Multifunctional Dental Liner Applicator with Integrated Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental liner applicators require multiple tools for direct or indirect pulp capping procedures, increasing procedural costs, duration, and the risk of bacterial exposure due to bulkiness and limited reach.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional dental liner applicator that dispenses liner material, provides a stream of air for drying, and illuminates the working area, featuring a body with a removably attachable head, nozzle, and integrated fiber optic lighting, allowing for single-tool operation and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for pulp capping procedure, then the practitioner can perform measurement, drying, and liner application functions, but the procedural cost, duration, and risk of bacterial exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dental instruments (measuring instrument, drying instrument, and liner applicator) into a single integrated device. The applicator includes a body with a head that can be removably attached, containing a nozzle for liner dispensing, air outlets for drying, and integrating the measuring scale directly into the nozzle structure. This merging eliminates the need to switch between multiple tools during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dental liner applicator is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: it measures the depth of the void, dries the tooth surface using integrated air outlets, and applies the dental liner through the nozzle. The device also includes lighting functionality to illuminate the working area, making it a multi-functional instrument that replaces several separate tools.
2Ease of operation
If traditional liner applicators are used, then the practitioner can apply liner material, but the applicator is too bulky or has too short of a working end to properly reach teeth in the back of the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separable components: a body portion and a head portion that can be removably attached. This segmentation allows the head to be designed with optimized dimensions for reaching into tooth cavities while the body contains the control mechanisms. The separable design enables the working end to be appropriately sized for accessibility without compromising the overall functionality.
3Reliability
If multiple tools are required for the procedure, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost and complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate tools into a single integrated applicator device. The head assembly combines the nozzle, air outlets, and lighting components in one unit that attaches to the body, reducing the total number of tools from three separate instruments to one multi-functional device while maintaining the reliability of each individual function.
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
Enhances procedural efficiency and reduces bacterial exposure risk by integrating liner dispensing, air drying, and lighting in a single device, improving reach and reducing tool switching complications.
Implementation Method 1
Fiber optic fibers extend from a button controlled light source housed in the body to openings adjacent the nozzle for illuminating the working area
Implementation Method 2
A liner button on the body controls a valve for dispensing liner out of the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
An air button controls airflow out of openings adjacent the nozzle for drying an area that is receiving liner
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional dental liner applicator dispenses tooth liner and a stream of air while illuminating the working dental area. The applicator includes a body and a head that is removably attached to a distal end of the body. The head supports a nozzle that is configured to be inserted into a void of a prepared tooth. A liner button on the body controls a valve for dispensing liner out of the nozzle. An air button controls airflow out of openings adjacent the nozzle for drying an area that is receiving liner. Fiber optic fibers extend from a button controlled light source housed in the body to openings adjacent the nozzle for illuminating the working area.