Dental Prophylaxis Angle Axial Shift Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental prophylaxis angles with adjustment mechanisms are often complex and cause unwanted movements between the tool head and hand piece, limiting precise angular adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A dental prophylaxis angle with a pivot assembly and spring mechanism that allows the tool head to be axially shifted and pivoted relative to the hand piece, enabling selective angular adjustments between predefined positions, and automatically locks into place for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to allow angular adjustment of the tool head, then the tool head can be selectively adjusted angularly, but the mechanism becomes relatively complex and causes unwanted movements between the tool head and hand piece
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a pivot assembly with a pivot member (pin) and pivot receptacle (elongate recess), a spring assembly with spring and spring follower, and a lock assembly with locking protrusion and locking recess. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling angular adjustment between locked and adjustment positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism dynamically transitions between two states: a locked position where the tool head is fixed angularly relative to the hand piece, and an adjustment position where the tool head can be pivoted to different angles. The spring assembly provides dynamic force to maintain these states, automatically urging the tool head into the locked position when released, thereby reducing unwanted movements during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the tool head is made axially shiftable to enable adjustment, then angular adjustment becomes possible, but unwanted movements occur between the tool head and hand piece
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly performs preliminary action by continuously urging the tool head into the locked position before any adjustment is made. This pre-applied force ensures that the tool head is securely held in place during normal operation, preventing unwanted movements. When adjustment is needed, the user deliberately overcomes this spring force to shift the tool head axially into the adjustment position.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member (pin) acts as an intermediary element that connects the tool head to the pivot receptacle (elongate recess) in the hand piece. This intermediary component enables controlled axial shifting and angular pivoting while maintaining a stable connection. The pin slides within the elongate recess during adjustment and engages with locking features to prevent unwanted movements when locked.
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 precise and stable angular adjustments of the tool head relative to the hand piece, reducing unwanted movements and improving operational efficiency during dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly that is arranged to urge the tool head into the locked position at one or more of the angular positions
Data Source
AI summary
A dental prophylaxis angle having a tool head and a hand piece includes an adjustment mechanism, which allows the tool head to be angularly adjusted between a plurality of angular positions relative to the hand piece. The tool head is axially shiftable relative to the hand piece between a locked position and an adjustment position. In the locked position, the tool head is prevented from shifting angularly relative to the hand piece. In the adjustment position, the tool head may be selectively pivoted relative to the hand piece and thereby angularly adjusted. A spring may be provided to urge the tool head into the locked position at one or more of the angular positions.