Dental Prophy Angle Suction Hood Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction solutions for prophy angles in dental tools are not truly efficient and effective in managing the spray of debris during cleaning processes, as they do not adequately combine suction functionality with the prophy angle design.
Innovation Solution
A suction device comprising a shape-holding, open-bottomed tubular hood and a vertical suction supply tube that covers the upper circumferential portion of the angled prophy head and rotary tip, with a suction intake region defined between the hood and the head, allowing for efficient debris removal and optional integration with the prophy angle for one-time use or as a disposable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a suction tool is used in tandem with the prophy angle, then debris spray is reduced, but device complexity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction tool and prophy angle into a single integrated device, where the suction hood is attached directly to the prophy angle head. This merging eliminates the need for separate handheld suction tools, reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective debris capture during prophylaxis procedures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a suction tool is used in tandem with the prophy angle, then debris spray is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating suction functionality directly into the prophy angle head, the device allows the operator to control both polishing and suction with a single tool, eliminating the need to coordinate two separate tools and significantly improving ease of operation during dental prophylaxis procedures
3Productivity
If the hood covers the upper circumferential portion of the prophy head, then debris capture is improved, but visibility for the dental worker deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hood is designed to cover only the upper circumferential portion of the prophy head where debris generation is most intense, while leaving the lower portion and critical working area exposed. This localized coverage captures debris at its source while maintaining the dental worker's visibility and access to the treatment area
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 solution effectively reduces debris spray by creating a suction intake region that captures debris generated by the rotary tip, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dental cleaning processes while allowing for easy attachment and detachment from the prophy angle.
Implementation Method 1
a suction intake region between the hood and the angled head along the upper circumferential portion of the angled head and any portion of the rotary tip covered by the hood
Data Source
AI summary
A suction device for use with a dental prophy angle, the suction device comprising a generally horizontal, tubular, open-bottomed hood and a generally vertical suction channel. The hood is configured to cover an upper circumferential portion of the prophy angle head and optionally an upper circumferential portion of the prophy angle's working tip (such as a soft rotary cleaning cup) to define an upper suction region above the head and tip, while leaving a lower circumferential portion of the prophy angle head and full circumferential portion of at least an outer end of the tip exposed. The suction device may be a removable or a permanent part of the prophy angle.