Powered Coupler for Dental Handpiece with Integrated Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental handpieces require both electrical power and gaseous or fluid media for operation, but existing dental base stations are not configured to provide electrical power, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a rechargeable battery and battery charger, including photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, acoustic generators, or inductive charging circuits, is used to selectively couple the dental handpiece to a base station, enabling the conveyance of both gaseous or fluid media and electrical power from the base station to the handpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional adapter with connection hoses is used to couple the dental base station with the dental handpiece, then the gaseous or fluid medium can be conveyed from the base station to the handpiece, but electrical power cannot be provided to the handpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (gaseous/fluid medium conveyance and electrical power transmission) into a single integrated coupling device. The coupling device includes both a fluid passage for medium flow and an electrical contact system for power transmission, eliminating the need for separate adapters and hoses for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys gaseous or fluid media from the base station to the handpiece while also providing electrical power to the handpiece. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability without requiring multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device includes a rechargeable battery and battery charger, then electrical power can be provided to the dental handpiece, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device includes a rechargeable battery with a battery charger that can be recharged from the dental base station when the handpiece is docked. This self-service charging mechanism eliminates the need for external charging equipment and allows the device to replenish its own power supply automatically during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device transitions between different operational states: when the handpiece is in use, the battery provides electrical power; when the handpiece is docked at the base station, the battery is recharged. This dynamic switching between power provision and power replenishment modes optimizes the device's adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic cells are mounted on the exterior surface of the coupling device for charging, then the battery can be recharged using ambient light, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Photovoltaic cells are mounted on the exterior surface of the coupling device to enable recharging of the battery using ambient light energy. This self-service power generation capability allows the device to harvest energy from the environment and replenish its battery without requiring connection to the base station or external charging equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device directly couples to the dental handpiece body, then the coupler body housing is supported by the handpiece during use, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a separable component that can be attached to or removed from the dental handpiece body. This segmentation allows the coupler to be easily installed and removed, and provides flexibility in whether the handpiece operates with or without the coupling device attached, depending on the specific application requirements.
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 the operation of electrically powered dental handpieces with base stations that do not originally provide electrical power, enhancing the functionality and versatility of dental systems by integrating power generation and medium conveyance within the coupling device.
Implementation Method 1
the battery charger of the electrical power source includes one or more photovoltaic cells mounted on an exterior surface of the coupling device
Implementation Method 2
the battery charger of the electrical power source includes a thermoelectric generator
Implementation Method 3
the battery charger of the electrical power source includes an acoustic generator
Implementation Method 4
the battery charger of the electrical power source includes an inductive charging circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling device for selectively coupling a dental handpiece to a dental base station. An electrical power source is housed by the coupling device. A first end of the coupling device is selectively coupleable to the dental base station and configured to receive a gaseous or fluid medium from the dental base station. A second end of the coupling device is selectively coupleable to the dental handpiece and configured to output the gaseous or fluid medium from the dental base station to the dental handpiece and to output electrical power from the electrical power source to the dental handpiece.