Plunger Assembly with Segmented Activator for Dental Material Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental dispensing devices often require high extrusion forces and can be costly, with a need for a device that is easy to use with existing applicators and avoids breaking or rupturing parts to prevent contamination and uneven force application.
Innovation Solution
A plunger assembly with a receptacle and activator featuring a passageway with varying diameters, where the activator has distinct portions for sealing and extruding, allowing for reliable activation without breaking parts and minimizing manufacturing costs, and can be used alone or with a cartridge for dispensing dental materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a piston is used to extrude high viscosity dental substances, then sufficient extrusion force is provided, but the device becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The activator is divided into three distinct portions: a first portion (plug) with a first outer cross-section for sealing the outlet, a second portion (piston) with a second outer cross-section for sealing the chamber, and a third portion with a smaller cross-section. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, providing sufficient extrusion force while maintaining device simplicity and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing applicators are used with dispensing devices, then cost is reduced, but reliable activation without breaking parts is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The activator's different portions have different outer cross-sectional areas tailored to specific local requirements: the first portion has a larger cross-section for effective sealing with the outlet, the second portion has a cross-section matching the chamber, and the third portion has a smaller cross-section for easy passage through the outlet. This local quality differentiation ensures reliable activation without breaking parts while keeping manufacturing costs low.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a plug seals the outlet during activation, then contamination is prevented, but the activation force becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The activator transitions dynamically from a sealed state (first portion blocking the outlet) to an activated state where the third portion passes through the outlet. During the initial phase, the first portion maintains sealing to prevent contamination. As activation progresses, the third portion moves through the outlet, and the second portion seals the chamber to provide consistent extrusion force. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between contamination prevention and force consistency.
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
The plunger assembly provides a consistent activation force, avoids contamination, and is cost-effective, as it does not require breaking parts, ensuring reliable and efficient dispensing of dental materials.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion forms a plug for the outlet, in particular for sealing the outlet. The first portion accordingly has a first outer cross-section which is adapted for sealing with the first inner cross-section of the receptacle.
Implementation Method 2
The second portion of the activator forms a piston for extruding the component (or dental material) from the chamber.
Implementation Method 3
The passageway extends over a first section along the longitudinal axis at a first inner cross-section, and extends over a second section along the longitudinal axis at a greater second inner cross-section.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 4c~4d
AI summary
A plunger assembly for a cartridge for dispensing dental material. The plunger assembly has a receptacle, an activator, and a passageway extending through the receptacle along a longitudinal axis. The passageway forms a chamber for storing at least a component of the dental material and has an outlet for the chamber. The activator has a piston for extruding the component from the chamber and a plug for the outlet. The activator is movable to unplug the outlet and to subsequently extrude the component in a single stroke. The plunger assembly helps for reliably emptying the chamber and helps facilitating dispensation of dental materials.