Angled-Head Rotary Cleaning Device with Integrated Light Guiding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable prophy angle pieces for dental cleaning lack an integrated light source, which increases production costs and complexity, unlike reprocessable handpieces that incorporate light sources.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light guiding element within the neck portion of the disposable prophy angle piece, which receives light from a driving component and directs it to the head portion, eliminating the need for separate fibre optic elements and simplifying assembly and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is integrated into the disposable prophy angle piece, then illumination is provided to the treatment area, but production costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light guiding element acts as an intermediary between the light source and the treatment area. The light source is positioned in the driving component, and the light guiding element transmits this light through the neck portion to the head portion, enabling illumination without directly integrating complex lighting mechanisms into the disposable angle piece itself
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding element serves multiple functions: it transmits light from the driving component to the head portion for illumination, and simultaneously acts as a structural component of the neck portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated light transmission components
2Illumination intensity
If separate fibre optic elements are used for light transmission, then illumination is achieved, but assembly complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding element is merged with the neck portion structure. Instead of using separate fibre optic elements that would require additional assembly steps, the light guiding function is integrated into the existing neck portion geometry, simplifying both assembly and production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding element serves multiple functions: it transmits light from the driving component to the head portion for illumination, and simultaneously acts as a structural component of the neck portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated light transmission components
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
This solution reduces production costs by simplifying the assembly and production process while still providing efficient illumination to the treatment area, maintaining the ergonomic design and functionality of the device.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light guiding element having a light entry portion to receive light, and a light exit portion to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
An angled-head rotary cleaning device for dental purposes includes a plastic housing having an elongated neck portion that defines a sleeve with a wall. The neck portion includes a first end and a second end. The plastic housing has a head portion coupled to the first end of the neck portion and angled relative to the neck portion. The cleaning device also includes an elongated light guiding element having a light entry portion to receive light, and a light exit portion to emit light. At least a portion of the light guiding element is accommodated within the wall of the neck portion.