Angled Dental Valve Tailpiece with Check Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tailpieces for dental valve devices are straight, making them difficult to maneuver during dental procedures, leading to user fatigue and increased risk of hose damage.

Innovation Solution

An angled tailpiece design with an intermediate elbow portion between the valve receiving end and the hose receiving end, along with a check valve and antimicrobial features, to enhance ergonomics, reduce fatigue, and prevent cross-contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a straight tailpiece is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the maneuverability during dental procedures is poor and causes user fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidtailpiece structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailpiece is designed with an angled configuration instead of a straight structure. The body includes a first portion connected to the valve and a second portion extending at an angle to receive the suction hose, creating a curved/angled path that improves maneuverability during dental procedures while reducing user fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If barbs or threads are used on the tailpiece to secure the hose, then the hose is held in place, but the sharp edges may damage the hose during insertion or removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehose retentionVSAvoidhose damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An O-ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the tailpiece and the suction hose. The O-ring provides a sealing and retaining mechanism that eliminates the need for sharp barbs or threads, thereby securing the hose reliably without causing damage during insertion or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the tailpiece is designed to be easily cleaned, then sterilization is facilitated, but additional features may increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization processVSAvoidtailpiece structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailpiece is constructed as a unitary component made from a single piece of autoclavable material, ensuring uniform composition throughout. This homogeneous structure allows the entire tailpiece to be sterilized by autoclaving without requiring disassembly or special handling, facilitating easy sterilization while avoiding additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 angled design improves maneuverability and reduces user fatigue, while the check valve prevents backflow and cross-contamination, ensuring a more efficient and hygienic dental procedure.

Implementation Method 1

a check valve positioned in the lumen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250169934A1Dental valve tailpiece

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 STOMA VENTURES LLC

AI summary

A tailpiece for a dental valve device is disclosed which has a body having a valve receiving end, a hose receiving end, and an intermediate elbow portion between the valve receiving end and the hose receiving end. A tailpiece for a dental valve device is also disclosed which has a body having a valve receiving end, a hose receiving end, an intermediate elbow portion between the valve receiving end and the hose receiving end, a lumen formed in the body between the valve receiving end and the hose receiving end, and a check valve positioned in the lumen.