Light Filter Mixer Housing for Dental Compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental compositions stored in multi-dose containers face challenges such as degradation, hardening, and inconsistent mixing quality due to exposure to light, especially those containing photo initiators, which can initiate hardening prematurely, and there is a need for a solution that allows for long-term storage and reliable mixing without substantial modification to existing containers.
Innovation Solution
A mixer with a light filter housing that selectively transmits light within specific wavelength ranges, preventing photo initiators from activating before mixing and allowing for observation of the mixing process, while maintaining the components in a soft state during storage, thereby preventing premature hardening and ensuring consistent mixing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the mixer housing is made transparent or translucent to allow observation of the mixing process, then visibility is improved, but light exposure causes premature activation of photo initiators leading to hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer housing incorporates a light filter that creates different optical properties in different regions or wavelengths. The filter allows visible light transmission for observation while blocking specific UV wavelengths that activate photo initiators, thus creating localized quality differences in light transmission across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
A light filter is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the dental composition. This intermediary selectively transmits certain wavelengths while blocking harmful UV wavelengths, enabling both observation and protection simultaneously without requiring direct contact between light and photo initiators.
2Reliability
If the mixer housing blocks all light to prevent photo initiator activation, then premature hardening is prevented, but the mixing process cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The light filter creates selective transparency by allowing certain wavelengths (visible light for observation) while blocking other wavelengths (UV for photo initiator activation). This local differentiation of optical properties enables simultaneous achievement of protection and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The light filter utilizes wavelength-selective transmission properties, effectively creating a spectral 'color' filter that permits visible light passage for observation while absorbing or blocking UV wavelengths. This spectral selectivity resolves the contradiction between protection and visibility.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multi-dose containers are used for long-term storage, then storage duration is extended, but light exposure during storage causes degradation and hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The light filter serves as a protective intermediary in the storage system, positioned between ambient light and the dental composition. It selectively blocks harmful UV wavelengths during storage, enabling extended shelf life while maintaining composition integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light filter creates a protected, inert optical environment for the dental composition during storage by excluding activating wavelengths. This creates a chemically stable atmosphere equivalent to inert gas protection, preventing premature photo-initiated reactions during long-term storage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing containers are used without modification for compatibility, then adaptability is maintained, but light protection during storage and mixing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light filter functionality is merged with the existing mixer housing structure. By integrating the light filtering capability into the mixer that attaches to standard containers, the system maintains container compatibility while adding protective functionality without requiring substantial modification to the container itself.
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 light filter mixer effectively inhibits light-induced hardening of dental compositions before use, maintains component properties, and ensures reliable mixing quality, allowing for extended storage and easy handling of dental compositions by preventing premature hardening and ensuring consistent application.
Implementation Method 1
a wall of the mixer housing forming a light filter providing a first transmittance of light within a first wavelength range, and a second transmittance of light within a second wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
preventing photo initiators from activating before mixing and allowing for observation of the mixing process, while maintaining the components in a soft state during storage
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer for mixing a dental composition comprises a mixer housing with a wall of the mixer housing forming a light filter. The light filter provides for substantially blocking light of certain wavelengths, whereas it transmits light of at least some other wavelengths. The invention may help to prevent dental compositions from degrading.