Modular Dental Tool with Interchangeable Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental tools often require multiple cables and conduits, making them cumbersome and limiting in versatility, as they are typically designed for single purposes and cannot be easily adapted for different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular dental system with a control module and battery module that includes a detector to identify attachments, allowing for interchangeable tools and eliminating the need for multiple cables through a docking station that charges and controls the tools via a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple single-purpose dental tools are used, then each tool can perform its specific function reliably, but the system becomes complex with multiple cables and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handheld tool with interchangeable attachments that can perform multiple dental functions. The control unit with display screen provides a unified interface for controlling different attachments, replacing the need for multiple separate single-purpose tools and their associated cables and conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated handheld tool. The control unit, display screen, power source, and interchangeable attachments are merged into one device, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate tools with their own power and control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple single-purpose dental tools are used, then each tool is optimized for its specific task, but versatility is reduced as tools cannot be adapted for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dental tool into a permanent control unit and interchangeable attachments. The attachments can be segmented and swapped based on the specific dental task required, allowing the system to be optimized for each task while maintaining versatility through the ability to change attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the attachments can be changed during procedures to adapt to different tasks. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the tool to be optimized for each specific task while maintaining overall versatility, as the attachment selection can be adjusted in real-time based on procedural needs.
3Reliability
If multiple cables and conduits are used for each tool, then power and media delivery are reliable, but ease of operation is reduced due to cumbersome setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power delivery, media delivery, and control functions into a single integrated handheld tool. This eliminates the need for multiple separate cables and conduits, reducing clutter and improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable power and media delivery through the unified system.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple single-purpose tools are used, then each tool can be simple in design, but device complexity increases due to the number of tools required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal handheld tool that replaces multiple single-purpose tools. While the individual attachments remain relatively simple in design, the overall system complexity is reduced by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate tools into one multi-functional device with a unified control interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular dental system, methods for controlling a modular dental tool, a dental system, a control module, and a treatment unit. In one embodiment, the modular dental system includes a modular dental system including a control module and a battery module. The control module includes a first end, a second end, a control sub-system, and a charging sub-system. The control sub-system is configured to communicatively couple to an attachment, detect an attachment identifier associated with the attachment when the attachment is removably attached to the first end of the control module, and control the attachment based on the attachment identifier. The battery module is configured to removably attach to the second end of the control module.