Angled Ultrasonic Scaler Tip for Efficient Vibration Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental tools with vibration movements, such as ultrasonic scalers, face inefficiencies in transferring energy from the ultrasound source to the tool tip and are cumbersome, leading to operator discomfort and potential iatrogenic damage due to oversized handpieces.
Innovation Solution
A tool design where the tool tip is connected to the moving part at an angle relative to the vibration direction, eliminating a threaded section, allowing for a more efficient energy transfer and reducing handpiece dimensions through a frictional or form-fitting connection, and utilizing materials like titanium for the moving part and hard biocompatible materials for the tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a threaded section is used to connect the tool tip to the moving part along the vibration direction, then the connection is secure, but the energy transfer efficiency from the ultrasound source to the tool tip is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the threaded section from the tool tip design. By eliminating the threading that previously extended along the vibration direction, the tool tip becomes a smooth, continuous element that directly transmits ultrasonic vibrations without energy loss or disruption at the connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of connecting the tool tip along the vibration direction (parallel alignment), the invention inverts the approach by connecting the tool tip at an angle (slanted alignment) in the interface section. This angular connection eliminates the need for threading while maintaining secure attachment and optimal energy transfer.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the handpiece is designed with larger dimensions to accommodate traditional components, then structural stability is improved, but operator comfort deteriorates and iatrogenic damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters of the handpiece by eliminating the threaded section and adopting an angular connection design. This allows for a more compact overall structure while maintaining structural integrity through the optimized interface section geometry, resulting in a smaller, lighter handpiece that is easier to operate.
3Loss of energy
If the tool tip extends parallel to the vibration direction, then the connection mechanism is simple, but the energy transfer from the moving part to the tool tip is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the tool tip orientation by extending it at a slanted angle relative to the vibration direction in the interface section. This asymmetric angular arrangement optimizes the transmission of vibrational energy from the moving part to the tool tip, improving energy transfer efficiency compared to a parallel alignment.
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 energy transfer efficiency, reduces handpiece size and weight, improving ergonomics, and minimizing operator discomfort and iatrogenic damage, while allowing for easier handling and material flexibility.
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 that causes a flexural motion of the moving part along the vibration direction
Data Source
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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).