Air Turbine Handpiece Air-Temperature Detection with Separate Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature detecting members integrated with handpieces suffer from rapid degradation due to repeated use, especially in dental applications, making it difficult to reliably detect thermal abnormalities over time.

Innovation Solution

A detection tool and method that uses a separate, card-type device with a thermo-sensitive material to detect air temperature from an air turbine handpiece, allowing for long-term thermal abnormality detection by color change or electrical measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the temperature detecting member is integrated with the handpiece, then the temperature can be detected in real-time during operation, but the detecting member suffers from fast degradation due to repeated use and thermal stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of detecting member
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature detection function is separated from the handpiece structure. The handpiece maintains its original integrated design while a separate detection tool (card-type or handheld) performs temperature measurement by detecting air temperature near the handpiece outlet. This segmentation allows the detecting member to be replaced or recalibrated without replacing the entire handpiece, extending service life while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection tool uses air as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from the handpiece to the sensor. Instead of direct contact between the detecting member and the handpiece components, the sensor measures the temperature of air that has been heated by the handpiece during operation. This indirect measurement approach eliminates direct thermal stress and mechanical wear on the detecting member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a separate detection tool is used instead of an integrated member, then the tool lifespan is extended without degradation, but the detection requires bringing the handpiece close to the detection section

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of detection toolVSAvoiddetection operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system transitions from direct contact measurement to non-contact or indirect measurement through air temperature detection. By measuring the thermal state of air in the vicinity of the handpiece outlet rather than requiring direct contact with internal components, the system extends tool lifespan while maintaining operational simplicity through a straightforward bring-close approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables accurate and durable detection of thermal abnormalities in air turbine handpieces, preventing misuse and extending the tool's lifespan without degradation.

Implementation Method 1

a detection tool (thermal gauge) 500...a detection section 550 that detects the temperature of air released from the air turbine handpiece (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermo-sensitive material color change: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentEP3910304B1Detection method for detecting a temperature of air
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP
  • EP3910304B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910304B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3910304B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a detection tool (500) that detects a temperature of air. The detection tool (500) includes a detection section (550) that detects a temperature of air released from an air turbine handpiece (1), and a main body (540) that includes a surface. The detection section (550) is provided on the surface so as to allow the air turbine handpiece (1) to be brought close to the detection section (550).