Dental Coupling Unit Valve Arrangement for Automated Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental treatment and examination assemblies face challenges in efficiently and automatically flushing their liquid-conducting systems, particularly due to manual operation and limited documentation capabilities, which can lead to microbial growth and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A dental coupling unit with a valve arrangement that allows for automated flushing of the media delivery and return lines, including a flushing adapter for easy connection and a supply unit that monitors the liquid dispensation for verification, enabling efficient and documented flushing procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual flushing operation is used, then the liquid-conducting system can be flushed, but the process requires high time expenditure and manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when an instrument attachment is removed and initiates the flushing sequence without manual intervention. The control unit coordinates the valve arrangements and liquid dispensing automatically, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for manual flushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing action is triggered automatically upon detection of instrument attachment removal. By preparing and executing the flushing sequence as a preliminary automated response to the removal event, the system eliminates the need for separate manual flushing operations, thereby reducing time expenditure.
2Loss of information
If manual flushing operation is used, then the liquid-conducting system can be flushed, but proper documentation of flushing procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically records flushing parameters such as liquid volume dispensed, duration of flushing, and system state. This feedback mechanism provides comprehensive documentation of the flushing procedure, ensuring hygiene compliance and eliminating the need for manual documentation while simplifying the operational process.
3Reliability
If the valve arrangement allows liquid flow to the instrument attachment, then proper flushing can be performed, but liquid may escape to the outside when the instrument attachment is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangements are dynamically controlled based on the presence or absence of an instrument attachment. When the attachment is present, the valve directs liquid to the attachment for flushing. When removed, the valve automatically redirects the liquid flow to the return line, preventing escape to the outside and maintaining hygiene reliability throughout the operation.
4Measurement precision
If automated flushing with monitoring is implemented, then accurate documentation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it detects instrument attachment removal, controls the valve arrangements, monitors liquid dispensation, and documents the flushing procedure. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves precise monitoring and accurate documentation without proportionally increasing overall device 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 solution facilitates a low-effort, automated flushing process that ensures proper hygiene by preventing liquid escape and allowing for accurate documentation, reducing the risk of microbial growth and improving overall system hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling unit (1) has a valve arrangement (6) which conducts the liquid from the coupling unit (1) to the instrument attachment (2) when the instrument attachment (2) is fitted and conducts the liquid to the media return line (5) and blocks an escape of the liquid at the front end (11) of the coupling unit (1) when the instrument attachment (2) is not fitted to the coupling unit (1)
Implementation Method 2
a media delivery line for the liquid which extends from the supply unit (3) through the coupling unit (1) toward the instrument attachment (2)
Implementation Method 3
a media return line (5) which is connected to an end region of the media delivery line (4) extending through the coupling unit (1), said end region facing the instrument attachment (2)
Implementation Method 4
a supply unit (3) for providing supply media for the instrument attachment (2), wherein the supply media comprise at least one liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dental coupling unit (1), which can be detachably coupled to an instrument attachment (2) for dental treatment and/or examination at the front end (11) of the coupling unit and also can be connected to a supply unit (3) for providing supply media for the instrument attachment (2), wherein a media supply line (4) extends through the coupling unit (1) toward the instrument attachment (2) and wherein additionally a media return line (5) extends through the coupling unit (1), which media return line is connected to an end region of the media supply line (4) extending through the coupling unit (1), which end region faces the instrument attachment (2). The coupling unit (1) has a valve assembly (6), which conducts the liquid from the coupling unit (1) to the instrument attachment (2) when the instrument attachment (2) is attached and conducts the liquid to the media return line (5) and blocks the escape of the liquid at the front end (11) of the coupling unit (1) when the instrument attachment is not attached.