Dental Material Delivery System with Planetary Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process for activating, mixing, and dispensing dental amalgam or other powder/liquid dental materials is laborious, time-consuming, and requires multiple pieces of equipment, often necessitating the assistance of a dental assistant.
Innovation Solution
A handpiece and capsule system that integrates the functions of activation, mixing, and dispensing into a single, easy-to-use device, eliminating the need to transfer the capsule between multiple devices. This system uses a new capsule design and handpiece mechanisms to achieve planetary motion mixing and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional separate equipment (activator, mixer, dispenser) is used, then each function can be performed with dedicated devices, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming requiring multiple transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the activator, mixer, and dispenser into a single integrated handpiece device. The capsule contains both powder and liquid components in separate compartments, and the handpiece integrates all three functions (activation by rupturing membranes, mixing via planetary motion, and dispensing through extrusion) in one unit, eliminating the need to transfer the capsule between separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it activates the capsule by rupturing membranes, mixes the powder and liquid components through planetary motion, and dispenses the mixed material through controlled extrusion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Productivity
If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate devices (activator, mixer, dispenser) into one integrated handpiece. The capsule design with dual compartments and the handpiece mechanisms work together as a unified system, reducing the number of components and steps while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is segmented into two separate compartments (powder compartment and liquid compartment) that remain isolated until activation. This segmentation allows for stable storage and transport while enabling controlled mixing when needed, all within the context of a simplified single-device system.
3Ease of operation
If manual transfer between devices is required, then each device can be simple in design, but the operation becomes laborious and may require dental assistant assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The capsule is pre-loaded with powder and liquid components, and the handpiece automatically performs activation, mixing, and dispensing functions through integrated mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual transfer operations or assistance from dental assistants.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating all functions into one handpiece, the system eliminates the manual transfer step between devices. The unified design allows the operator to perform all operations (activation, mixing, dispensing) with a single device, reducing labor requirements and improving ease of operation.
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 system significantly simplifies the dental material preparation process, reducing the time and effort required, and allowing for more efficient and precise application of dental materials without the need for multiple devices or assistants.
Implementation Method 1
This system uses a new capsule design and handpiece mechanisms to achieve planetary motion mixing and controlled dispensing
Implementation Method 2
The liquid is expelled from the hollow shaft during an activation stage and wets the powder in the mixing chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a dental material applicator system comprising a segmented capsule and handpiece. The capsule separately holds a powder and a liquid such that upon activation in the handpiece by an operator, the powder and liquid are mixed into a paste. The operator then triggers the handpiece so that the mixed paste is extruded.