Dental Handpiece Ultrasonic Insert Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic dental handpieces face challenges in efficiently changing the direction of the insert tip due to frictional forces, leading to interrupted workflow, increased fatigue, and reduced tactile sensitivity for dentists and hygienists during cleaning procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dental handpiece design featuring an inner barrel for 360-degree rotation of the ultrasonic insert, a coil unit for applying an alternating magnetic field, and an outer sheath with adjustable torque and sterilization capabilities, including flow regions for steam, chemicals, and heat, along with a swivel drag adjustment screw and dynamic seals to reduce friction and enhance ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insert tip is rotated by removing it from the patient's mouth and using both hands, then the tip orientation can be changed, but the workflow is interrupted and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic seal system that allows the insert to rotate freely within the handpiece during operation. The dynamic seal maintains fluid sealing while accommodating rotational movement, enabling the clinician to rotate the insert tip without removing it from the patient's mouth, thus maintaining workflow continuity while changing tip orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is segmented into distinct functional components including the insert, inner barrel, dynamic seal, and outer shell. This segmentation allows the insert to be independently rotated within the handpiece assembly, facilitating easy orientation changes without affecting the entire system or requiring removal from the patient's mouth.
2Reliability
If the insert is retained tightly in the handpiece, then the seal is secure, but frictional forces prevent easy rotation of the tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic seal mechanism that adapts to rotational movement. The dynamic seal maintains sufficient friction to secure the insert and prevent leakage, while simultaneously allowing smooth rotation when torque is applied. The seal design includes features such as a seal ring with specific geometric profiles that enable this dual functionality of retention and rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the seal are optimized through parameter changes in the seal material and geometry. The dynamic seal is designed with specific durometer values, cross-sectional shapes, and engagement surfaces that provide appropriate friction for secure retention during non-rotational periods, while allowing easy rotation when needed during clinical procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the dentist maintains proper tip angulation by counteracting cable torsional load, then the tip orientation remains correct, but higher pinch grip force is required causing fatigue and reduced tactile sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the insert to be easily rotated to the desired angulation before insertion. Once positioned, the dynamic seal maintains this orientation without requiring continuous counter-torsion force from the clinician. The swivel mechanism at the cable connection point also allows the cable to rotate independently, eliminating torsional loads that would otherwise be transmitted to the clinician's hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic seal and swivel mechanism act as intermediaries between the cable and the insert tip. These components absorb and accommodate torsional forces, preventing them from being transmitted to the clinician's hand. The swivel joint at the cable connection allows the cable to rotate independently of the handpiece, while the dynamic seal allows the insert to rotate independently within the handpiece, creating a chain of intermediaries that protect the clinician from torsional loads.
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 enhances productivity by allowing smoother tip orientation changes, reducing fatigue and discomfort, while enabling more effective sterilization and maintaining patient comfort through reduced friction and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel
Implementation Method 2
the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel
Implementation Method 3
the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel
Implementation Method 4
autoclaving the dental handpiece, allowing steam to flow through flow regions in the dental handpiece
Implementation Method 5
autoclaving the dental handpiece, allowing steam to flow through flow regions in the dental handpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A dental handpiece and a dental cleaning procedure are disclosed. The dental handpiece includes an inner barrel for rotatably retaining an ultrasonic insert, the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel, a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel, at least one contact retention clip that contacts a drive coil of the contact unit, an outer sheath extending around at least a portion of the coil unit. The dental handpiece includes flow regions permitting steam, chemicals, and heat to flow into the inner barrel and out of the inner barrel during a sterilization technique. The dental cleaning procedure includes operating the dental handpiece and autoclaving the dental handpiece.