Ultrasonic Dental Tool Circuit Isolation via Embedded Plug-in Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic dental scaling tools face issues with leakage currents due to environmental exposure, which can lead to electrocution risks and damage to electronic circuits, as the first and second electronic circuits are interlinked via a transformer and prone to leakage when used in wet or sterilized conditions.

Innovation Solution

The second electronic circuit is completely embedded in a plug-in element with high insulation resistance, isolating it from the first electronic circuit and protecting it from environmental factors, reducing the likelihood of leakage currents and ensuring safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the first electronic circuit and second electronic circuit are interlinked via a transformer to supply different voltage levels, then both circuits can be supplied with appropriate voltage, but leakage current in the second circuit strongly affects the first circuit and creates electrocution risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supplyVSAvoidelectrical isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electronic circuits into two separate, physically isolated units. The first electronic circuit for the ultrasonic transducer and the second electronic circuit for additional components are completely separated, each with its own power supply and control, eliminating the transformer linkage that causes leakage current issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary barrier - a non-conductive barrier layer and separate housing structures - between the two electronic circuits. This intermediary physical separation prevents electrical interaction while allowing both circuits to operate independently with appropriate voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the electronic circuits are exposed to the environment for easy access and maintenance, then the tool is easier to service, but water and sterilization means cause leakage current

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidleakage current
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs protective housings and barrier layers that enclose the electronic circuits. These protective shells prevent water and sterilization agents from contacting the circuits while maintaining a compact design that allows for serviceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates protective measures in advance - sealed housings and barrier layers are installed before the tool is put into service, preventing water and sterilization means from causing leakage current throughout the tool's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the second electronic circuit is completely embedded in a plug-in element with high insulation resistance, then leakage current is reduced and insulation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the second electronic circuit with its housing and barrier layer into a single integrated plug-in element. This merging of components achieves high insulation resistance and complete environmental protection while actually reducing overall assembly complexity through modular integration.

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

This solution effectively reduces the probability of leakage currents and enhances the operational reliability of ultrasonic dental scaling tools by ensuring proper insulation and protection from environmental conditions, thereby minimizing the risk of electrocution and damage to electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

Ultrasonic scaling instruments are well known to remove hard calculus due to their power of ultrasonic vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a handpiece having a transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4029472B1Tool for a dental treatment and method for manufaturing such a tool
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 FERTON HOLDING SA
  • EP4029472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4029472B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4029472B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A tool (1) for a dental treatment, comprising - a handpiece (40) having a transducer (30) and - a first electronic circuit (21) for supplying and/or controlling the transducer (10) for generating a vibration - a second electronic circuit (22) for supplying and/or controlling an additional component, wherein the first electronic circuit (21) and the second electronic circuit (22) are electrically isolated from each other by at least partially, preferably completely, embedding the first electronic circuit and/or the second electronic circuit in a plug-in element (5), in particular in a contact section (41) of the tool (1).