Dental Tool Holder With Slits for Double Cassette Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental cassette tool holders limit storage and cleaning capacity, requiring multiple cassettes or tools to be removed and reinserted, leading to inefficiencies in cleaning and storage.
Innovation Solution
A dental tool holder with a body featuring a set of openings and complementary slits that allow for increased tool capacity by securing tools on both the top and bottom of a cassette, enabling double the number of tools to be carried without additional securing elements, and allowing for customizable arrangement and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional tool holders with only openings are used, then tools can be stored in the cassette, but the cleaning capacity and storage capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is segmented into multiple functional zones: openings for tool insertion, slits for tool retention, and raised portions for organizational separation. This segmentation allows the holder to accommodate more tools with different orientations while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the openings receive tools, the slits retain tools in place, and the raised portions organize tools into groups. This multi-functionality increases storage capacity without adding separate components
2Quantity of substance
If multiple cassettes are used to increase tool capacity, then more tools can be stored, but the complexity of managing and cleaning multiple cassettes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tool holder configurations (with different arrangements of openings and slits) are merged into a single cassette body. This allows diverse tool types to be stored in one cassette rather than requiring multiple separate cassettes, simplifying management and cleaning procedures
3Stability of the object's composition
If tools are secured firmly in the holder, then tools remain in place during use, but tool removal and reinsertion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The slit structure provides dynamic retention: the elastic material allows tools to be easily inserted by flexing the holder, then automatically returns to its original shape to securely retain the tool in place. This dynamic behavior facilitates both easy insertion and firm retention
4Reliability
If the cassette is designed for steam and cleaning solution penetration, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the structural integrity and tool protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette and tool holder incorporate localized opening and slit structures that allow steam and cleaning solutions to penetrate specific areas where tools are stored, while the rest of the cassette maintains its structural integrity. This localized approach enables effective cleaning without compromising overall strength
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a dental tool holder for use with a cassette assembly for cleaning and preparing dental tools for use. The dental tool holder includes a body with a set of openings. A set of slits extend through the exterior of the body to the openings for the insertion of tools. Opposite of the openings, a valley can be formed in the body at each slit. Additionally, slots can be provided between each set of one slit and one opening.