Apex Locator Hook Attachment for Cleanable File Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apex locator attachments for endodontic treatment have moveable parts that are difficult to clean and disinfect, reducing the efficiency of endodontic procedures due to the presence of cavities and crevices that harbor microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
An apex locator attachment with a design that includes a clamping or hooking mechanism using a spring back mechanism, made of electrically conductive materials, and an insulating overmold, eliminating moveable parts and allowing for easy cleaning and disinfection, with features such as a tweezer-like shape, gripper jaws, and a jack-style connector for connection to an apex locator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional apex locator attachments use moveable parts with push buttons for clamping, then the device can securely hold endodontic files, but the presence of cavities and crevices makes cleaning and disinfection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes moveable parts, push buttons, and complex clamping mechanisms from the attachment design. Instead, it uses a simple hook-shaped structure that relies on elastic deformation of the entire attachment body to secure the file, eliminating cavities and crevices that are difficult to clean.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a mechanism that opens and closes to clamp the file, the invention inverts the approach by using a flexible hook that passively secures the file through its elastic nature, allowing the file to be inserted and held without active clamping motion.
2Strength
If the attachment includes a complex clamping mechanism with moveable parts, then the file can be firmly secured, but the device complexity increases and creates hard-to-clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of clamping from active mechanical force application to passive elastic retention. The flexible hook's elastic properties provide sufficient holding force without requiring complex mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while maintaining file security.
3Ease of operation
If the attachment has openings and excavations in the housing for the push button mechanism, then the clamping function is enabled, but these areas cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the push button mechanism and associated openings from the design. The clamping function is achieved through the elastic hook's natural deformation, eliminating the need for buttons and the cavities they create, thereby preventing microorganism accumulation.
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 design ensures efficient and easy cleaning and disinfection, enhancing the effectiveness of endodontic procedures by preventing the accumulation of microorganisms and maintaining the integrity of the attachment for precise root canal measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping or hooking mechanism based on a spring back of a hook which may metal or plastic
Data Source
AI summary
An apex locator attachment for connection to an apex locator for measurement of the position of the length of a root canal during endodontic treatment. A shape, structure and dimensions of the attachment are configured to maximize the ease of use of the attachment and to enable mechanical and electrical coupling of a dental instrument to an apex locator while allowing the apex locator attachment to be easily cleaned, disinfected and autoclaved.