 92 and the medical instrument operating component 80. In some implementations, the distal portion 20 can define a distal casing 25 shaped and sized to receive the relay PCB 120 therein. In theillustrated implementation, such as in Fig 10, the relay PCB 120 is positioned within the distal casing 25 and extends longitudinally along substantially an entire length thereof. As shown in Figs 10, 14 and 16, the relay PCB 120 can have a portion thereof protrude from the distal casing 25 (e.g., at the distal connection end 26) in order to extend within the groove section 38, and have another portion protrude at the opposite end (e.g., at the head-receiving end 24) to extend within the head portion 18, as shown in Fig 10.

[0122] In some implementations, the distal coupling side 45 of the groove section 38 defines a slot 122 sized and configured to receive the relay PCB 120 so that the relay PCB 120 can extend and engage the distal connector 92. The distal connector 92 is operatively coupled to the groove connection side 46 and is received within an opening 125 defined in the groove connection side 46, as shown in Fig 14. In some implementations, the opening 125 and the distal connector 92 can have complementary shapes configured to enable engagement of the distal connector 92 with the groove section 38 in a predetermined position / configuration. For example, in the illustrated implementation, the distal connector 92 has a generally disk-shaped configuration and includes a depression 126, and the opening 125 therefore includes a complementary bulge or protuberance 128 (shown in Fig 13) configured to engage the depression 126, thus having the distal connector 92 be positioned in the predetermined position. The opening 125 can also include a seat 130 having a surface 132 configured to receive a portion of the distal connector 92 thereon.

[0123] The relay PCB 120 can extend through the groove section 38, and includes one or more relay connection points 124 configured to be operatively coupled to the distal connector 92. It should thus be understood that establishing an electrical connection between the distal connector 90 and the proximal connector 92 indirectly couples the medical instrument operating component 80 with the power source 82. More specifically, the power source 82 is operatively coupled to the proximal connector 90 via the power PCB 94, the proximal connector 90 is configured to be operatively coupled to the distal connector 92, as will be described below, and the distal connector 92 is operatively coupled to the medical instrument operating component 80 via the relay PCB 120.

[0124] With reference to Figs 8 to 16, one of the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 can include a connection pin 140, and the other one of the proximalconnector 90 and the distal connector 92 can include a corresponding connection point 142. The connection pin 140 is configured to engage the connection point 142 to enable establishing electrical communication between the proximal and distal connectors 90, 92 (and thus between the power source 82 and the medical instrument operating component 80). In the implementation shown, the proximal connector 90 includes a plurality of connection pins 140 (e.g., five (5) pins), and the distal connector 92 includes a corresponding number of connection points 142. It is appreciated that other configurations are possible, such as having the connection pins 140 and the connection points 142 be provided in a reverse configuration, with the connection pins 140 extending from the distal connector 92 to engage connection points 142 provided on the proximal connector 90. In some implementations, the connection points 142 can be printed onto the distal connector 92. In other implementations, the connection points 142 can be any suitable type of connection point, such as a socket or receptacle, configured to enable connection with the connection pins 140. Similarly, the connection pins 140 can be any suitable connection pin. In some implementations, the connection pins 140 can have a connection pin height ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and a connection pin diameter ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm. It is to be noted that other dimensions are also possible.

[0125] In some implementations, each connection pin 140 includes a pogo-pin 144 provided with a spring-loaded pin head 146 to assist in establishing electrical communication between the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 during operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 (e.g., during connection of the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 22 of the handle 14 together). As shown in Figs 13 and 14, the connection points 142 can be elongated (i.e., in contrast to being circular), and arcuate so as to extend along an arc defined on the exposed surface of the distal connector 92. This configuration can enable the spring-loaded pin heads 146 to remain in contact with respective connection points 142 during connection of the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 22 of the handle 14 together, and thus during rotation of the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 22 of the handle 14 relative to each other.

[0126] As previously described, and with broad reference to Figs 1 to 16, operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 may involve both axial and radial (i.e., rotational) movements to engage the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together and place the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 in alocked configuration. In the implementation shown, the mechanical connection assembly 34 and the electrical connection assembly 36 are configured to cooperate such that connecting the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together simultaneously enables operatively connecting the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 to provide electrical power to the medical instrument operating component 80 provided at the head portion 18. For instance, as the tongues 44 of the tongue section 42 engage the axial pathway sections 52 of the groove section 38, the connection pins 140 are aligned with respective connection points 142. As the tongues 44 travel along the axial pathway section 52, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 engage with the connection points 142, thus establishing the electrical connection between the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90. Pushing the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 further together can result in the spring-loaded pin heads 146 to retract (i.e., have their springs compress). In other words, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 are configured in a way to not impede the mechanical connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 while ensuring proper electrical connect with the connection points 142.

