Dental Instrument Interchangeable Tip Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental surgical instruments require multiple tips for different procedures, leading to inconvenience in tip replacement and handling during dental treatments.
Innovation Solution
A dental treatment instrument with a bridge unit and interchangeable tip units, featuring a coupling mechanism with a reverse 'L' shaped groove and protrusion system, allowing easy rotation-based tip replacement and secure coupling with an O-ring for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tips are provided at both ends of a single treatment instrument, then the quantity of tips is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to replace tips during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment instrument is divided into a handle unit and multiple interchangeable tip units. Each tip unit can be independently attached or detached from the handle unit through a coupling mechanism, allowing the user to segment the instrument into functional modules that can be reconfigured based on treatment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the instrument by allowing quick attachment and detachment of different tip units during treatment procedures. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for permanent fixed configurations while maintaining ease of operation through simple coupling actions.
2Reliability
If tips are permanently fixed on the treatment instrument, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates as different tip types cannot be easily switched
Solution Approach 1:
The tip unit is inserted into and nested within the handle unit through a coupling mechanism that provides secure retention. The tip bracket extends into the handle bracket, creating a nested configuration that ensures reliable connection while maintaining the ability to detach and replace tips as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle unit is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of tip units. This multi-functional interface allows different tip types to be attached to the same handle, providing versatility and adaptability for various treatment procedures while maintaining consistent connection reliability.
3Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to secure tip units, then the reliability of tip attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is extracted into separate, simple components: a coupling protrusion on the tip unit and a corresponding coupling groove on the handle unit. This separation eliminates the need for complex integrated coupling systems while providing secure attachment through the simple protrusion-groove interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The coupling protrusion automatically aligns with and inserts into the coupling groove, and the O-ring provides automatic sealing upon engagement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple coupling steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental treatment instrument includes a bridge unit, and a first tip and a second tip unit each configured to be replaceable with respect to the bridge unit, where the bridge unit includes a first lengthwise groove formed in a lengthwise direction at one end of the bridge unit, a first circumferential groove extending from the first lengthwise groove in a first circumferential direction, a second lengthwise groove formed in the lengthwise direction at the other end of the bridge unit, and a second circumferential groove extending from the second lengthwise groove in a second circumferential direction different from the first circumferential direction, and the first tip unit includes a first coupling protrusion extending in a direction vertical to the lengthwise direction of the bridge unit, and the second tip unit includes a second coupling protrusion extending in a direction vertical to the lengthwise direction of the bridge unit.