Angled Ultrasonic Scaler Tip Interface for Efficient Vibration Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental tools with vibration mechanisms, such as ultrasonic scalers, face inefficiencies in transferring ultrasound vibrations to the tool tip due to the design of the screwing section along the vibration direction, leading to oversized handpieces and potential iatrogenic damages.
Innovation Solution
A tool design where the tool tip is connected to the moving part at an angle relative to the vibration direction, eliminating the screwing mechanism, allowing for a more efficient energy transfer and reducing handpiece dimensions, with a frictional or form-fitting connection, and using materials that can't be bent, such as titanium and ceramics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screwing section extends along the vibration direction to connect the tool tip to the moving part, then the connection is secure, but the energy transfer efficiency is reduced and the handpiece becomes oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screwing section from the interface between the tool tip and moving part. By removing this intermediate mechanical connection element that extends along the vibration direction, the patent achieves direct contact between the tool tip and moving part surfaces, enabling efficient vibration energy transfer while maintaining secure connection through friction and form-fitting mechanisms.
2Strength
If a screwing mechanism is used to connect the tool tip to the moving part, then the connection is robust, but the handpiece dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing mechanism is completely removed from the tool tip connection. The interface section is designed without any threading or screw elements, eliminating the additional weight and dimensional requirements that would be necessary to accommodate a screwing mechanism while maintaining connection robustness through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical screwing connection system is replaced with a friction-based and form-fitting connection system. The tool tip connects to the moving part through direct surface contact with complementary geometric shapes that provide mechanical interlocking without requiring threaded fasteners.
3Device complexity
If the tool tip extends parallel to the vibration direction with a screwing section, then the structure is simple, but the vibration energy transfer to the tool tip is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing section is removed from the tool tip structure, eliminating the intermediate element that impeded vibration energy transfer. The tool tip now extends directly from the moving part interface without any intervening mechanical connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool tip is designed with an asymmetric geometry where the interface section features complementary non-circular shapes that provide form-fitting connection. This asymmetric design enables both structural simplicity and efficient vibration energy transfer by ensuring direct contact between the tool tip and moving part surfaces.
4Reliability
If a screwing section is used at the proximal end of the tool tip, then the tool tip can be securely mounted, but the handling of the tool becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing section is extracted from the tool tip design, eliminating the need for threading operations that complicate tool handling. The interface section provides secure mounting through friction and form-fitting geometry without requiring additional mechanical fastening elements.
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
Enhances the efficiency of vibration transfer, reduces handpiece size and weight, minimizing operator discomfort and iatrogenic damage, while allowing for ergonomic benefits and easier handling.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration source, in particular an ultrasound vibration source, i. e. a vibration source that causes an ultrasound vibration
Implementation Method 2
the vibration source, in particular the ultrasound vibration source, causing the vibration motion of the moving part, comprises a piezo element
Implementation Method 3
allows to transfer or convert the vibration movement of the moving part to the tool tip in a more efficient way
Data Source
AI summary
A tool (1) for a medical treatment, in particular for a dental treatment, comprising: —a handpiece (40) having an ultrasound vibration source (30), —a moving part (10), performing, in an operating state, a vibration movement in a vibration direction (VD), and —a tool tip (20), in particular a scaler tip, being connected to the moving part (10) in an interface section (15), wherein in a non-vibrating state the tool tip extends in an extending direction, being slanted to the vibration direction of the moving part (10), in the interface section (15).