Dental Material Dispenser Marking for Opaque Compule Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental material dispensers lack visibility into the remaining amount of material within opaque compules, leading to inefficiencies and waste due to the light-sensitive nature of dental materials and the absence of marking or locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dental material dispenser system with a marking system, including colored markings on the compule, a spring-loaded piston with an O-ring, a screw-type piston with color-coded markings, and a locking mechanism to ensure one-directional piston movement, providing visual feedback on material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque containers are used to protect dental material from light, then light sensitivity protection is improved, but visibility of remaining material is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing the piston with color-coded markings (e.g., green, yellow, red zones) that become visible through the opaque container wall as the piston advances. These color markings indicate different levels of material remaining in the compule, allowing dentists to monitor material usage without compromising the light-protective opaque packaging.
2Loss of information
If marking systems are added to indicate material usage, then information about remaining material is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the piston itself to carry the marking system. The piston automatically displays material level information through its color-coded markings as it moves during material dispensing, eliminating the need for separate external marking devices or complex electronic monitoring systems.
3Measurement precision
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent piston return, then material usage accuracy is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function by implementing a simple one-way ratchet mechanism that allows piston movement in only one direction (forward during material dispensing). This minimal locking mechanism prevents piston return without requiring complex multi-component locking systems, maintaining material usage accuracy while minimizing added complexity.
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
Enables dentists to accurately monitor material usage, reducing waste and ensuring adequate supply during procedures by clearly indicating the remaining amount within the compule.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment the dispenser device has a spring loaded piston
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a dental material carrier and a dispenser gun thereof configured to mark the amount of a dental material used or remained in the dental material carrier. The dental material carrier comprises a body with opaque scratchable colored markings and to be pre-loaded with a predetermined amount of a dental filling material. The dispenser gun having a housing configured to receive the dental material carrier and a piston with an extended metal bar attached to the piston. The metal bar having a pin to scratch the markings on the dental material carrier. In one embodiment the dispenser gun further has a locking mechanism to provide a one way advancement of the piston and lock the piston at the point of usage of the dental material used inside the carrier. In another embodiment the marking element is an O-ring.