Modular Dental Instrumentation Unit With Configurable Hand Piece Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental delivery systems are typically of fixed design, not customizable to accommodate different users' needs or preferences, and do not allow for easy interchangeability or maintenance of hand pieces.
Innovation Solution
A modular instrumentation delivery unit with configurable housing members that form a sealed chamber, allowing access for maintenance and accommodating hand pieces of varying sizes through interchangeable inserts, enabling customizable placement and operation of hand-held instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed design holders are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different users and procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple components: an outer holder body and removable inserts. Each insert can be independently selected and positioned within the holder to accommodate different hand piece sizes, allowing customization without redesigning the entire holder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within the holder body, with the insert fitting into a recess in the holder. This nested configuration allows the smaller insert component to be housed within the larger holder structure, enabling adaptability while maintaining a compact overall design.
2Ease of repair
If fixed design holders are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of maintenance and interchangeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder system is segmented into reusable holder bodies and replaceable inserts. When maintenance or adjustment is needed, only the insert portion needs to be removed and replaced, leaving the main holder body intact, thereby simplifying maintenance while requiring multi-component manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert components can be easily removed, cleaned, or replaced independently from the holder body. This allows the inserts to be discarded if damaged and new ones inserted, or recovered and reused in different holders, facilitating easy maintenance and interchangeability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizable holders with inserts are used, then adaptability to different hand piece sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder body provides a standardized outer structure, while the local quality is customized through different inserts. Each insert is designed with specific dimensions and features tailored to accommodate particular hand piece sizes, allowing customization of only the necessary portion rather than the entire holder.
Solution Approach 2:
A single holder body can accommodate multiple different inserts, each designed for different hand piece sizes. This universal holder design allows one holder to perform multiple functions by simply changing the insert, reducing the need for multiple specialized holders.
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 flexible and convenient use of hand-held instruments by multiple users with different preferences, facilitating easy maintenance and customization of hand piece holders to suit various dental procedures and user needs.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber includes a first port suitable for connection to a vacuum line to create a partial vacuum in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An instrumentation delivery unit which supports hand-held dental instruments. In one example first and second housing members form a sealed chamber. When the members are separated, access is permitted to the interior of the chamber, e.g., for maintenance purposes. A first portal suitable for connection to a vacuum line provides a partial vacuum in the chamber, and second portals provide connection via second vacuum lines between the chamber and dental devices to operate the devices. The housing includes hand piece holders each of an initial diametric size for receiving hand pieces up to a maximum diametric dimension, with one of the hand piece holders formed along two adjoining ones of the housing members. The adjoining housing members secure inserts between one another to provide a second diametric size smaller than the initial diametric size to thereby selectably accommodate hand pieces having a smaller diametric dimensions.