Angled Endodontic Brush Tip for Even Root Canal Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic brushes and files face challenges in effectively cleaning the root canal due to uniform cutting of the distal end, which can lead to gouging or grooving of the canal walls and incomplete debris removal.
Innovation Solution
The distal end of the endodontic brush is cut unevenly, allowing strands to unwind and open differently, increasing contact area with the canal walls, and the endodontic file is designed with an eccentric active section to enhance cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the distal end of the endodontic brush is cut uniformly, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the brush causes gouging or grooving of the canal walls and incomplete debris removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by cutting the distal end of the brush at an angle rather than uniformly perpendicular to the axis. This asymmetric cut causes the bristles to splay at different angles and lengths, creating a tapered configuration that reduces gouging and grooving of the canal walls while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating variation in bristle characteristics at the distal end. The angled cut results in bristles having different effective lengths and angles of contact with the canal wall, allowing different portions of the brush to perform different functions - some bristles reach deeper into irregularities while others provide broader surface contact, thereby preventing concentrated gouging.
2Productivity
If the distal end of the endodontic brush is cut unevenly, then cleaning efficiency is improved by reducing wall scoring, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric angled cut is designed with specific geometric parameters (angle relative to the brush axis) that can be controlled within standard manufacturing tolerances. This approach achieves the cleaning efficiency benefits of uneven bristle distribution without requiring complex precision control, as the angle can be set using conventional cutting tools with standard accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the cut from perpendicular (0 degrees) to an angled configuration. By optimizing this angle parameter, the design achieves effective bristle splaying and reduced wall scoring while maintaining manufacturability within normal precision capabilities. The specific angle becomes a controllable parameter that balances cleaning efficiency with manufacturing feasibility.
3Strength
If the brush strands are wound tightly, then the brush maintains its structural integrity, but the strands cannot unwind and open effectively during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the brush with an eccentric active section that rotates during operation. This rotation dynamically transforms the tightly wound strand configuration into an unwound, splayed configuration at the distal end. The strands maintain their tight winding for structural integrity during storage and insertion, then dynamically open up during the rotating cleaning action, achieving both strength and operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-winding the strands in a tight, ordered configuration before use. This preliminary winding state preserves structural integrity and facilitates controlled unwinding during operation. The eccentric design ensures that rotation in the intended direction automatically transforms this preliminary wound state into the operational unwound state, eliminating the need for manual activation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the distal end of an endodontic brush unevenly (e.g., not along a line perpendicular to the axis of the brush). Optionally, the uneven strands will contact the walls of a channel more evenly and/or will have an increased stirring effect than an evenly cut end may be cut using an abrasive cutter (e.g., a grinding wheel) and/or a laser and/or an electrical discharge machining (EDM) cutter. Optionally, a grinding wheel will rotate opposite the winding of the wire. Optionally, a rounded end may be formed on the wire. In some embodiment, a coupling between an endodontic brush and a handpiece is configured to be held rotationally to the handpiece by friction and/or locked longitudinally into the handpiece by an interference element. In some embodiments, an edge of the brush is roughened. Optionally, the brush may be bent and/or eccentric.