Endodontic File Exposed Window for Apex Locator Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endodontic hand files face inaccuracies and access issues when attaching an electronic apex locator, particularly when root canal lengths are close to the file length, and in cases with metal crowns, where the metal shaft can contact metal restorations, limiting precise measurements.
Innovation Solution
An endodontic hand file with an exposed window in its handle allows for improved attachment of the electronic apex locator, reducing variables such as file movement and stopper thickness, enabling accurate root canal length measurement by attaching the clasp to the exposed metal within the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the EAL clasp is attached to the metal shaft at the end of the handle, then the measurement can be completed, but the measurement precision deteriorates when root canal length is close to file length due to file movement and stopper thickness variables
Solution Approach 1:
The metal shaft is extended through the handle in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the file, creating a third-dimensional exposure point. This allows the EAL clasp to attach at a location that is spatially separated from the measurement tip, eliminating the interference of file movement and stopper thickness while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the metal shaft is extended through the handle to expose a contact point, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional shaft routing and window formation
Solution Approach 1:
A window is formed in the handle structure to expose the extended metal shaft. This thin-film approach allows the metal shaft to pass through the handle with minimal structural modification, maintaining simplicity while achieving the desired exposure point for accurate EAL attachment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating sheaths are used to cover the file shaft to prevent contact with metal restorations, then the harmful contact is prevented, but the access to the file shaft for EAL attachment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact point for EAL attachment is extracted from the distal end of the file shaft and repositioned at the extended portion through the handle. This separation allows the distal shaft to remain covered by insulating sheath while the exposed portion through the window remains accessible for EAL clasp attachment, eliminating both metal-to-metal interference and attachment accessibility issues.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A dental instrument is designed to help facilitate the procedure of root canal therapy and can reduce the inaccuracies that are accompanied with using traditional methods of attaching an electronic apex location (EAL) to an endodontic hand file. The endodontic hand file can include an exposed window in the handle of the file that holds an extension of the main body of the file. The clasp from the EAL can attach to this exposed metal in the window of the handle. This new location for attaching the EAL to the hand file can provide an accurate measurement while removing variables such as file movement in the canal, stopper thickness, clearance from the opposing tooth. The endodontic hand file with its exposed window provides a safe, reliable and accurate way of using an EAL to measure the root canal length.