Dental Composition Packaging With Light-Blocking Applicator Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental and orthodontic packaging solutions for flowable compositions often require multiple manual operations and inefficient use of materials, leading to environmental waste and potential premature curing of dental substances.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising two laminated layers forming a chamber for the composition, a transition zone, and an applicator, where pressure activates the transfer of the composition to the second chamber, reducing material usage by up to 50% and incorporating a light disruption feature to prevent premature curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional multi-chamber packaging with peelable films is used, then substances can be stored separately, but the device requires complex manual operations and excessive material usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial usageVSAvoidpackaging structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the container into two separate chambers (first chamber for substance, second chamber for applicator) that are sealed together, allowing independent storage while maintaining a unified structure. This segmentation enables efficient material usage by preventing premature mixing while keeping the overall device simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the harmful element of complex peelable film structures and replaces it with a simpler sealed chamber system. The transition zone acts as a controlled opening mechanism that eliminates the need for manual peeling operations, reducing both material usage and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If pressure is applied to transfer substance between chambers, then dispensing is achieved, but the substance may flow back into the first chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing controlVSAvoidone-way flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a one-way valve in the transition zone that is pre-configured to allow flow in only one direction (from first chamber to second chamber). This preliminary design feature ensures that when pressure is applied for dispensing, the substance cannot flow back, maintaining reliability without requiring complex manual control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the transition zone is opened to dispense substance, then the composition can be applied, but light may cause premature curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing capabilityVSAvoidlight exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transition zone serves as an intermediary structure that controls the transfer of the composition from the first chamber to the second chamber. It is designed with light-blocking properties that prevent light from reaching the composition during transfer, thereby preventing premature curing while still enabling efficient dispensing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If multiple manual operations are performed in succession, then dental treatments can be completed, but time is lost and coordination is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the storage of the composition and the applicator into a single integrated device with two sealed chambers. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual operations to handle multiple components, reducing time loss and improving treatment efficiency while maintaining coordinated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device enhances sustainability by minimizing material use and prevents premature curing, while allowing efficient and controlled dispensing of dental compositions.

Implementation Method 1

by pressing on the depression containing the medicament, said medicament is transferred into the depression containing the applicator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a light disruption portion is provided to protect the flowable dental composition from prematurely curing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4263384B1Device for storing and dispensing flowable compositions

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~5

AI summary

A device for storing and dispensing a flowable dental composition, comprising: a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and second layer form a first chamber for containing a flowable dental composition, a transition zone, and a second chamber; an applicator retained within the second chamber; wherein the first chamber has a first concave surface formed in the first layer and a second concave surface formed in the second layer; wherein the device includes an inactive state and an active state.