[0127] Once the tongues 44 have travelled along the axial pathway section 52, the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 can be rotated relative to each other in order to have the tongues 44 engage respective radial pathway sections 54. In this implementation, the distance travelled by the tongues 44 along the radial pathway sections 54 can substantially correspond to the length of the elongated connection points 142. As such, the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be rotated relative to each other, thereby engaging the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 in a corresponding relative rotation. The relative rotation of the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 correspondingly rotates the connection pins 140 relative to the connection points 142. The elongated and arcuate configuration of the connection points 142 enables this rotational movement without disconnecting the connection pins 140 from to the connection points 142, and thus without disconnecting the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 from one another. In other words, the elongated and arcuate configuration of the connection points 142 enables operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34, and prevents disconnection of the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 of the electrical connection assembly 36.

[0128] In some implementations, as the tongues 44 reach the recesses 64 of each groove 40 when the recesses 64 are optionally present, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can extend back out (e.g., partially or completely). The spring-loaded pin heads 146 can push against the distal connector 92, therefore creating a force to maintain the tongues 44 in respective recesses 64 and in engagement with respective terminuses 57. Accordingly, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can assist in maintaining the mechanical connection assembly 34 in the locked configuration. In this implementation, the spring- loaded pin heads 146 can also assist in disconnecting the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 from one another. For instance, upon disengaging the tongues 44 from the recesses 64 and travelling along the radial pathway section 54, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 have retracted and therefore generate a greater force by pushing against the distal connector 92. As such, once the tongues 44 engage the axial pathway sections 52, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can extend back out, with the greater force assisting in pushing the tongues 44 out the grooves 40 and separating the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 from each other.

[0129] Referring back to Figs 8 to 10, in some implementations, the dental instrument 10 can include a transceiver 150 configured to communicate with external devices. In some implementations, the transceiver 150 can include an antenna 152 provided in the handle 14 of the dental instrument 10 for communicating wirelessly with external devices via any suitable wireless communication methods, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, etc. The antenna 152 can also be configured to communicate with components of the electrical connection assembly 36 such as the power source 82, the power PCB 94, 95 via a wired and / or direct connection. In the illustrated implementation, the transceiver 150 is provided at the operative end 28 of the proximal portion 22, but other configurations are possible. The transceiver 150 is positioned proximate the power source 82 (e.g., the battery 84) and can be connected thereto to be in electrical communication therewith.

[0130] The transceiver 150 can also be operatively coupled to the medical instrument operating component 80 or a sub-component thereof (e.g., a light source, a camera, a sensor, a heating system, etc.) via the electrical connections established by the electrical connection assembly 36. It is thus noted that the medical instrument operating component 80 can communicate with external devices via the transceiver 150. For example, data gathered by the medical instrument operating component 80 can be communicated anddisplayed on an external device, such as a TV, a phone, a computer, a tablet, etc., which can assist the user manipulating the dental instrument 10 during the dental procedure being performed.

[0131] Referring to Fig 19, in some implementations, the operative end 28 of the proximal portion 22 can include a support plate 170 including a longitudinally extending plate 172 configured to enable abutment of a processor (not shown) thereon, either directly or indirectly. The longitudinally extending plate 172 can thus have a role of structural support for the processor (or another component of the operative end 28). Given that the processor can release heat during operation of the dental instrument 10, it may be desirable to dissipate the released heat. Accordingly, in some implementations, the support plate 70 can be made of a material that facilitates heat dissipation. For instance, in some implementations, the support plate 170 can be made a material such as aluminum. In addition, in some implementations, a thermally conductive glue can be placed between the processor and the support plate 170 to further contribute to dissipating heat. Other types of heat sinks or heat dissipation approaches enabling heat dissipation to ensure maintaining a proper functioning of the various components of the operative end 28, including the processor, can also be implemented and are within the scope of the present description. Furthermore, the support plate 170 can further include a proximal casing engaging feature 174, provided distally from the longitudinally extending plate 172, and a thermally conductive glue can be placed onto the outer surface 176 of the proximal casing engaging feature 174 to facilitate heat dissipation from the various components of the operative end 28 to the proximal casing 23, thereby cooling the operative end 28 of the dental instrument 12.

