Endodontic Training Device with Electrical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic training devices either require direct patient practice, which is unsafe, or are inefficient for rapid canal exploration and plugging operations during in vitro training.
Innovation Solution
An endodontic training device with a housing seat for a tooth, locking and electric connection mechanisms, and imaging capabilities that allows safe and efficient simulation of canal shaping, cleaning, and plugging without patient interaction, using a conductive gel for electrical feedback and radiographic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in vivo devices are used for apex locating training, then realistic clinical practice is achieved, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of a tooth with canals and apexes that replicates clinical anatomy. This artificial tooth model allows trainees to practice apex locating procedures in a safe environment while maintaining training realism. The copy includes all necessary structural features (enamel, dentin, canals, apexes) to simulate genuine clinical conditions without exposing patients to any risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional in vitro training devices are used, then patient safety is maintained, but training efficiency is reduced due to inability to rapidly check operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an electrical circuit system with conductive clamps that provide immediate feedback during training. When the apex is correctly located and the canal is properly plugged with conductive material, the circuit closes and provides a measurable signal. This real-time feedback mechanism allows trainees to rapidly verify their operations without delay, significantly improving training efficiency while maintaining patient safety through in vitro simulation.
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
Enables safe and efficient training by simulating endodontic procedures on a tooth model, providing real-time electrical feedback and clear radiographic images without patient risk, facilitating accurate canal shaping and plugging operations.
Implementation Method 1
electric connection means 24 between the tooth 13 and an electric terminal 28 suitable to close an electric circuit
Implementation Method 2
imaging capabilities that allows safe and efficient simulation of canal shaping, cleaning, and plugging
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An endodontic training device (4) suitable to locate the apex (15) of canals (14) of teeth (13) and carrying out radiographs of the teeth (13) during the various steps of shaping and subsequent plugging of the canals (14). The device (4) allows carrying out an endodontic training "in vitro", and carrying out all operations on the tooth (13) without ever being required to remove the tooth (13) from the suitable housing seat (12) .