Dental Unit Real-Time Torque Graphing Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental units lack the capability to monitor and display the operating parameters of handpieces in real-time during use, such as torque, which is crucial for immediate decision-making during treatments like implants or endodontic operations.
Innovation Solution
A dental unit equipped with a primary microprocessor unit, a data display screen, and an interface unit connected to the microprocessor that converts torque data into real-time graphical displays, allowing for the continuous monitoring and recording of torque values applied to handpieces during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If real-time torque monitoring and display system is added to dental unit, then decision-making capability during treatment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A data interface unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the microprocessor unit and the display screen. This interface unit receives torque data from the microprocessor, converts it into appropriate graphical representations, and displays it on the screen. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by separating data processing from data display functions, thereby reducing the complexity burden of real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque measurement systems with electronic sensing and digital processing. Instead of complex mechanical gauges or stand-alone recording equipment, the system uses electronic sensors coupled with the microprocessor to detect and process torque data, then displays it graphically. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic/digital systems reduces overall device complexity while improving information availability.
2Measurement precision
If stand-alone equipment is used for torque recording, then measurement capability is provided, but immediate feedback during treatment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring torque values during treatment and immediately displaying them on the screen. The microprocessor unit receives torque data from sensors and sends it to the display interface, which shows the current torque value and its variation over time. This immediate feedback loop allows the surgeon to see the actual torque applied during each operation, enabling real-time adjustments based on actual conditions rather than relying on pre-programmed values or post-treatment analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The dental unit's microprocessor and display system are designed to serve multiple functions: controlling the handpiece operation, monitoring torque in real-time, displaying graphical representations of torque data, and potentially storing treatment records. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stand-alone torque recording equipment, integrating measurement and feedback capabilities into the existing dental unit architecture, thereby providing immediate feedback without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A dental unit (1) comprises: a chair (2); a base (3) positioned next to the chair (2) and mounting main or auxiliary equipment; at least one handpiece tray (4) holding a plurality of operating or auxiliary handpieces (5) for dental operations of traditional conservative type, for implants and/or for endodontic surgery; a microprocessor unit (6) for controlling the main and auxiliary functions of the dental unit (1) and of the handpieces (5); a data display screen (7) associated with the dental unit (1); an interface unit (8) connected, on one side, to the microprocessor (6) and, on the other, to the screen (7) and designed to receive from the microprocessor (6) at least one signal (S) corresponding to a data item (D) that is a function of the torque value (V5) of the active handpieces (5) and to convert it into at least one graphic viewing field (CV) on the screen (7) in real time so as display the graph (TR) of torque over time (t) corresponding to the use of the selected handpiece (5).