Plastic Shank Dental Tool Latchable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental tools are large, have noticeable play during oscillating movement, and require actuation for removal from the handpiece, leading to reduced effectiveness, increased production costs, and handling difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A dental tool with a shank region made of plastics, silicone, or rubber, featuring a latchable design with spring arms and a cylindrical shape for secure and easy insertion and removal, and a work region of varying hardness for effective force transmission, allowing for simple and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tool is made large to ensure structural stability, then the tool can accommodate traditional coupling mechanisms, but the tool size increases and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidhandling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the coupling mechanism by transitioning from rigid metal components to flexible plastic materials. The shank region is made of plastic material that can elastically deform to engage and disengage from the drive component, enabling simple handling while maintaining structural stability through the elastic properties of the material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed as a disposable component with a plastic shank region that can be easily attached and detached. This disposable approach allows for simplified handling and replacement without complex coupling mechanisms, while the elastic plastic material ensures reliable connection during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If traditional rigid coupling mechanisms are used, then secure connection is achieved, but the tool requires actuation for removal and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms (screws, clips, actuation systems) with an elastic deformation-based coupling system. The plastic shank region uses its elastic properties to naturally engage with and remain secured to the drive component, while allowing simple removal by overcoming the elastic force, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If rigid materials are used for the shank region, then force transmission is effective, but production costs increase and the tool cannot be easily disposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using plastic materials with appropriate elastic modulus and strength properties. These plastic materials can effectively transmit forces from the drive component to the work region while being cheaper to produce than rigid metals and suitable for disposable application. The elastic properties of the plastic material enable both force transmission and easy detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If the shank region is made of plastic material, then production is simpler and costs are reduced, but the latching connection must be secure without actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidlatching connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the plastic material parameters (elastic modulus, strength, hardness) to ensure the shank region can form a reliable latching connection with the drive component. The elastic deformation capability of the plastic material allows it to engage securely with the drive component's receiving opening, maintaining reliable connection during operation while enabling simple removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates easy handling, reduces production costs, and enhances effectiveness by providing a secure yet releasable latching connection with minimal play, suitable for both rotating and oscillating drives, while maintaining hygiene through disposable components.

Implementation Method 1

One or more spring arms are preferably arranged at the shank region. As a result, a particularly suitable latch or latching connection between the tool and the handpiece that is simple to produce, secure and yet, in a suitable manner, releasable again is rendered possible.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11918426B2Dental tool and dental system

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 KAVO DENTAL GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a dental tool having a shank region, which is formed for coupling to a dental handpiece, and also having a work region, which is connected to the shank region. In this case, the shank region of the dental tool is formed so that there is the possibility of latchable insertion and removal without actuation. In particular, at least the shank region can consist of plastics material. As a result, inter alia facilitated handling of the tool and inexpensive production of the tool are rendered possible.