Angled Fluid Jet Nozzle for Root Canal Tissue Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current endodontic treatment methods for root canals often result in the spreading of a smear layer and risk of wounding the root canal wall, as they rely on metal files that may not effectively remove tissue without causing damage.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing angled fluid jets, with a nozzle designed to insert into the pulp chamber, creating a helical flow pattern within the root canal to efficiently remove tissue from the canal walls without leaving a smear layer, using a rotating element and adjustable geometry to enhance tissue removal and prevent wall damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If metal files are used to remove tissue from the root canal, then tissue removal capability is improved, but the risk of wounding the root canal wall and forming smear layer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue removal capabilityVSAvoidroot canal wall damage and smear layer formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of metal files with a fluid-based system. A jet of fluid (liquid or gas) is directed through the root canal to remove tissue and debris, eliminating the mechanical contact that causes wall damage and smear layer formation while maintaining effective cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pressurized fluid flow (hydraulic or pneumatic system) to propel the jet through the root canal. The fluid jet carries abrasive particles or uses high-velocity impact to remove tissue and debris from the canal walls without the mechanical trauma associated with file instrumentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Length of moving object

If rotary file drill is used to shape and widen the root canal, then access to the apex is improved, but the risk of wounding the root canal wall increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to apexVSAvoidroot canal wall wounding

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rotary mechanical drilling with a directed fluid jet system. The fluid jet, potentially containing abrasive particles, erodes and shapes the canal walls through controlled material removal rather than mechanical cutting, allowing access to the apex without the lateral forces that cause wall wounding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If high velocity fluid jet is used to remove tissue, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging the root canal wall increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidroot canal wall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces abrasive particles as an intermediary between the fluid jet and the root canal walls. These particles perform the actual tissue removal and cleaning function, allowing the fluid to maintain high velocity for effective cleaning while the abrasive particles control the interaction with canal walls to prevent damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes fluid jet parameters including velocity, pressure, and composition (adding abrasive particles). By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective tissue removal and cleaning while maintaining forces below the threshold that would cause damage to the root canal wall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fluid jets effectively remove tissue from the root canal, including the apex, without causing damage to the canal walls, ensuring thorough cleaning and preparation for sealing while minimizing the risk of smear layer formation.

Implementation Method 1

an inner geometry which forms a flow parameters including non-axial flow direction of nozzle fluid flowing through said inner geometry such that discharge fluid discharged from said inner geometry increase rotation of root canal fluid within a root canal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS20220054230A1Apparatus and method for endodontic treatment

Publication Date: 2022.02.24 FLUIDFILE

AI summary

An apparatus for endodontic treatment, comprising: a nozzle connected to a fluid source comprising: a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp chamber of a tooth; an inner geometry which forms a flow parameters including non-axial flow direction of nozzle fluid flowing through the inner geometry such that discharge fluid discharged from the inner geometry increase rotation of root canal fluid within a root canal sufficiently to remove tissue from the root canal.