Endodontic File Handpiece Adapter with Friction Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic tools face challenges in efficiently cleaning and disinfecting root canals due to limitations in torque and rotation speed, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in endodontic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a high-torque dental handpiece with a standard chuck, an adapter featuring a torque limiter and a mount for an endodontic file, which includes a friction fitting to limit excessive torque and allow for high-speed rotation, and an eccentric mount to facilitate a whipping motion for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high torque is applied to rotate the endodontic file, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the file may become damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the handpiece and endodontic file, incorporating a torque limiter that acts as a mechanical mediator. This torque limiter allows torque to be transmitted from the handpiece to rotate the file for cleaning, but automatically slips or disengages when excessive torque is detected, preventing file damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness during normal operation.
2Productivity
If high rotation speed is used to clean root canals, then procedure time is reduced, but torque control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter in the adapter provides self-service torque control that automatically regulates the torque transmitted to the endodontic file during high-speed rotation. The mechanical design of the torque limiter allows it to self-adjust and slip at predetermined torque thresholds without requiring external control mechanisms, enabling safe high-speed operation while maintaining ease of use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard chuck is used to hold the endodontic file, then device compatibility is improved, but precise torque limitation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct functional components: the standard chuck interface for compatibility, the adapter body containing the torque limiter mechanism, and the endodontic file mount. This segmentation allows the adapter to provide precise torque control through its integrated torque limiter while maintaining universal compatibility with standard dental handpieces through the standardized chuck interface.
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 limits torque to prevent damage to endodontic files while enabling high-speed rotation and eccentric motion for improved cleaning and disinfection of root canals, enhancing the efficiency and safety of endodontic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a friction fitting to limit excessive torque
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric mount to facilitate a whipping motion for enhanced cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the current invention relates to a method and/or system for using a standard dental handpiece for endodontic cleaning. For example, a dental adapter is disclosed having a fitting for a standard dental handpiece, a torque limiter and/or a mount for an endodontic file. For example, the adapter may be single use and/or multi use. In some embodiments, the mount includes the torque limiter. For example, an endodontic file may be connected to the mount with a friction fitting that allows rotation of the file with respect to the mount at high torque. Optionally the mount is positioned eccentrically with respect to the fitting.