Manual Applicator with Integrated LED for Light-Curing Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for light-curing composite materials are not suitable for hand-controlled application, as they lack a simple structural design for immediate curing and precise manual pressure application, often resulting in incomplete curing and inaccurate dosing.
Innovation Solution
A manually deformable reservoir with a built-in LED lamp for immediate curing, featuring a compressible design for precise dosing and a non-detachable closure unit to maintain tightness during deformation, allowing for one-handed operation with the LED lamp detachably plugged onto the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate lighting device is used to cure light-curing material, then the material can be cured, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir, dispensing device, and LED lamp into a single integrated applicator unit. The LED lamp is positioned to illuminate the work area while the dispensing tip applies material, eliminating the need for separate lighting equipment and enabling one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it dispenses light-curing material through the dispensing tip while the integrated LED lamp cures the material in real-time. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate tools for application and curing.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied to the reservoir, then material can be dispensed, but precise dosing is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir features a locally differentiated structure with a deformable sidewall portion that can be compressed by finger pressure, while the opposite sidewall remains rigid to maintain structural integrity. This localized deformability enables precise control of material flow in response to varying manual pressure while preventing premature curing through the rigid portion.
3Device complexity
If the LED lamp is permanently attached to the reservoir, then the structure is simplified, but the LED lamp cannot be replaced when depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separable components: the reservoir with dispensing device and the LED lamp housing. The LED lamp can be detached and replaced by removing the housing, allowing users to replace depleted lamps without discarding the entire applicator while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
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 immediate curing of light-curing composite materials with precise manual pressure application, ensuring uniform metering and preventing premature curing, while maintaining structural simplicity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an LED lamp (9) or an LED lamp which is located in an LED housing (9.1) and which can cure the light-curing composite material after its application by irradiation with its light
Implementation Method 2
light-curing composite material... an LED lamp... which can cure the light-curing composite material after its application by irradiation with its light
Implementation Method 3
manually deformable reservoir (1)... The reservoir (1) has a wall area extending along a longitudinal axis (X-direction), which can be elastically compressed by manual pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator (100) for the particularly manual application of a light-curing composite material contained in the reservoir (100), wherein the reservoir (1) is deformable at least in part and the light-curing composite material is present in the reservoir, and comprising an outlet opening (3.1) for the light-curing material and at least one light source for curing the light-curing material, wherein, according to the invention, the reservoir is elastically compressible, and its wall region in the actuation area (16) has a reduced height (H) in the Z-direction and the wall region is compressible in a preferred direction (Z-direction). The at least one light source can be arranged on the applicator such that the LED lamp shines in the direction of the outlet opening (3.1) when the applicator is actuated.Furthermore, the invention relates to the arrangement of at least one light source on the applicator (100), wherein, according to the invention, at least one light source is arranged such that, when the light source is activated, it shines towards the front end of the applicator (100) and illuminates the dispensed light-curing material.