[0132] In addition, the transceiver 150 can include an integrated microphone 155 enabling various operations to be performed via voice commands, for example. In some implementations, a user can dictate observations made during a given dental procedure, which in turn can be automatically transcribed, displayed and / or saved to an external device, for instance. The dental procedure being performed therefore does not have to be interrupted to manually take notes. The microphone 155 can also enable voice-activated commands in relation with, for example, the medical instrument operating component 80. In some implementations, the medical instrument operating component 80 can include a light source which can be turned on and off via voice commands. Other operationalcomponents can be similarly voice-activated, either together with the other medical instrument operating components (if any) or independently therefrom. These features ( / .e., operational components of the dental instrument and corresponding control system) are further discussed in PCT Application Nos. PCT / CA2023 / 051642, PCT / CA2024 / 050186, and PCT / CA2024 / 051700, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0133] In some implementations, the dental instrument 10 includes an operative end cap 160 configured to engage the top end of the proximal casing 23 and cover the transceiver 150. The operative end cap 160 can be made of any suitable material enabling wireless communication between the transceiver 150 and external devices. Other portions of the handle 14 can be made of a similar material, although different materials can be used for selected parts of the dental instrument 10. For instance, in some implementations, the handle 14 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or titanium, and the operative end cap 160 can be made of a polymer.

[0134] It is to be noted that while the systems, devices and methods described herein are presented in the context of dental instruments that can be used during dental procedures typically performed on humans, it will be appreciated that the systems, devices and methods can alternatively be used in the context of veterinary treatments. In addition, the systems, devices and methods described herein can also be used in other contexts when both mechanical and electrical connections are required for the same tool or instrument.

[0135] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example implementations described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example implementations described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example implementations described herein.

[0136] As used herein, the wording “and / or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0137] As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, ’’connected” or variants thereof as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanical or electrical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

[0138] Similarly, in the context of the present disclosure, the expressions “unit”, “assembly”, “assemblage”, “subassembly”, “subsystem”, “mechanism”, “apparatus”, “component”, as well as any other equivalent expression(s) and / or compound word(s) thereof known in the art can be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: "fastening", "securing", "locking", "restraining", "affixing", "holding", "adjusting", "coupling", etc.

[0139] It is to be understood that terms such as “upper”, “top”, “bottom”, “lower”, inwardly, downwardly as used herein are to be interpreted in the context of the figures and should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense.

[0140] While the above description describes features of example implementations, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described implementations are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described implementations. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented implementations or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claimsshould not be limited by the preferred implementations and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0141] In the present disclosure, an implementation is an example or implementation of the described features. The various appearances of “one implementation,” “an implementation” or “some implementations” do not necessarily all refer to the same implementations. Although various features may be described in the context of a single implementation, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the dental instrument and / or the associated components may be described herein in the context of separate implementations for clarity, it may also be embodied in a single implementation. Reference in the specification to “some implementations”, “an implementation”, “one implementation”, or “other implementations”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementations is included in at least some implementations, but not necessarily in all implementations.

[0142] In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying figures comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the tool as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations therebetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the system, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a head-receiving end and a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end and an operative end; a head portion coupled to the head-receiving end of the distal portion, the head portion comprising a medical instrument operating component; a power source housed within the handle; a connection assembly comprising: a mechanical connection assembly comprising: a groove section coupled to one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end; and a tongue section couplable to the other one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, the tongue section being configured to engage the groove section to engage the distal portion and the proximal portion of the handle together, the mechanical connection assembly being operable between an unlocked configuration, wherein the tongue section is free to engage and disengage the groove section, and a locked configuration, wherein the tongue section is prevented from disengaging the groove section; and an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between the power source and the medical instrument operating component when the mechanical connection assembly is in the locked configuration.

2. The medical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the groove section comprises at least one groove and the tongue section comprises at least one corresponding tongue engageable with the at least one groove.

3. The medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the at least one groove comprises a plurality of grooves spaced about the one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, and wherein the at least one corresponding tongue comprises a plurality of tongues spaced about the other one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, the plurality of tongues being configured to engage respective ones of the plurality of grooves.

4. The medical instrument of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one groove successively comprises an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section respectively enabling axial and rotational movement of the at least one corresponding tongue along the at least one groove.

