Endodontic File Storage Container with Segmented Sterile Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endodontic instruments are delivered unsterilized and pose a risk of contamination during storage and handling due to their flexible nature, making safe and sterile storage challenging.

Innovation Solution

A kit comprising a tubular container with a lower part for the working section and an upper part for the handle or coupling section, featuring a holder for secure positioning and airtight sealing, allowing for easy handling and sterilization of the instrument without deforming the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If endodontic instruments are stored together after sterilization, then storage efficiency is improved, but the risk of mutual contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into an upper container part and a lower container part that can be separated from each other. The lower container part with the holder remains in the sterilization pouch, while the upper container part is removed before use. This segmentation allows the instrument to be stored efficiently in a group of sterilized containers while maintaining individual protection against contamination through the sealed lower container part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the container is made of flexible material to accommodate the flexible instrument, then ease of handling is improved, but the container deforms under holding pressure and may contact the working section

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidworking section contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with localized elastic properties - the wall portion surrounding the through-opening is made elastic to provide clamping force on the instrument shaft, while the bottom surface is made rigid to prevent deformation and contact with the working section. This local differentiation of material properties allows the holder to grip the instrument securely without deforming enough to contaminate the sterile working section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the holder is made of elastic material to clamp the instrument, then securing the instrument is improved, but the container may deform under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument securingVSAvoidcontainer deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with localized elastic properties - the wall portion surrounding the through-opening is made elastic to provide clamping force on the instrument shaft, while the bottom surface is made rigid to prevent deformation and contact with the working section. This local differentiation of material properties allows the holder to grip the instrument securely without deforming enough to contaminate the sterile working section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the instrument is sterilized individually before use, then sterility is ensured, but handling difficulty increases due to the flexible shaft

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesterilityVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into an upper container part and a lower container part that can be separated from each other. The lower container part with the holder remains in the sterilization pouch, while the upper container part is removed before use. This segmentation allows the instrument to be stored efficiently in a group of sterilized containers while maintaining individual protection against contamination through the sealed lower container part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary component that provides a stable gripping point for the flexible instrument shaft. By clamping the shaft in the holder, the flexible instrument becomes easier to handle during the transfer from sterilization packaging to the rotary tool, reducing handling difficulty while maintaining sterility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11911232B2Container for storing a dental, especially endodontic instrument, kit and method
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 KOHRER DENNIS MANUEL
  • US11911232B2 patent drawing
  • US11911232B2 patent drawing
  • US11911232B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a kit comprisingan endodontic instrument in the form of an endodontic file anda container with a lower container part, for receiving the working section (3c) of the endodontic instrument, and an upper container part, for receiving the upper axial end region of the instrument,wherein a holder is provided on the upper side of the lower container part, which holder comprises an axial through-opening through which the working section of the instrument is inserted into the lower container part and in which the instrument, in particular the tool shaft of the instrument, is fixed in a clamping manner,wherein the upper container part is connected with the lower container part in an airtight manner to form the container, and the interior of the container and the instrument are sterile.