Fluted Endodontic File Debris Ejection and Breakage Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endodontic files used in dental procedures are prone to breakage due to torsion and bending stresses when navigating curved root canals, and they often struggle to effectively remove debris, which can lead to complications and difficulty in extracting broken files.

Innovation Solution

A flexible endodontic file with a single or multiple flutes that follow a helical path, featuring a 'working length' with off-center geometry and a groove that channels debris out of the canal, made from materials like nickel-titanium alloys for enhanced flexibility and strength, allowing for improved navigation and debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the file is made small enough to navigate curved canals, then flexibility and ability to preserve natural curvature are improved, but the file becomes more susceptible to breaking under torsion and bending stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate curved canalsVSAvoidsusceptibility to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The file employs a flexible shaft construction with thin-walled tubing that allows the file to bend and conform to curved root canal geometries while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible shaft can navigate complex canal curvatures without breaking, resolving the contradiction between adaptability to curved paths and resistance to mechanical failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The file utilizes composite material construction, combining different materials with complementary properties - typically a flexible outer layer for navigating curves and an inner core for structural support and torque transmission. This composite structure enables the file to both follow curved canal paths and resist breakage from torsional and bending stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the file operates in the canal to remove infected tissue, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but debris accumulates in the canal increasing torsion stresses and probability of file breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue removal efficiencyVSAvoidprobability of file breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The file design incorporates debris ejection mechanisms that actively remove accumulated debris from the canal environment. By extracting debris from the confined canal space, the file prevents debris-related torsion stress buildup that would otherwise increase the probability of file breakage during continuous cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The file introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as irrigation channels or debris ejection structures) that mediates between the cutting action and the canal environment. This intermediary system facilitates debris removal and reduces the harmful interaction between accumulated debris and file stress, maintaining reliability during productive cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the file is small to fit into the canal, then ability to reach apical foramen is improved, but difficulty to remove debris while operating increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reach apical foramenVSAvoiddifficulty to remove debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The file transitions from a simple linear cutting tool to a three-dimensional structure with integrated debris management features. By adding dimensional complexity (such as helical flutes, irrigation channels, or debris ejection ports), the file enables debris removal functionality while maintaining the slender profile needed to reach the apical foramen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The file is designed as a multi-functional instrument that simultaneously performs cutting, debris removal, and irrigation functions within a single small-diameter structure. This universal design allows the file to reach the apical foramen while also managing debris effectively, eliminating the need for separate larger instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 file reduces the likelihood of breakage and enhances debris removal capabilities, allowing for safer and more effective shaping of root canals while preserving natural curvature and minimizing foramen transportation.

Implementation Method 1

made from materials like nickel-titanium alloys for enhanced flexibility and strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

made from materials like nickel-titanium alloys for enhanced flexibility and strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPseudoelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10543060B2Fluted endodontic file

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 KERR CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for a fluted endodontic file are provided. The apparatus may include a fluted endodontic file defining a central longitudinal axis. The fluted endodontic file may include a working length extending along the central longitudinal axis. The working length may include a single flute. The working length may define an off-center cross-section having three vertices.