Ergonomic Dental Dispensing Device with Interchangeable Plunger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental and medical devices for dispensing pasty or liquid compositions, such as those used in endodontic treatments, are ergonomically poor, difficult to clean, and lack precision in delivering materials to hard-to-reach areas, often requiring multiple devices for different cannula sizes.

Innovation Solution

A medical or dental device featuring a straight handle with a clamp for a tube containing the composition, a flexible lever and plunger assembly that allows for precise dispensing, and interchangeable components for varying tube sizes, ensuring ergonomic design, ease of cleaning, and accurate delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional syringe device with a plunger system is used to dispense filling material, then the precision of material delivery is improved, but the device becomes too large and uncomfortable for the user to operate ergonomically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of material deliveryVSAvoidergonomic comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: a handle, a removable tube containing the filling material, and a plunger system that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall ergonomic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plunger system is repositioned from the end of the handle to a intermediate position along the handle's longitudinal axis. This dimensional repositioning creates a more ergonomic lever arm for the user while maintaining precise control over plunger movement and material delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a syringe device with pivoted elements on the handle is used, then the dispensing functionality is improved, but the device becomes complicated to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex pivoted elements are removed from the handle design. Instead, the plunger system uses a simplified connection mechanism that attaches directly to the handle without requiring pivots or complex joints, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than having the plunger system pivot on the handle, the design inverts the connection approach: the plunger rod connects directly to the handle at a fixed point, and the tube is removably mounted on the handle. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining dispensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a fixed plunger length is used in the syringe device, then the device structure is simplified, but the device becomes incompatible with multiple cannula sizes requiring several different devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcompatibility with multiple cannula sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate tubes of various sizes and lengths. The plunger system can be adjusted or replaced to match different tube configurations, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions across different applications and cannula sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The plunger system is made adjustable rather than fixed. The plunger rod can be repositioned along the handle, and the tube can be removably mounted at different positions, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different tube sizes and dispensing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a spatula is used to place filling material in the root canal, then the device is simple to use, but precise dispensing and access to difficult areas cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of useVSAvoidprecision of material placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device introduces a controlled intermediary system between the user and the filling material: a tube containing the material and a plunger system for precise delivery. This intermediary structure maintains simplicity of operation while enabling precise placement of material in difficult-to-reach areas of the root canal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250205012A1Medical or dental device for dispensing a pasty or liquid component

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 PROD DENTAIRES

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a pasty or liquid composition intended for a medical or dental use, and in particular for endodontic use. The device comprises a handle (1), a reservoir (2) for the pasty or liquid composition, at least one plunger (4) arranged to slide in the reservoir (2), at least one lever (3) arranged to be removably mounted on a mounting portion of the handle (10) and arranged to cooperate with the plunger (4) to cause said plunger (4) to slide in the reservoir (2) for the dispensing of the pasty or liquid composition contained therein when the reservoir (2) and the lever (3) are mounted on the handle (10). The lever (3) is arranged to be connected to the plunger (4) such that when the user presses on the lever (3) in the direction of the handle (10), the plunger (4) slides in the reservoir (2) along the longitudinal axis thereof and pushes the pasty or liquid composition out of said reservoir (2).