Applicator Shaft Attachment for Dental Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators in the medical and dental fields have application elements that are either not interchangeable or not sufficiently supported on the shaft, leading to difficulties in storage, replacement, and efficient use.
Innovation Solution
The application element is designed to be directly attached to the shaft in a positive, frictional, and/or force-fitting manner, allowing for easy mounting and detachment, with a shaft attachment that encases the receiving area and features a profiled connection for a secure fit, and can be made elastic with a soft coating for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the application element is inserted into a recess of the shaft to create a clamping effect, then the application element is secured to the shaft, but the application element is not easily replaceable and storage is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate components: a shaft with a receiving area and application elements that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation enables both secure attachment during use and easy replacement when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the shaft and application element is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The receiving area allows for controlled attachment and detachment, enabling the system to transition between stable (during application) and flexible (for replacement) states, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and replaceability.
2Reliability
If the application element is firmly connected to the shaft by adhesive bond, then the application element is securely fixed, but the application element cannot be replaced and becomes waste
Solution Approach 1:
The design allows application elements to be disposable while maintaining secure fixation during use. The receiving area enables firm connection during the application process, after which the element can be discarded and replaced, combining reliable fixation with the ability to use inexpensive single-use elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is pre-designed with a receiving area that facilitates easy attachment of application elements before use. This preliminary preparation enables quick replacement without requiring complex assembly procedures, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and replaceability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the application element is inserted into a recess of the shaft, then the application element is supported on the shaft, but sufficient storage and replaceability are not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system is segmented into a shaft with a receiving area and separate application elements. This segmentation provides stable support during use while enabling easy storage of multiple elements and quick replacement, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
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 design enables easy replacement and use of application elements, ensures secure attachment, and allows for efficient handling and application of dental materials, with the option for different profiles and coatings to distinguish between applicators and enhance usability.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving area (18) of the shaft (10) is surrounded by the application element in the form of a shaft attachment (11) in a form-fitting, friction-fit and/or force-fit and detachable manner
Implementation Method 2
the shaft attachment (11) is elastically designed
Data Source
Figure 1~4d
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator (100) with a shaft (10) and an application element. To further develop the applicator (100) in such a way as to provide sufficient support for the application element and to enable its replacement, the invention proposes that a receiving area (18) of the shaft (10) be surrounded by the application element in the form of a shaft attachment (11) in a form-fitting and/or force-fit and detachable manner.