Endodontic Files with Variable Taper and Clearance Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endodontic files face issues such as inadequate tissue removal, breakage during use, and undesired removal of canal walls due to friction and torque forces, as well as inefficiencies in filling root canals with constant taper obturator devices that bind and push excess filler material into the body.
Innovation Solution
The development of endodontic files with varying clearance angles and tapers, formed by grinding processes, including features like up-sharp cutting edges without lands, radial and flat reliefs, and a shank design that reduces torque and facilitates tissue removal, along with obturator devices having variable tapers to accommodate non-constant canal shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional endodontic files with helical flutes are used, then tissue removal function is provided, but torque forces increase causing file breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the clearance angle of cutting edges along the length of the file. The clearance angle varies from 0 degrees at the tip to 5-15 degrees at the tail, optimizing cutting performance at the tip while reducing torque forces at the tail, thereby preventing file breakage during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different clearance angles at different locations along the file. The tip region has 0 degree clearance angles for effective cutting, while the tail region has 5-15 degree clearance angles to reduce friction and torque forces, allowing each section to perform its specific function optimally.
2Productivity
If conventional endodontic files with limited flexibility are used, then cutting action is provided, but undesired removal of canal inner walls occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the clearance angle along the file length and providing positive rake angles on the leading surfaces of cutting edges. This optimization allows the file to flexibly adapt to canal curvature while maintaining effective cutting action, preventing damage to the canal inner walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the file with varying clearance angles that allow it to flex and adapt to the dynamic geometry of curved canals. The file can bend to follow the canal path while the cutting edges maintain optimal angles for cutting tissue without damaging the canal walls.
3Productivity
If conventional obturator devices with constant taper are used, then filling function is provided, but binding at canal top occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing obturator devices with variable taper profiles that match the non-constant taper of natural root canals. The taper varies along the length of the obturator, allowing it to properly fit and fill the canal without binding at the top, improving both filling efficiency and ease of operation.
4Productivity
If conventional obturator devices with conical cross-section are used, then filling function is provided, but excess filler material is pushed into the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry by providing obturator devices with non-circular cross-sections (such as oval or irregular shapes) that match the asymmetric geometry of root canals. This allows the obturator to fit the canal walls closely, preventing excess filler material from being pushed into the surrounding body tissues while maintaining effective filling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An endodontic file, or a series of endodontic files, and an endodontic obturator or series of obturators, and methods of manufacturing same. Regarding the endodontic files, they may include a file body extending from a tip region to a shank region, at least one helical flute extending from the tip region towards the shank region. Each helical flute may have an up-sharp cutting edge without a land. For one such set of endodontic files, there is included at least a first and a second file, each one of the files having a tip and a shank, the first file having a tip size that is substantially the same as a tip size of the second file, wherein the first file has a different taper configuration relative to the taper configuration of the second file. The taper configurations of each one of the first and second files include at least two different rates of taper, the taper configurations of each one of the first and second files arranged such that at least one rate of taper closer to the shank of the file is smaller than at least one rate of taper closer to a tip of the file.