Dental Handpiece Coupling Guide Element Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental handpiece couplings require complex alignment and separate locking steps for secure connection, making handling difficult, especially for current transmission which is limited by rotational position requirements.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a guide element and latching device that allows for axial insertion and rotational alignment of coupling elements, providing a haptic indication of coupling position through a spring-loaded pushing element, simplifying the connection process and enabling current transmission in any relative position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two coupling elements are inserted into one another in a certain relative position to connect media lines, then media transmission is enabled, but handling becomes more difficult due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is pre-formed on one coupling element with a specific geometry that corresponds to the insertion opening on the other coupling element. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the coupling elements are brought together, the guide element automatically guides them into the correct relative position, eliminating the need for manual alignment and simplifying handling while ensuring reliable media transmission connection.
2Reliability
If a lock nut is screwed onto a thread to secure the connection, then connection security is improved, but the number of operating steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the coupling elements into correct alignment during insertion, and its geometric features (such as flanges or lugs) automatically engage with corresponding features in the insertion opening to secure the connection. This merging of guidance and locking functions into a single element eliminates the need for separate lock nuts and threading operations, reducing the number of operating steps while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If end face contact pairs are used for current transmission, then current transmission is enabled, but rotational position requirements limit handling ease
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element's geometric configuration is designed in advance to automatically align the coupling elements in the correct rotational position when inserted. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the end face contact pairs for current transmission are properly positioned without requiring manual rotational adjustment, thereby maintaining reliable current transmission while significantly improving handling ease.
4Ease of operation
If ring-like sliding contacts are used for current transmission, then handling is simplified by allowing any disposition, but durability and reliability of current transmission are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is designed with geometric features that automatically guide and align the coupling elements into the correct rotational position during insertion. This preliminary alignment action enables the use of durable end face contact pairs for current transmission, as the correct orientation is achieved automatically without requiring ring-like sliding contacts. The result is both simplified handling and reliable, durable current transmission.
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
Facilitates easier and more reliable connection of dental handpieces with supply hoses by allowing arbitrary radial insertion and providing a haptic indication of coupling, reducing handling complexity and ensuring secure media transmission, including current, air, and light.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pushing element, providing a haptic indication of coupling position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for the production of a releasable connection between a medical, in particular a dental, handpiece part and a supply hose and for the transmission of current and if applicable further supply media from the supply hose to the handpiece part. The coupling includes two coupling elements wherein one of the two coupling elements may be arranged on the supply hose and the other on the handpiece part. A guide element is arranged on one of the two coupling elements, which guide element can be inserted into an insertion opening formed on the other coupling element. In a certain relative rotational position of the two coupling elements a pushing element having current contacts engages into a corresponding recess of the second coupling element, wherein with inserted or at least partly inserted guide element the two coupling elements can be rotated relative to one another around an axis of rotation before attainment of the predetermined coupling position. Thereby there is formed a reliable bayonet coupling which makes possible a particularly easy handling.