Rotating Ultrasonic Scaler Grip for Cable Torque and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic dental devices suffer from ergonomic issues due to torsional forces transmitted through the drive cable, leading to operator fatigue and increased risk of musculoskeletal strain, particularly Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which conventional designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic ultrasonic dental scaling device with a rotatable handpiece assembly and resilient grip that allows 360-degree rotation, reducing cable torque and incorporating a resilient grip to dampen vibrations, thereby minimizing torsional resistance and maintaining a neutral wrist posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fixed-angle piezo handpiece is used, then the tip connection is stable, but the clinician must maintain non-neutral wrist positions and counteract cable torque, leading to operator fatigue and musculoskeletal strain
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece incorporates a rotating insert mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the tip angle relative to the handpiece body. The insert can rotate 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis, enabling the clinician to position the tip at various angles (including 0, 45, 90 degrees) while maintaining a neutral wrist position. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to maintain fixed non-neutral wrist postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is divided into separable components: a stationary handpiece body and a rotating insert that can be independently positioned. The insert contains the piezoelectric transducer and can be rotated to different angular positions while remaining mechanically connected to the handpiece body through a torque-free rotational interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insert rotates during treatment to adapt to different tooth angles, then tip adaptation is improved, but cable torque increases, causing handpiece rotation and operator discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational adjustment function is extracted from the handpiece-cable interface and relocated to the insert-handpiece interface. The insert rotates independently within the handpiece body on a torque-free rotational bearing, isolating the rotation mechanism from the drive cable. This ensures that cable torque remains zero regardless of insert orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotational bearing or swivel mechanism acts as an intermediary between the insert and the handpiece body. This intermediary component allows the insert to rotate freely while maintaining mechanical connection, preventing torque transmission from the insert rotation to the drive cable.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact sterilizable handpiece is used, then the size is reduced, but cable torque issues persist and operator fatigue continues
Solution Approach 1:
The compact handpiece maintains the rotating insert mechanism that enables dynamic angle adjustment without increasing overall size. The rotational bearing and insert assembly are integrated into the compact handpiece body, allowing full 360-degree rotation capability while preserving a sterile, sterilizable design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magneto inserts with 360-degree rotation are used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but water leakage at the swivel joint occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid-tight rotational bearing or magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary that allows rotational movement while maintaining water seal integrity. The bearing incorporates sealing elements that prevent water leakage during rotation, or a magnetic coupling transmits rotational motion without physical contact between rotating and stationary fluid pathways.
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 device significantly reduces operator discomfort and risk of musculoskeletal conditions by minimizing torsional resistance and vibrational acceleration, enhancing ergonomic comfort and reducing HAVS exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The insert and handpieces in such magneto systems allow the inserts to rotate 360 degrees which allow positioning of the inserts prior to treatment. Piezo handpieces, on the other hand, have screw in tips that result in the final connection points of the tips at fixed arbitrary angles relative to the handpieces and the zero torque position of the handpiece cable.
Implementation Method 2
a resilient grip which reduces Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The resilient grip is configured to reduce measured vibration acceleration at a grip surface of the resilient grip by a factor of at least about 2:1 relative to a rigid grip of similar geometry
Implementation Method 3
The combination of the tip, the resilient grip, and the acoustic assembly are configured to rotate about an assembly axis relative to a handpiece housing. Magneto inserts position their transducers at the rear of the assembly and operate by exciting the insert with an alternating magnetic field. Such devices do not require direct electrical conductors into the oscillating body and do not require fluid conduits in line with the transducer assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic ultrasonic dental scaling device includes an acoustic assembly including an acoustic transformer configured to detachably receive a tip and a transducer coupled to the acoustic transformer. The transducer includes at least two first contacts coupled thereto. A resilient grip is coupled to the acoustic assembly and configured to dampen ultrasonic vibrational acceleration produced by the transducer. At least two rotational conductors are configured to electrically couple the at least two first contacts with at least two second contacts configured to connect to an ultrasonic drive system. A fluid connection is rotatably coupled to the acoustic assembly. The resilient grip is configured to rotate the acoustic assembly relative to the fluid connection, the at least two second contacts, and a handpiece housing. A rotational interface of the rotation is located forward of a longitudinal center of the ergonomic ultrasonic dental scaling device.