Endodontic Slot Geometry for Flexibility Without Strand Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic instruments with longitudinal slits face issues of strand slippage and cohesion loss, leading to potential breakage and inefficient cutting, and lack of control over edge sharpness and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Endodontic instruments with non-rectilinear longitudinal slots that form helical or concave/convex shapes, manufactured using wire electrical discharge machining with a cutting wire at an angle, allowing precise control over strand movement and edge sharpness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a longitudinal slot is introduced to increase flexibility and create sharp edges, then cutting efficiency and adaptability improve, but strand slippage and cohesion loss occur leading to potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the longitudinal slot with a non-rectilinear shape, specifically using a curved or helical path rather than a straight line. This curved configuration allows the slot to follow the natural curvature of the root canal while maintaining strand cohesion through controlled geometry, preventing slippage while preserving flexibility and cutting efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If strands are allowed to move relative to each other for flexibility, then adaptability to curved canals improves, but control over edge sharpness and cohesion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The curved or helical configuration of the longitudinal slot provides geometric control over strand movement. The curvature radius and path are designed to allow controlled relative movement that maintains edge sharpness while adapting to canal curvature, preventing uncontrolled slippage that would compromise manufacturing precision
3Ease of operation
If a longitudinal slot divides the instrument into separate strands, then flexibility and irrigation fluid guidance improve, but strand slippage creates excessive peripheral edges deviating from the rotation axis
Solution Approach 1:
The non-rectilinear, curved configuration of the longitudinal slot constrains strand movement to follow a controlled path, preventing excessive peripheral deviation from the rotation axis. The curvature geometry ensures that even when strands move relative to each other for irrigation fluid guidance, the peripheral edges remain within acceptable positional tolerances
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
Enhances instrument flexibility, cohesion, and cutting efficiency while maintaining control over edge sharpness, facilitating easier manufacturing and diverse instrument configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Another method, described in document FR2867995A1, involves machining metal rods using wire electrical discharge machining (EDM).
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endodontic instrument extending along a longitudinal axis (50), the instrument having at least one longitudinal slot (2), over at least part of its length, separating the instrument into a plurality of separate blades (51, 52). According to the invention, the slot (2) has a linear non-rectilinear shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (50).