Dental Mixing Device Automatic Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental devices for producing multi-component masses lack flexibility and safety in adapting mixing parameters to different components, often requiring manual input and lacking automatic detection of component changes, which can lead to inappropriate settings and increased operator effort.

Innovation Solution

A dental device equipped with a manual input unit, an evaluation unit, and a detection unit that allows for component-related setting of mixing parameters, automatic detection of component changes, and adaptive resetting of settings, reducing the need for manual input and enhancing operating safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual input of mixing parameters is required for each component change, then the device can accommodate different component viscosities and mixing requirements, but the operator effort and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different componentsVSAvoidoperator effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit automatically detects component characteristics (such as viscosity markers or component identifiers) and the evaluation unit automatically sets the mixing parameters based on the detected component type. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual parameter input by the operator, thereby reducing operator effort while maintaining adaptability to different components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a detection unit that provides feedback about the component being processed. The evaluation unit receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the mixing parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the correct parameters are applied for each component type without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual setting of mixing parameters is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the risk of inappropriate settings increases and operating safety decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperating safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit automatically determines the appropriate mixing parameters based on component detection, eliminating reliance on manual operator input. This automated parameter setting prevents inappropriate settings and improves operating safety without adding significant structural complexity to the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical parameter adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The detection unit and evaluation unit work together to automatically set parameters, substituting the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electronic system that reduces human error and improves reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If automatic detection of component changes is implemented, then the accuracy of parameter setting improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit serves as an intermediary between the component container and the mixing system. It detects component characteristics (such as markers or identifiers) and translates this information into signals that the evaluation unit can process for automatic parameter setting. This intermediary approach enables accurate detection without requiring direct complex integration between all system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If component-related settings are made manually, then flexibility in production is maintained, but the productivity and output per time decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidoutput per time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of component characteristics before the mixing process begins. The evaluation unit pre-determines the appropriate mixing parameters based on the detected component type, so that when mixing starts, the correct parameters are already in place. This preliminary action eliminates time loss during parameter adjustment and maintains production flexibility while increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic detection and parameter setting system performs the adaptation to different components without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to quickly adjust to different component types, maintaining flexibility while significantly reducing the time required for parameter setting and thereby increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2345474B1Dental device for manufacturing a multi-component mass
Publication Date: 2015.04.01 RENFERT GMBH & CO
  • EP2345474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2345474B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a dental device for producing at least one multi-component compound, comprising at least one dispensing unit (10) for dispensing components, a mixing unit (12) for mixing components, a manual input unit (14), and an evaluation unit (16) for evaluating characteristic parameters. It is proposed that the evaluation unit (16) be designed to utilize at least one input parameter entered via the input unit (14) when at least one mixing parameter is set for a component-related purpose.