5. The medical instrument of claim 4, wherein the axial pathway section of each groove of the at least one groove comprises an inlet having an inlet width larger than an axial pathway section width to define an alignment feature to facilitate insertion of a corresponding tongue of the at least one corresponding tongue into the groove.

6. The medical instrument of claim 4 or 5, wherein in the unlocked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the at least one groove along the axial pathway section.

7. The medical instrument of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the locked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the at least one groove section along the radial pathway section.

8. The medical instrument of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the axial pathway section and the radial pathway section together define a substantially L-shaped groove.

9. The medical instrument of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least one groove comprises a recess extending from the radial pathway section configured to holdand retain the at least one corresponding tongue therein for operation of the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.

10. The medical instrument of claim 9, wherein the recess and the axial pathway section are generally parallel to one another.

11. The medical instrument of claim 9 or 10, wherein the in the locked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the recess.

12. The medical instrument of any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the axial pathway section, the radial pathway section and the recess together define a J-shaped pathway.

13. The medical instrument of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the groove section comprises an outer surface with the at least one groove being defined about the outer surface of the groove section, and wherein the tongue section comprises an inner surface, the at least one corresponding tongue extending radially inwardly from the inner surface.

14. The medical instrument of claim 13, wherein the inner surface of the tongue section is configured to slidably contact the outer surface of the groove section upon engagement of the at least one corresponding tongue into the at least one groove.

15. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein an outer diameter of the groove section is less than an outer diameter of the tongue section to enable insertion of the groove section into the tongue section.

16. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the groove section and the tongue section are configured to define a sealed interface therebetween when operating the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.

17. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the proximal portion comprises a tubular casing configured to house the power source, the tongue section being coupled at a first end of the tubular casing, opposite the operative end.

18. The medical instrument of claim 17, wherein the tongue section is removably coupled to the first end of the tubular casing.

19. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the electrical connection assembly comprises: a proximal electrical assembly coupled to the proximal portion of the handle and having a proximal connector; and a distal electrical assembly coupled to the distal portion and having a distal connector; the proximal connector and the distal connector being configured to be in electrical communication with each other upon operation of the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.

20. The medical instrument of claim 19, wherein the proximal electrical assembly comprises a power PCB operatively coupled to the power source, the proximal connector being operatively coupled to the power PCB such that the distal connector is configured to be operatively coupled to the power PCB via the proximal connector.

21. The medical instrument of claim 20, wherein the proximal connector is provided within the tongue section of the mechanical connection assembly.

22. The medical instrument of any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the distal portion comprises a distal casing configured to house the distal electrical assembly of the electrical connection assembly, and wherein the distal electrical assembly comprises a relay PCB operatively coupled to the distal connector and extending along the distal casing and into the head portion for establishing electrical communication with the medical instrument operating component.

23. The medical instrument of claim 22, wherein the groove section is removably coupled to the distal connection end opposite the head-receiving end of the distal portion.

24. The medical instrument of claim 22 or 23, wherein the distal connector is connected to the groove section of the mechanical connection assembly.

25. The medical instrument of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein one of the distal connector and the proximal connector comprises at least one connection pin, and wherein the other one of the distal connector and the proximal connector comprises at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.

26. The medical instrument of claim 25, wherein the distal connector comprises the at least one connector point, and the proximal connector comprises the at least one connection pin.

27. The medical instrument of claim 25 or 26, wherein the at least one connector point is arcuate and configured to enable relative rotation between the distal and proximal connectors while maintaining electrical engagement between the at least one connector point and the at least one connection pin.

28. The medical instrument of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the at least one connection pin comprises a pogo-pin.

29. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with one or more devices, the wireless transceiver being provided proximate the operative end of the proximal portion and operatively coupled to the power source.

30. The medical instrument of claim 29, wherein the wireless transceiver is operatively coupled to the power source via the power PCB.

31. The medical instrument of claim 30, further comprising an operative end cap connectable to the operative end of the proximal portion, the operative end cap being shaped and configured to cover the wireless transceiver and being made of a cap material that facilitates a transmission of electromagnetic waves.

32. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 31 , wherein the medical instrument is a dental instrument.

33. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the medical instrument operating component comprises a dental mirror and one or more sub-components.

34. The medical instrument of claim 34, wherein the one or more sub-component comprises one or more of a camera, a heating system, light sources and a processor.

