Electrical Discharge Irrigator for Dental Canal Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation techniques for dental canals are invasive, cause potential damage and pain, and have a high failure rate due to residual bacteria remaining after treatment.
Innovation Solution
A handheld irrigation device that generates a spark discharge creating acoustic shock waves and UV radiation to kill foreign agents, dissolve necrotic tissue, lubricate canals, and remove the smear layer, while introducing hydrated electrons, OH radicals, H2O2, ozone, nanoparticles, and positive ions for residual antimicrobial effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical irrigation solutions (NaOCl, EDTA) are used to disinfect canals, then bacteria and necrotic tissue are eliminated, but the solutions cause irritation, pain, and potential perforation of the apex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical irrigation solutions with acoustic shock waves generated by electrical discharge. The acoustic waves mechanically disrupt and destroy bacterial cell membranes and necrotic tissue without the harmful chemical effects. The electrical discharge creates acoustic waves in the irrigation fluid that propagate into the canal, providing disinfection through physical rather than chemical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the irrigation fluid by applying electrical discharge to generate acoustic shock waves. This transforms the fluid from a passive chemical solution into an active acoustic medium that delivers mechanical energy to destroy pathogens. The electrical discharge parameters (voltage, pulse duration, frequency) are controlled to optimize acoustic wave generation while avoiding tissue damage.
2Productivity
If mechanical instruments are used to clean canals, then some canal contents are removed, but large areas of canal walls including apical, ribbon-shaped, and oval canals cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves generated by electrical discharge in the irrigation fluid to reach and clean difficult-to-access canal areas. The acoustic waves propagate through the fluid into the canal, reaching apical, ribbon-shaped, and oval canals that mechanical instruments cannot access. The hydraulic delivery system allows the acoustic energy to be transmitted through the irrigation fluid to all canal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning instruments with acoustic wave-based cleaning. The acoustic waves mechanically disrupt and remove biofilm and necrotic tissue from canal walls without requiring physical contact with the canal surfaces. This allows complete coverage of all canal areas including those inaccessible to mechanical tools.
3Reliability
If irrigation solutions are applied to kill bacteria, then disinfection occurs at the time of application, but there is no positive residual effect after treatment and bacteria remain indefinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates residual antimicrobial effect through the continuous generation and dispersion of acoustic shock waves and reactive species. The electrical discharge system can be activated multiple times to maintain acoustic wave generation, and the acoustic waves continue to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and release antimicrobial peptides from destroyed cells, providing sustained disinfection rather than temporary effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the body's own resources for disinfection by activating the immune system through acoustic wave stimulation. The acoustic waves trigger the release of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines from host cells and destroyed bacterial cells, creating a self-sustaining disinfection response that continues without external chemical agents. The acoustic energy mobilizes the body's natural defense mechanisms to provide long-term protection.
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 effectively irrigates dental canals without causing damage or pain, providing a residual antimicrobial effect that continues after the treatment, thereby reducing the risk of infection and improving dental health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The tip of an embodiment of the present apparatus creates a spark discharge in an irrigation fluid
Implementation Method 2
The spark discharge creates acoustic shock waves in the irrigation fluid
Implementation Method 3
The spark discharge additionally serves to irradiate the foreign agents with UV radiation
Implementation Method 4
The spark discharge creates plasma that produces hydrated electrons, OH radicals, H2O2, ozone, nanoparticles, and positive ions
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical discharge irrigation device includes a power source to produce power of a first voltage, a circuit coupled to the power source to convert the power of the first voltage to power of a second voltage where the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, a trigger to activate the circuit, an igniter coupled to the circuit to produce a spike, an electrical charge storage component coupled to the igniter the electrical charge storage component becoming conductive and storing an electrical charge after receiving the spike, and an output tip. The output tip includes an electrode and insulating material as an outer layer.