Endodontic Tool Tip Heating and Vibration Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic tools require multiple steps and tools to effectively activate disinfectant liquids for dental cavity disinfection, leading to reduced effectiveness due to premature cooling and inefficient heating methods.
Innovation Solution
An endodontic tool with a combined ultrasound vibration and heating mechanism, where the tip is directly heated and vibrated within the dental cavity, using a conductive conversion element and electromagnetic radiation to maintain high temperature and efficiency, eliminating the need for separate heating and activation tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the disinfectant liquid is heated in a tank before spraying, then the liquid temperature is increased, but the liquid cools down during transport to the cavity and disinfectant capacity is lost due to early activation
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is positioned to heat the disinfectant liquid immediately before it is sprayed into the cavity, rather than heating it in advance in a tank. This preliminary heating action ensures the liquid maintains high temperature throughout the treatment process without premature cooling or activation
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is extracted from the tank and repositioned to operate directly at the point of application (the cavity). This allows the liquid to be heated at the optimal moment without the detrimental effects of early heating and subsequent cooling during transport
2Reliability
If two separate tools are used for heating and vibration activation, then each function can be optimized, but the procedure becomes lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool combines both the heater and the vibration actuator into a single integrated device. The heater and ultrasonic vibration source are positioned to work simultaneously on the disinfectant liquid in the cavity, eliminating the need for sequential use of separate tools and reducing overall procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The single tool performs multiple functions: it dispenses the disinfectant liquid, heats it to the required temperature, and activates it through ultrasonic vibration. This multi-functional approach maintains treatment effectiveness while streamlining the procedure into one integrated operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical connections are used for heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential electrical hazards in the dental cavity
Solution Approach 1:
A conversion element made of conductive material is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical heater and the disinfectant liquid. The heater generates thermal energy that is transferred to the conversion element, which then converts it to heat directly in the liquid through its conductivity, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections in the cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The direct electrical heating system is replaced with a thermal conduction system. Instead of using electrical fields directly in the cavity, the system uses thermal conduction through the conversion element to generate heat in the liquid, substituting a safer mechanical/thermal process for the potentially hazardous electrical one
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 tool efficiently activates disinfectant liquids within the dental cavity, maintaining high temperature and effectiveness throughout the disinfection process, enhancing disinfection efficiency and safety by minimizing electrical connections and using a single tool for both dispensing and activating.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to transmit a vibration to the tip. The vibration preferably has a frequency in the ultrasound field.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is configured to transmit a vibration to the tip. The vibration preferably has a frequency in the ultrasound field.
Implementation Method 3
The heater is configured to transmit energy to the conversion element. The conversion element is configured for converting energy into heat.
Implementation Method 4
The conversion element is configured to heat in response to the current and the voltage applied to the electrical circuit. The U-shaped filament is configured to heat by the Joule effect.
Implementation Method 5
the transmission of heat from the heater to the conversion element occurs by irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
An endodontic tool for activating a disinfectant liquid sprayed in a cavity of a tooth, includes: a body, elongated along an axis and including a handgrip, for allowing an operator to hold the tool; a tip, connected to the body, configured to be immersed in the liquid; an actuator associated with the body and configured to transmit a vibration to the tip; a heater, associated with the body and configured to heat the disinfectant liquid in the tooth. The heater is designed to heat the tip and the tip is designed to heat the disinfectant liquid.