Dental Suction Attachment With Working Channel for Splatter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental suction devices struggle to effectively reduce splatter and aerosol contamination during treatments involving tools like scalers or powder jets, as they are not adaptable to the specific interactions and splatter generation patterns of these tools.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a handpiece and an attachment featuring a working channel that surrounds the treatment zone, allowing for high suction force and splatter protection, while accommodating additional tools like scalers or powder jets, with a design that includes adjustable side walls and a flexible, non-circular suction opening for optimal coverage and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional suction device is used during dental treatment with scalers or powder jets, then the device structure is simple, but the suction efficiency is insufficient and splatter protection is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is divided into distinct functional components: a handpiece for suction and a separate attachment for splatter protection. The attachment includes multiple side walls forming working channels that can independently accommodate different dental tools. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, resolving the contradiction between simplified overall structure and enhanced suction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment is designed to be mounted on the handpiece, with working channels nested within the attachment structure. Dental tools such as scalers or powder jets can be inserted into these nested working channels, allowing the tools to be positioned within the splatter protection zone without interfering with the suction aperture. This nesting arrangement enhances splatter protection and tool accessibility while maintaining a compact device structure.
2Productivity
If the suction device is designed to provide high suction force, then suction efficiency improves, but the device may obstruct the treatment zone and reduce visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is designed with side walls extending in multiple spatial dimensions to form a three-dimensional working channel structure. This dimensional arrangement allows the splatter protection to envelop the treatment zone from multiple angles while leaving the suction aperture positioned to maintain clear visibility. The spatial configuration enables high suction force generation without obstructing the dentist's view of the treatment area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the attachment completely surrounds the treatment zone for maximum splatter protection, then splatter reduction improves, but accessibility to all mouth areas and tool placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is designed with flexible or adjustable side walls that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate different treatment requirements. The working channels can adapt their configuration based on the specific mouth area being treated, allowing the attachment to provide comprehensive splatter protection while maintaining accessibility. This dynamic design enables the device to be adjusted for different oral regions without compromising either protection or accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls of the attachment are designed with varying properties in different regions. Some side walls may be more rigid for structural integrity and splatter protection, while others are more flexible or have openings to facilitate tool access and adapt to specific anatomical features. This local differentiation of wall properties allows the attachment to provide effective splatter protection while maintaining ease of operation in different mouth areas.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the suction device is designed to accommodate additional tools like scalers or powder jets, then versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is designed with universal working channels that can accommodate multiple types of dental tools including scalers, powder jets, and other independent tools. The standardized channel design allows different tools to be interchanged without requiring changes to the attachment structure, providing multi-functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture. This universality resolves the contradiction between tool versatility and device 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
The device enhances suction efficiency, reduces splatter, and maintains visibility of the treatment zone by providing effective splatter protection and flexibility in tool placement, ensuring thorough material removal without obstructing the dental procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device for suctioning material during a dental treatment... including a suction opening for the passage of suctioned material through the suction opening and the suction aperture
Data Source
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AI summary
A suction device (1) for suctioning material during a dental treatment, the suction device (1) comprising a handpiece (10) having a suction aperture (15) to allow passage of suctioned material, the suction device (1) comprising further an attachment (20) for splatter protection designed for being mounted on the handpiece (10), the attachment (20) comprising: - a mounting section (25) for an exchangeable or a permanent mounting of the attachment (20) to the handpiece (10), - a suction opening (26) for the passage of suctioned material through the suction opening (26) and the suction aperture (15) when the attachment (20) is mounted on the handpiece, and - at least a side wall (23) extending from the suction opening (26) and forming a working channel (30) designed to surround a molar, partially or at least two sides of the molar and, in particular, simultaneously to host a dental tool (2), the channel having at least one introduction section for introduction of a dental tool (2) into the working channel.