Sheet-Based Dental Material Mixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for multi-component dental materials are not cost-effective, do not allow for convenient hand mixing, and lack the ability to store materials over a long time while maintaining hygiene requirements, especially for small quantities and specific applications in dentistry.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising interconnected sheet-like layers forming compartments with dispensing outlets and a mixing surface, where the layers can be separate or part of a larger sheet, allowing for separate storage and mixing of components without additional mixing pads, with seals to control dispensing and a surface energy interaction for adhesion, enabling efficient and hygienic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-chamber cartridges or syringes are used for storing and dispensing multi-component dental materials, then the components can be separately stored and dispensed, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into separate compartments within a single sheet structure, allowing different dental material components to be stored separately while maintaining a simple overall design. The sheet is segmented into first and second compartments with individual dispensing outlets, avoiding the need for complex multi-chamber cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sheet package serves multiple functions: it stores multiple components separately, provides dispensing outlets for controlled release, and includes a mixing surface for combining components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate containers, dispensing mechanisms, and mixing pads.
2Reliability
If traditional packaging is used for multi-component dental materials, then components can be stored separately, but convenient hand mixing is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The package structure is merged with a mixing surface formed by the sheet itself. The sheet includes a mixing surface with predetermined geometry that allows direct hand mixing of components after dispensing, eliminating the need for separate mixing pads or containers while maintaining separate storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The package is designed to be self-sufficient by integrating the mixing surface directly into the sheet structure. The user can directly mix the components on the provided surface without requiring additional tools or materials, making the entire process from storage to mixing self-contained.
3Productivity
If conventional packages are used for dental materials, then components can be dispensed, but long-term storage with hygiene maintenance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The package is constructed from a flexible sheet that can be sealed to create separate compartments. This thin film structure allows for effective sealing and isolation of components, maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination during long-term storage while still allowing easy dispensing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The package is designed as a single-use disposable item that maintains hygiene by being used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, ensuring hygiene requirements are met while keeping the design simple and cost-effective.
4Ease of operation
If additional mixing pads are used for mixing dental components, then mixing can be performed, but material residue and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is merged with the package structure itself. The sheet includes a mixing surface that is part of the original package, allowing components to be mixed directly on this surface without transferring to separate mixing pads, thereby minimizing material residue and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing surface is extracted and integrated directly into the sheet structure. By providing a dedicated mixing area within the package itself, the need for external mixing pads is eliminated, and material can be fully utilized without leaving residue on separate consumable items.
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 provides a cost-effective, hygienic, and convenient method for mixing and storing multi-component dental materials, allowing for precise control of component ratios and long-term storage, while minimizing material residue and waste, and enabling separate use of components if needed.
Implementation Method 1
with seals to control dispensing and a surface energy interaction for adhesion
Data Source
Figure 10A~10C
Figure 10D~12
AI summary
The present invention is related to a device for providing a dental material. The device comprises first and second compartments formed between sheet-like layers, and first and second dispensing outlets for the first and second compartments, respectively. For use, the device can be positioned with the compartments overlapping each other and with the dispensing outlets located side by side. The device further comprises a mixing surface on which the dental material can be mixed. The mixing surface is provided by one of the sheet like layers. The mixing surface overlaps with at least one of the compartments of the device.