Adjustable Conduit Guide for Dental Whip Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental operatory delivery systems with continental style whip members face challenges in achieving and maintaining uniformity in angle and positioning due to variability in components, leading to misalignment and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
The integration of positioning assemblies within the whip members, comprising attachment members and spring members, allows for adjustable positioning of conduit guides along multiple axes, enabling users to align whip members uniformly and maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional continental style whip members are used without positioning assemblies, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but uniformity in angle and positioning of multiple whips cannot be achieved or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly incorporates adjustable components that allow the whip member angle and position to be dynamically modified after assembly. The adjustment mechanism enables the whip to be positioned at different angles relative to the delivery unit housing, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one to achieve uniformity across multiple whips.
Solution Approach 2:
The whip member is divided into separate segments: the delivery unit housing, the positioning assembly, and the whip member itself. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, while the positioning assembly provides the adjustment capability to achieve overall uniformity without requiring extremely precise manufacturing of individual parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable positioning assemblies are integrated into whip members, then uniformity and alignment can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is designed to be self-adjusting through a simple mechanism that allows users to directly position the whip members without requiring complex tools or procedures. The adjustment mechanism enables operators to achieve proper alignment and uniformity independently, making the system self-sufficient for positioning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly allows modification of geometric parameters such as the angle and position of whip members relative to the delivery unit housing. By providing adjustable parameters rather than fixed dimensions, the system achieves alignment uniformity while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple.
3Ease of repair
If whip members are made adjustable and accessible for positioning, then maintenance and cleaning become easier, but the structural integrity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The whip member system is segmented into the main whip structure and the positioning assembly. This segmentation allows the positioning assembly to be accessed, adjusted, or removed for maintenance without compromising the structural integrity of the whip member itself. The whip maintains its structural stability while the positioning components remain accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly is designed as a separate, extractable component from the whip member. This allows the positioning mechanism to be removed or accessed for maintenance and cleaning without disassembling or damaging the whip member structure, thereby maintaining structural integrity while improving maintenance accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for precise adjustment and alignment of whip members, addressing misalignment issues and enhancing the appearance of dental operatory delivery systems, while also facilitating easy access for maintenance and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
first and second spring members laterally spaced apart and extending between the first and second attachment members
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A conduit guide includes a main body having a first and second portions, the first portion being configured for attachment to a dental delivery unit, the main body defining a channel along at least a portion of its length configured to receive a utility conduit. A positioning assembly is disposed within the main body, and includes a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a biasing member, and an adjustment member. The biasing member is coupled to the first attachment member and to the second attachment member, and extends between the first attachment member and the second attachment member. The adjustment member is coupled to the biasing member and configured to axially move the biasing member to adjust a position of the conduit guide. The conduit guide is configured such that at least the adjustment member of the positioning assembly can be selectively accessed and enclosed within the main body.