Root Canal File Coupling for Adjustable Depth and Slim Handpiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endodontic treatment systems face challenges such as complex manual insertion, high clamping forces, limited adjustability, unknown penetration depth, and inefficient axial movement control of root canal files, leading to complications and discomfort during dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A root canal file design utilizing a nickel-titanium alloy with locally adjustable mechanical properties, combined with a guide tube and a handpiece system that allows for axial and rotational movement control, enabling adjustable working length and superimposed axial movements, and incorporating a displacement measuring system for precise depth monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting shaft is used to enable friction-based coupling in the handpiece, then the working area can be securely held, but the head of the handpiece becomes larger than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the connecting shaft from the file design and instead integrates the coupling mechanism directly into the handpiece head. The guide tube in the handpiece head provides the friction-based coupling surface, eliminating the need for a separate connecting shaft component and reducing the overall head volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube acts as an intermediary element that provides the friction coupling surface between the handpiece and the file. Instead of using a clamping device that requires high forces, the guide tube's internal surface provides continuous friction-based holding, reducing the need for high clamping forces and smaller actuating mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If a clamping device with small actuating surface is used to reduce handpiece size, then the head volume decreases, but the required clamping forces become very high causing finger discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the traditional clamping device with its actuating mechanism entirely. Instead, the guide tube provides passive friction-based coupling that holds the file through continuous contact along its length, distributing the holding force over a larger area and eliminating the need for high localized clamping forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static, high-force clamping system to a dynamic friction-based system where the file can be easily inserted and removed by overcoming the friction force, which is much lower than the clamping forces required in traditional systems.
3Reliability
If manual insertion with twisting motions is required, then the locking mechanism can be secured, but the insertion process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex manual insertion and twisting procedure entirely. The file is designed to be inserted straight into the guide tube, and the friction-based coupling automatically secures it without requiring any twisting motions or complex locking maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service coupling where the friction between the guide tube and file automatically secures the connection upon simple linear insertion. The geometry and material properties of the guide tube and file create the locking effect without requiring active user manipulation beyond basic insertion.
4Ease of manufacture
If the working length of the file is fixed, then manufacturing is simpler, but the file cannot be adjusted to different penetration depths required by different root canal anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the working length dynamic and adjustable by allowing the file to be inserted to different depths into the guide tube. The friction-based coupling maintains secure holding while permitting the file position to be adjusted axially, enabling adaptation to different root canal lengths and anatomies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter change of the working length by varying the insertion depth of the file into the guide tube. The file can be positioned at different axial locations while maintaining secure coupling, allowing the effective working length to be adjusted without changing the physical file itself.
5Reliability
If the handpiece head is large relative to the file wire diameter, then the coupling mechanism can be robust, but the handpiece obscures parts of the tooth being treated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the bulky components traditionally needed for robust coupling (large clamping devices, complex locking mechanisms, large actuating surfaces) and replaces them with a compact friction-based coupling system integrated into a slim guide tube, dramatically reducing the head cross-sectional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube functions as a thin-walled, lightweight structure that provides sufficient friction-based coupling strength despite its small cross-sectional dimensions. The thin-wall design allows the handpiece head to be much smaller than traditional designs while maintaining coupling robustness through optimized friction surfaces.
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 ergonomic and efficient root canal treatment with precise depth control, reduced manual effort, and improved safety by allowing adjustable working length and simultaneous axial and rotary movements, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
Files or file wires and their working areas made of Ni-Ti are characterized by extreme flexibility combined with good torsional strength and above-average resistance to cyclic fatigue
Implementation Method 2
For the friction-based coupling or locking of the working area without a connecting shaft in the head (4) of the handpiece (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an endodontic treatment system comprising a handpiece (8) and comprising a root canal file (1) that can be detachably coupled to the handpiece (8), wherein the root canal file (1) has a metallic file wire (9) having a tip (10), a middle portion (32) adjoining the tip (10), and a connecting portion (37) adjoining the middle portion (32), wherein the handpiece (8) has a housing (19), a drive motor (26) arranged in the housing (19), and a coupling (22), which is connected to a drive shaft (28) of the drive motor (26) in a torsionally rigid manner and is rotatably mounted in the housing (19), for transmitting a rotational movement of the drive motor (26) to the file wire (9).