Angle Piece Head for Endodontic Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated endodontic devices face issues such as instrument fractures, false channels, and unpleasant vibrations due to alternating rotation and friction during dental procedures, particularly when encountering strong resistance or obstacles within the dental canal.
Innovation Solution
A counter-angle driving device with a cylindrical instrument holder core featuring a groove or slot with varying heights and inclines, allowing for alternating axial movement and rotational freedom, which adjusts movement based on resistance forces and reduces vibration through a carefully designed eccentric mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If alternating rotation is used to drive cutting instruments, then automation is achieved, but instrument fractures occur due to significant friction during cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic movement by allowing the instrument holder core to perform alternating translational movements along the axial direction while simultaneously permitting rotational freedom around the instrument axis. This dynamic combination of translation and rotation reduces friction between the instrument and intraductal dentin, preventing instrument fractures while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving means communicate periodic alternating axial movements to the instrument holder core, creating a rhythmic push-pull action that reduces continuous friction contact. This periodic motion allows the instrument to advance and retract, minimizing heat buildup and friction-induced instrument failure while maintaining automated operation.
2Productivity
If continuous slow rotation is used with nickel titanium instruments, then cutting performance is improved, but instrument fractures occur on curved channels
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous rotation, the system employs dynamic alternating translational movements combined with rotational freedom. The instrument holder core moves back and forth axially while the instrument can rotate freely, creating a sawing motion that maintains cutting efficiency on curved channels without the continuous rotational stress that causes fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting action is segmented into discrete alternating translational strokes rather than continuous rotation. The instrument advances in controlled increments with retraction phases, allowing it to navigate curved channels safely while maintaining cutting effectiveness through the segmented push-pull motion.
3Ease of operation
If alternating rotation with significant play is used, then rotational freedom is achieved, but jackhammer effect and unpleasant vibrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the play parameter within a specific range (0.5-1.5 mm) to balance rotational freedom with vibration control. This controlled play allows sufficient rotational movement for navigating curved channels while limiting excessive motion that would generate jackhammer effects and unpleasant vibrations during operation.
4Productivity
If strong axial movement is applied to overcome resistance, then cutting through obstacles is improved, but instrument working length is exceeded causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic alternating axial movements with controlled amplitude rather than strong continuous force. The instrument holder core moves back and forth within safe limits, allowing the instrument to gradually work through resistance over multiple cycles without exceeding the authorized working length, thus maintaining both cutting ability and safety.
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
The solution effectively minimizes instrument fractures and vibrations, allowing precise control over the endodontic instrument's movement, reducing the 'jackhammer' effect and preventing excessive working length, while maintaining efficient cutting performance.
Implementation Method 1
the driving axis is equipped with an eccentric housed in a slit or groove housed in the cylindrical instrument holder core
Implementation Method 2
the resistance forces encountered by said inclined blades of the file on the walls of the channel drive the rotation of the file
Data Source
AI summary
The angle piece head drives an instrument for operating on dental roots and includes a body having a generally cylindrical cavity and an instrument-holding core in the cavity. The core is shaped to receive and hold the instrument and moves axially and pivotally. The instrument-holding core includes a groove having an offset engaging therewith. The offset engages with one or the other of the two edges of the groove such that the rotation thereof transmits an alternating axial movement to the instrument while enabling same to rotate about the axis of the instrument. The groove includes two portions that extend on either side of a median area. For each portion, the height, namely the distance that separates the two edges, increases from the median area to each end of the groove.