Pleated Handpiece Connector Filter for Dental Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental handpieces face issues with internal contamination and performance degradation due to foreign substances entering through flow path pipes and water pipes, leading to hygiene risks and potential patient exposure to diseases.
Innovation Solution
A handpiece connector with a filter having a detachable cartridge and increased cross-sectional area, which filters air and washing water before they enter the patient's oral cavity, using a filter with multiple wrinkles to enhance filtering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter with small cross-sectional area is used, then the device complexity is low, but the filtering efficiency is insufficient and foreign substances can enter the handpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is configured with a pleated or folded structure that increases its cross-sectional filtering area by utilizing the third dimension. This allows a larger filtering surface to be packed into a compact space, effectively resolving the contradiction between filtering efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the connector housing, with the pleated structure allowing the filter media to be contained within a compact cylindrical space. The filter element can be inserted and removed as a cartridge, nesting the filtering function within the existing connector geometry.
2Reliability
If a filter with increased cross-sectional area is used, then the filtering efficiency improves, but the connector size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the filter media into a pleated configuration, the effective filtering area is expanded in the radial dimension without increasing the axial length of the connector. This allows high filtering efficiency to be achieved within the constraints of the handpiece connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element采用圆柱形褶皱结构，通过曲面褶皱设计最大化利用径向空间，在有限的连接器直径内实现最大的过滤面积。
3Reliability
If the filter is integrated into the connector, then foreign substances are prevented from entering the handpiece, but the filter cannot be easily replaced for disposable use
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is segmented into a separate replaceable cartridge that can be independently removed and replaced. The cartridge contains the filter element and is designed to snap into or screw onto the connector, allowing the filter to be replaced without affecting the handpiece or connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and cartridge are designed with dynamic coupling mechanisms such as bayonet mounts, screw threads, or snap-fits that allow for quick connection and disconnection. This enables the filter cartridge to be easily replaced between patients while maintaining a secure seal during use.
4Ease of manufacture
If external disinfection is performed on the handpiece, then the external surface is cleaned, but the internal flow path pipes remain contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is extracted as a separate disposable component that captures foreign substances before they can enter the internal flow paths. By positioning the filter at the entrance of the flow path pipes, contamination is prevented from reaching the internal handpiece structures that would be difficult to disinfect.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter performs preliminary filtration of the air and fluid streams before they enter the handpiece internal pathways. This preliminary action prevents contamination of the internal flow paths, eliminating the need for complex internal disinfection processes.
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
Prevents contamination and performance degradation by effectively filtering out foreign substances, maintaining oral hygiene and preventing disease exposure, with a disposable filter design for enhanced hygiene management.
Implementation Method 1
a filter part (400) formed in the internal space to filter air passing through the flow path parts
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a handpiece connector to which a filter is coupled can be combined with the handpiece and has a connector accommodating therein a filter with an increased cross-sectional area, which can be replaced in a detachable manner, so that it can prevent saliva, blood, bacteria, and foreign substances that may be mixed with the air flowing along inside the handpiece from being exposed to the inside of the patient's oral cavity, causing contamination or infection, and prevent performance degradation and a fault of the handpiece caused by foreign substances accumulating inside the handpiece.