35. The medical instrument of claim 35, wherein the one or more sub-component comprises a processor, and the operative end further comprises a support plate comprising a longitudinally extending plate to receive the processor thereon.

36. The medical instrument of claim 35, wherein the support plate is made of a heat dissipation material.

37. The medical instrument of claim 35 or 36, further comprising a thermally conductive glue provided between the longitudinally extending plate and the processor.

38. The medical instrument of any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the support plate further comprises a proximal casing engaging feature provided distally from the longitudinally extending plate and having an outer surface.

39. The medical instrument of claim 38, wherein a thermally conductive glue provided between the outer surface of the proximal casing engaging feature and the proximal casing to dissipate heat.

40. The medical instrument of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the power source is housed within the proximal portion of the handle.

41. A medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a head-receiving end and a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end and an operative end;a head portion coupled to a head-receiving end of the distal portion, the head portion comprising a medical instrument operating component; a mechanical connection assembly operable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, the mechanical connection assembly comprising: a first cooperative section defined proximate the proximal connection end of the proximal portion, the first cooperative section defining a continuous pathway successively comprising an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section; and a second cooperative section provided proximate the distal connection end of the distal portion and configured to engage the first cooperative section and travel along the continuous pathway.

42. The medical instrument of claim 41 , wherein the first cooperative section comprises a groove section defining a groove and the second cooperative section comprises a tongue section comprising a tongue, or vice versa.

43. The medical instrument of claim 42, wherein in the unlocked configuration, the tongue is located along the axial pathway section of the continuous pathway to enable disconnection of the proximal portion and the distal portion from one another.

44. The medical instrument of claim 42 or 43, wherein in the locked configuration, the tongue is located along the radial pathway section of the continuous pathway to prevent disconnection of the proximal portion and distal portion from one another without a rotation of the distal portion or the proximal portion of the handle.

45. The medical instrument of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the axial pathway section and the radial pathway section of the continuous pathway together define a substantially L-shaped continuous pathway.

46. The medical instrument of claim 43, wherein the continuous pathway further comprises a recess extending from the radial pathway section.

47. The medical instrument of claim 46, wherein the recess and the axial pathway section are generally parallel to one another.

48. The medical instrument of claim 46 or 47, wherein the axial pathway section, the radial pathway section and the recess of the continuous pathway together define a substantially J-shaped continuous pathway.

49. The medical instrument of any one of claims 46 to 45, wherein in the locked configuration, the tongue is located in the recess of the continuous pathway to prevent disconnection of the proximal portion and the distal portion from one another without an axial movement of the proximal portion of the handle relative to the distal portion.

50. The medical instrument of claims 41 to 49, wherein continuous pathway section is arcuate.

51. The medical instrument of any one of claims 41 to 50, further comprising: a power source housed within the handle; and an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between the power source and the medical instrument operating component when the mechanical connection assembly is in the locked configuration.

52. A medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end; a connection assembly for removably engaging the distal connection end and the proximal connection end together;an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between a power source and the operating component, the electrical connection assembly comprising: a distal connector provided at the distal connection end and a proximal connector provided at the proximal connection end, the proximal and distal connectors being configured to be in electrical communication with each other; wherein one of the distal and proximal connectors comprises at least one connection pin, and wherein the other one of the distal and proximal connectors comprises at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.

53. The medical instrument of claim 52, wherein the distal connector comprises the at least one connector point, and the proximal connector comprises the at least one connection pin.

54. The medical instrument of claim 52 or 53, wherein the at least one connector point is arcuate and configured to enable relative rotation between the distal and proximal connectors while maintaining electrical engagement between the at least one connector point and the at least one connection pin.

55. The medical instrument of any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the at least one connection pin comprises a pogo-pin.

56. The dental instrument of any one of claims 52 to 55, further comprising a medical instrument operating component configured to be in electrical communication with the power source.

57. The medical instrument of claim 56, further comprising a head portion coupled to a head-receiving end of the distal portion located opposite the distal connection end, wherein the medical instrument operating component is provided in the head portion.

58. The medical instrument of any one of claims 52 to 57, further comprising the power source, and wherein the power source is housed within the proximal portion of the handle.

59. The medical instrument of any one of claims 52 to 58, wherein the medical instrument is a dental instrument.

60. The medical instrument of any one of claims 52 to 59, wherein the medical instrument operating component comprises one or more of a camera, a heating system, light sources and a processor.

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