Electric Reciprocating Reamer Generator for Curved Canals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dental tools like reamers and files require delicate fingertip movements, leading to fatigue and potential breakage during root canal treatments, especially when handling small, rigid needles that are difficult to maneuver in curved canals.

Innovation Solution

An electric reciprocation generator converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocal motion for dental reamers, featuring a flexible needle part and a pivotable attachment/detachment mechanism, allowing for adjustable reciprocation distance and speed, and optional vibration assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a thin metal needle reamer is used for root canal treatment, then the reamer can access small root canals, but the reamer requires delicate fingertip movements leading to fatigue and potential breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereamer sizeVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an electric motor-driven reciprocating system. The electric reciprocating generator automatically generates the reciprocating motion needed for reamer operation, eliminating the need for delicate manual fingertip movements and reducing dentist fatigue while maintaining precise control over the thin reamer tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The reamer is designed with self-sharpening capability where the reciprocating motion automatically sharpens the cutting edges during operation. This self-service feature maintains cutting effectiveness without requiring separate sharpening operations, allowing continuous use of the thin reamer without loss of performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If a rigid needle reamer is used, then the reamer maintains structural strength, but it cannot maneuver in curved canals increasing breakage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereamer strengthVSAvoidmaneuverability in curved canals

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible shaft design that allows the reamer to bend and conform to curved root canal geometries while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible shaft can flex to navigate curves but returns to its original position, preventing permanent deformation and reducing breakage risk in curved canals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The reamer system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible shaft that can adapt its shape during operation. The flexible shaft dynamically responds to the geometry of the root canal, bending where needed to follow curves while maintaining sufficient rigidity to transmit the reciprocating cutting motion effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual filing motion is used, then the dentist has direct control, but prolonged treatment is extremely tiring and concentration is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the manual mechanical filing operation with an electric motor-driven reciprocating system. The electric reciprocating generator provides consistent, fatigue-free operation over extended periods while maintaining precise control through electronic regulation of the reciprocating motion parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of reciprocating motion parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and speed to optimize treatment efficiency. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to different treatment stages and anatomical variations, maintaining high performance throughout prolonged procedures without operator fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Reduces dentist fatigue and improves maneuverability in curved canals by enabling smooth, efficient operation with reduced risk of tool breakage or loss, enhancing treatment precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating shaft of an electric motor is provided with a crank and the attachment/detachment part of the reamer is engaged with the crank, when the electric motor is rotationally driven

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12414840B2Electric reciprocation generator for reamer and electric reciprocation generator attached with reamer

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 SUZUKI KAZUYOSHI

AI summary

A vibration-side housing is attached to a tip of a handle-side housing, and a motor in which a plate cam is attached to a rotating shaft is housed. A vibration tube mounting opening opens at distal end part of the vibration-side housing, and a vibration tube is mounted thereon. The vibration tube is provided to vibrate in a forward-backward direction while urged in the plate cam direction via a spring with respect to the vibration-side housing. The vibration tube contacts with the plate cam via a roller at a rear end part. A reamer mounting opening opens at a tip of the vibration tube, and receives and tightly holds an insertion part of the reamer. The reamer including the bendable needle part is attachable/detachable to the vibration-side housing.