Medical Dental Handpiece With Integrated Light Guide and Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical and dental handpieces lack the capability to effectively deliver light for both diagnosis and treatment, particularly in areas like root canals and periodontium, and fail to mechanically activate solutions for enhanced treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A medical/dental handpiece with a motor that can switch between rotational and reciprocational modes, equipped with a light source and a light guide system that allows for adjustable light wavelength and intensity, and a probe designed to mechanically activate fluids within treatment areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handpiece is designed to deliver light for diagnosis and treatment, then light delivery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (light delivery, mechanical activation, fluid delivery) into a single integrated handpiece system. The light guide is positioned within the handpiece housing, the motor-driven probe is integrated with the light source, and all components share a common operational platform, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: delivering light for diagnosis and photodynamic therapy, mechanically activating solutions through rotation or reciprocation, and delivering fluids through the probe. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools.
2Reliability
If a handpiece includes both light source and mechanical activation capability, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source system and mechanical activation system into a single coordinated unit. The motor controls both the probe rotation/reciprocation and the light delivery is synchronized through a control circuit, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple treatment modalities from one device.
3Speed
If the light guide holder is driven by gear meshing, then rotational control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the light guide holder. This gear system (including drive gear and driven gear) acts as a mediator that translates motor rotation into controlled light guide holder rotation, providing mechanical advantage and precise control while accommodating reasonable manufacturing 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
Enables precise light delivery for diagnosis and treatment, including activation of photosensitive compounds, enhancing treatment efficacy in root canals and periodontium, while facilitating procedures like photodynamic therapy and tooth restoration.
Implementation Method 1
a light source comprising at least one or more light producing elements selectively switchable between an activated mode in which the light source produces light
Implementation Method 2
a motor selectively switchable between an activated mode in which its output shaft rotates or reciprocates and an deactivated mode
Implementation Method 3
The light guide holder and the output shaft gear are positioned in the housing such that the output shaft gear drives meshes with the teeth of the light guide holder
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A medical/dental handpiece comprises a housing having distal portion, the head portion having a bottom surface defining an opening. A motor and a light source are positioned with the handpiece, and the handpiece removably receives a light guide in alignment with the light source, to receive light from the light source. The light guide includes a probe which can be positioned adjacent or within a treatment area. The handpiece can be operated to activate only the light source, such that light is directed through the probe to or into the treatment area, to activate only the motor to rotationally or reciprocatingly drive the light guide, or to activate both the light source and the motor.