Root Canal Obturation Device with High Conductivity Bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current root canal obturation systems face challenges in achieving a three-dimensional seal of the root canal system, particularly at the apical end, due to limitations in heat delivery and positioning of filler materials like gutta-percha, which can lead to incomplete sealing and potential infection spread.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a delivery device with a bed portion that wraps around the filler material, providing direct heat transfer and simultaneous three-dimensional compaction, utilizing a thermal conductivity range of 100 w/mK to 2500 w/mK, and a feedback system for precise temperature control and positioning, ensuring the filler material is moldable and properly seated within the root canal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heat delivery systems are used to heat filler material in root canals, then the filler material can be softened for placement, but the heat delivery is indirect and inefficient, leading to incomplete sealing and potential infection spread
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device shaft acts as a thermal intermediary, conducting heat directly from the heating element through the shaft wall to the filler material. This intermediary structure enables efficient heat transfer without requiring external heat sources, resolving the contradiction between achieving adequate temperature and ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces conventional indirect mechanical heat delivery methods with a integrated thermal conduction system where the shaft itself serves as the heat delivery mechanism. This substitution enables precise temperature control and complete filler material softening, improving both temperature effectiveness and sealing reliability.
2Temperature
If the delivery device shaft extends to the tip of the filler material, then direct heat transfer to the distal end is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers the filler material to the root canal, provides structural support, conducts heat to the filler material, and enables distal heat delivery by extending to the tip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element and shaft are merged into a single integrated structure where the shaft wall itself conducts heat. This combination eliminates the need for separate heating components and simplifies the overall device structure while ensuring direct heat transfer to the distal end of the filler material.
3Measurement precision
If feedback control systems are implemented for temperature monitoring, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor is integrated into the shaft to provide real-time feedback on the filler material temperature. This feedback is processed by a controller that adjusts the heating element power accordingly, enabling precise temperature control. The feedback mechanism is implemented within the existing device structure, minimizing additional complexity while achieving accurate temperature regulation.
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 system enables a precise and complete three-dimensional sealing of the root canal, reducing the risk of infection by ensuring the filler material is accurately positioned and heated uniformly, thereby preventing bacterial colonization and toxin spread.
Implementation Method 1
The delivery device has a greater thermal conductivity than the filler material and is configured to transfer heat to the filler material such that the temperature difference along any two points on the filler material does not exceed more than 20° C.
Implementation Method 2
The controller is in communication with the temperature sensor and is configured to control the heating device, and thus the heating of the filler material, in response to the output of the temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device for delivering filling material into the canal during a root canal procedure includes a shaft having a bed portion at a distal end thereof, and a biocompatible filler material mounted to the bed portion. The filler material includes an upper surface, a side surface, and a distal end. The delivery device bed portion has a greater thermal conductivity than the filler material; and the bed portion of the shaft wraps at least partially around the filler material and contacts the filler material substantially along the length of the filler material from the upper end of the filler material to at, or proximate, the distal end of the filler material. This delivery device allows for better control of temperature delivery and position of the filling material and allows for a more thorough and precise heating of the filler material in vivo.