Dental Instrument Cassette Locking for Secure Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental instrument cassettes lack effective locking mechanisms and coupling systems that ensure secure closure and ease of use during sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A cassette design featuring a locking mechanism with a lockable lock bar and a coupling mechanism that allows trays to rotate relative to each other, incorporating a resilient body to facilitate secure locking and unlocking, and a push button to release the lock catch, along with a compliant body to protect instruments from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the trays, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the resilient body that automatically engages the lock pin with the lock catch when the tray is closed, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while ensuring reliable closure
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the lock pin and lock catch, providing automatic engagement and disengagement through its elastic deformation, thus simplifying the overall locking system
2Ease of operation
If a push button is added to release the lock catch, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push button operates the locking mechanism through direct mechanical action on the resilient body, allowing intuitive one-handed operation without complex control systems or additional actuation mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a compliant body is added to protect instruments, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant body is pre-installed in the reception space to provide protective cushioning for dental instruments before they are subjected to any harmful forces during sterilization or handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant body utilizes flexible material properties to conform to the shape of dental instruments and provide protective coverage, absorbing mechanical stresses without rigid structural complexity
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 provides a secure, easy-to-use cassette that maintains instrument integrity during sterilization by ensuring trays remain locked until intentionally opened, while protecting instruments from damage and facilitating efficient sterilization through steam access.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient body coupled to the lock pin to urge the lock pin toward a lock position
Implementation Method 2
facilitating efficient sterilization through steam access
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette that includes at least one tray defined by a plurality of walls extending from a panel to receive at least one dental instrument in a reception space defined by the walls, and a locking mechanism, or at least one lockable lock bar, or one part of a coupling mechanism, located in the reception space.