Root Canal Marker with Spring-Loaded Clamp and Sliding Applicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for marking the desired length of gutta percha points in root canal treatment lack accuracy due to the soft and small size of the material, relying on manual dexterity and precision with rigid instruments.
Innovation Solution
A root canal filling material marker with a hollow box-shaped housing, longitudinally and laterally slidable shafts, and spring-biased clamp jaws for precise insertion and marking of gutta percha points, utilizing a marking agent and indicator for accurate length marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional rigid instruments or manual bending are used to mark gutta percha points, then the marking process is simple to perform, but the measurement precision and marking accuracy are poor due to the soft and small size of the material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized marking instrument as an intermediary device between the dentist and the gutta percha point. This instrument includes a hollow box-shaped housing with a hollow needle that can be inserted into the soft gutta percha material to create precise markings. The instrument acts as a mediator that translates the dentist's marking intent into accurate physical markings on the soft material, solving the problem of poor marking accuracy with conventional rigid instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical system of using rigid instruments or manual bending with a specialized marking instrument that uses a hollow needle mechanism. This new mechanical system is specifically designed to work with the soft properties of gutta percha material, allowing the needle to penetrate and mark the material accurately without requiring manual dexterity or precision from the dentist.
2Reliability
If manual dexterity and precision are relied upon for marking, then no additional marking equipment is needed, but the reliability and consistency of marking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The marking instrument is designed to be self-guiding and self-positioning. The hollow needle automatically finds its way into the gutta percha point through the aperture in the housing, and the spring mechanism automatically advances and retracts the needle to create consistent markings. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the dentist to manually position and control the marking process, ensuring reliable and consistent marking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates a spring mechanism that provides tactile feedback and automatic control during the marking process. The spring advances the hollow needle to a predetermined depth and then retracts it, providing consistent marking depth and spacing. This feedback mechanism ensures that each marking is made with the same precision and reliability, regardless of the dentist's manual dexterity.
3Ease of operation
If the gutta percha point is soft and small in size, then it is easy to manipulate and insert, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the desired length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking instrument serves multiple functions: it holds the soft gutta percha point, positions it at the desired length, and marks it all in one device. The hollow box-shaped housing with aperture can accommodate and secure the small gutta percha point, while the hollow needle marking mechanism can accurately mark the desired length. This multi-functional design makes the soft, small material easier to measure and mark by integrating all necessary functions into a single instrument.
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 tool provides a precise and reliable method for marking gutta percha points, improving the accuracy of root canal filling material length measurement and reducing dependence on manual dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
a second opposing clamp jaw spring-biased to bear against the fixed jaw
Data Source
AI summary
The root canal filling material marker is a tool for marking a desired length on root canal filling material, such as a conventional gutta percha point. In use, the gutta percha point is inserted into a hollow housing through an aperture formed in a front wall thereof. The gutta percha point is releasably gripped between spring-biased clamp jaws. A shaft is longitudinally positioned to a desired marking point at a desired length of the gutta percha point and then laterally pulled. Laterally pulling the shaft slides an applicator, which is secured to the shaft within the housing, across a marking agent and the gutta percha point to make a laterally extending mark on the gutta percha point at the desired length.