Inductive Ultrasonic Handpiece for Cross-System Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic medical and dental equipment, particularly magnetostrictive and piezo devices, operate on separate systems with incompatible power supplies and handpieces, limiting versatility and adaptability, and there is a need for improved compatibility and energy transfer methods, especially for integrating lighting and other tools.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic handpiece with a primary coil connected to a power supply and an insert with a secondary coil that is inductively coupled to the primary coil, allowing for energy transfer to power electrical devices without a direct electrical connection, enabling compatibility between magnetostrictive and piezo systems and facilitating the use of tools like lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate operating systems are used for magnetostrictive and piezo devices, then each device can operate with its specific power supply and handpiece design, but compatibility and interchangeability between different device types are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is designed with a universal well structure that can accommodate both magnetostrictive inserts (with secondary coils) and piezo inserts (with piezoelectric elements). The power supply unit is configured to provide both AC power for magnetostrictive devices and DC power for piezo devices, enabling a single handpiece to perform multiple functions and be compatible with different insert types without requiring separate operating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The well structure in the handpiece acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the coupling between different insert types and the power supply. For magnetostrictive inserts, the well positions the secondary coil for inductive coupling with the primary coil. For piezo inserts, the well provides mechanical support and electrical connection pathways, enabling seamless transition between different device types
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct electrical connection is used to power electrical devices on the insert, then power transfer is efficient and reliable, but compatibility with magnetostrictive systems that use magnetic induction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is designed to dynamically switch between providing AC power for magnetostrictive devices (which use magnetic induction) and DC power for piezo devices (which use direct electrical connection). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize energy transfer methodology based on the insert type while maintaining broad system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (AC vs DC, frequency, voltage levels) based on the insert type detected. For magnetostrictive inserts, the system provides AC power at frequencies that generate effective magnetic induction. For piezo inserts, the system switches to DC or low-frequency AC with direct electrical connections, optimizing energy transfer for each device type
3Manufacturing precision
If piezo style replaceable tips are used, then high precision ultrasonic vibration is achieved, but compatibility with magnetostrictive ultrasonic medical and dental equipment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is designed with a universal well structure that can accommodate both magnetostrictive inserts (with secondary coils) and piezo inserts (with piezoelectric elements). The power supply unit is configured to provide both AC power for magnetostrictive devices and DC power for piezo devices, enabling a single handpiece to perform multiple functions and be compatible with different insert types without requiring separate operating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic device is segmented into separate functional modules: the handpiece (with well and power supply), the insert (which can be magnetostrictive or piezo), and the tip. This segmentation allows the tip to be optimized for precision ultrasonic vibration while the insert type can be selected based on compatibility requirements, enabling piezo tips to be used with magnetostrictive equipment through appropriate insert selection
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
This solution enhances the functionality of magnetostrictive generators, making them compatible with piezo tips and enabling the use of a variety of handheld instruments by providing power through magnetic induction, increasing versatility and adaptability in medical and dental applications.
Implementation Method 1
a primary coil disposed about a well and electrically connected to a primary current supply
Implementation Method 2
a secondary coil disposed about at least a portion of the insert dimensioned and arranged to be disposable within the well such that the secondary coil is inductively coupled to the primary coil
Implementation Method 3
magnetostrictive ultrasonic medical and dental equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a handheld electrical tool system comprising an insert receivable in an ultrasonic handpiece comprising a primary coil disposed about a well and electrically connected to a primary current supply, the insert comprising a secondary coil disposed about at least a portion of the insert dimensioned and arranged to be disposable within the well such that the secondary coil is inductively coupled to the primary coil, the secondary coil in electrical communication with at least one electrical device powered by the secondary coil. A method of operating a handpiece and of retrofitting a handpiece is also disclosed.