Endodontic File Adapter With Torque Limiting and Eccentric Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic tools face challenges in efficiently cleaning and disinfecting root canals due to limitations in torque control and rotational speed, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in endodontic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a torque limiter and eccentric mount for endodontic files, allowing for high rotational speeds and torque control, which includes a friction fitting to prevent excessive torque and facilitate a whipping motion for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high rotational speeds are used in endodontic handpieces, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but torque control becomes difficult and tool damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing a torque limiter that dynamically adjusts the torque parameter during operation. The torque limiter allows the handpiece to rotate at high speeds for efficient cleaning while automatically limiting the torque transmitted to the endodontic file to safe levels, preventing tool damage. This resolves the contradiction by independently controlling speed and torque parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter acts as an intermediary component between the handpiece and the endodontic file. It mediates the transmission of rotational force, allowing high rotational speeds to pass through while blocking excessive torque. This intermediary device enables the system to achieve both high productivity and tool reliability by decoupling the speed and torque transmission paths.
2Productivity
If torque is increased to improve cleaning effectiveness, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of file breakage and separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter dynamically adjusts the torque parameter to match the cleaning requirements of different canal conditions. It allows sufficient torque for effective cleaning while automatically reducing torque below the threshold that causes file breakage or separation. This parameter control resolves the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and file reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter provides beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing a maximum torque threshold before damage can occur. When the torque approaches the dangerous level, the limiter intervenes to prevent excessive torque transmission, cushioning against the potential harm of file breakage and separation while still allowing adequate torque for cleaning.
3Device complexity
If conventional handpieces are used without torque control, then device simplicity is maintained, but endodontic procedure safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter is introduced as a relatively simple intermediary component that adds safety functionality without fundamentally redesigning the handpiece architecture. It maintains the simplicity of the overall device while providing crucial torque control to prevent file failure, thus improving procedure safety with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter operates as a self-regulating mechanism that automatically adjusts torque based on the mechanical feedback from the endodontic file and canal conditions. It requires no external control systems or complex electronics, maintaining device simplicity while providing intelligent torque protection through passive mechanical feedback and automatic adjustment.
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 enables effective cleaning and disinfecting of root canals by controlling torque and rotational speed, reducing the risk of tool damage and improving the efficiency of endodontic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a friction fitting to prevent excessive torque
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.