Dental Chair Foot Controller With Cam-Based Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot controllers for dental unit chairs do not allow for easy and convenient control of the air supply to treatment tools, limiting operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A foot controller with a cam block and pedal unit that rotates left and right, connected via a connection part, to control the air valve and adjust the air supply to treatment tools, featuring an elastic member for restoring force and a rail for guided rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional foot controller design is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation for controlling air supply is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal unit is designed to perform multiple movements (up-down pressing and left-right rotation) rather than a single fixed motion. This dynamic capability allows the operator to control different aspects of air supply (flow rate and pressure) through different pedal movements, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of standard mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The cam block serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates the pedal unit's rotational and pressing movements into corresponding movements of the rod that controls the air valve. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control of air supply parameters without requiring direct mechanical connection between the pedal and valve, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity
2Measurement precision
If the pedal unit is positioned close to the cam block, then the device size is reduced, but the control precision of air flow rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal unit is disposed at a location spaced apart from the cam block by a predetermined distance, creating spatial separation that enables more precise mechanical leverage and control. This dimensional arrangement allows the pedal's rotational and pressing movements to be more effectively translated into controlled rod movements, improving air flow rate control precision while the overall device size remains manageable through efficient space utilization
3Ease of operation
If the pedal unit can rotate freely without guidance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control movements are segmented into distinct components: left-right rotation for controlling one aspect of air supply and up-down pressing for controlling another aspect. The rail guides the rotational movement to ensure it occurs within a controlled range, while the pressing movement is guided vertically. This segmentation of movement types with appropriate guidance for each improves reliability while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part acts as an intermediary that links the pedal unit to the cam block, ensuring that the pedal's movements are reliably transmitted to control the air valve. This connection mechanism maintains reliable control by properly coupling the guided pedal movements to the cam block's motion, which in turn controls the rod position with precision
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
Enables easy and convenient control of air supply to treatment tools, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience for dental operators.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to provide a restoring force to return the pedal unit to an original location
Implementation Method 2
a cam block configured to be installed under a rod provided in the air valve and having an inclined surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a foot controller for a dental unit chair capable of easily and conveniently controlling the amount of air supplied to a treatment tool provided in the dental unit chair. The present invention provides a foot controller for a dental unit chair, including: an air valve configured to control a flow rate of air supplied to the treatment tool; a cam block configured to be installed under a rod provided in the air valve and having an inclined surface; a pedal unit configured to be disposed at a location spaced apart from the cam block by a predetermined distance and rotatable left and right by an external force and movable up and down; and a connection part configured to connect the cam block and the pedal unit so that the cam block moves in conjunction with movement of the pedal unit.