Detachable Recycling Container for Dental Amalgam Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for removing amalgam and other metallic particles from dental office suction effluent are inefficient, prone to plugging, and require large, complex, and costly apparatus, with issues of leakage and improper installation affecting their effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A dental amalgam recycling system comprising an air-water separator tank and a detachable recycling container that utilizes gravity and a pre-existing vacuum pump for sedimentation, with a threaded shipping cap and O-ring seal to minimize leakage and facilitate easy installation, and an adapter for compatibility with various container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing systems for removing amalgam particles are used, then amalgam separation is achieved, but the systems are large, complex, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a detachable recycling container for particle collection, an air-water separator tank for effluent separation, and a threaded shipping cap for secure closure. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the overall system to achieve effective amalgam separation while maintaining simplicity and reducing complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If existing amalgam removal systems are installed, then particle removal is achieved, but they are prone to plugging and require large apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The recycling container is designed as a detachable component that can be easily removed from the air-water separator tank. This extraction of the collection function into a separate, removable unit reduces the permanent equipment footprint and allows the main apparatus to remain compact while still achieving effective particle removal through the integrated sedimentation and separation processes.
3Ease of operation
If traditional sealing methods are used, then connection is achieved, but leakage and improper installation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded shipping cap incorporates an O-ring seal that creates a uniform sealing interface around the entire perimeter of the container opening. This equipotential sealing approach ensures consistent contact pressure distribution, preventing leakage while the threading mechanism provides self-aligning installation that tolerates minor positioning errors, thereby achieving both ease of operation and reliable seal integrity.
4Quantity of substance
If fixed recycling containers are used, then particle collection is achieved, but interruption of dental chair suction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The recycling container is designed with detachable connections to the air-water separator tank, allowing it to be dynamically removed and replaced without interrupting the overall dental suction system operation. The threaded coupling and O-ring seal provide sufficient connection strength during operation while enabling quick changes, thus maintaining particle collection effectiveness while ensuring dental workflow continuity.
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 system effectively separates and recycles amalgam particles without interrupting dental chair suction, reduces equipment size and cost, and ensures tight seals to prevent leakage, making it more efficient and user-friendly for dental offices.
Implementation Method 1
said recycling container acting primarily under the influence of gravity to cause settlement of said particles
Implementation Method 2
an O-ring seal to minimize leakage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.