Solder-Actuated Gripper Tool for Broken Endodontic File Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
During root canal procedures, broken endodontic instruments can obstruct canals and prevent proper cleaning and disinfection, necessitating a tool for their extraction.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a cylindrical body, a gripper tube, and a heating/soldering device that uses solder balls to securely grip and extract broken files from the root canal by melting solder to solder the gripper prongs to the file, ensuring effective removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a broken endodontic instrument is left in the canal, then the root canal procedure can be completed without additional extraction steps, but the broken instrument obstructs the canal and prevents proper cleaning and disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a specialized extraction tool with a gripper tube and prongs designed to reach into the root canal, grasp the broken endodontic instrument, and extract it completely. The tool includes a delivery system that can navigate the curvature of the canal to locate and remove the obstructing fragment, thereby eliminating the obstruction while maintaining procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool acts as an intermediary device between the practitioner and the broken instrument deep within the canal. The tool's gripper mechanism with adjustable prongs provides a reliable interface to securely grasp the broken file or instrument, allowing controlled removal without damaging the canal structure or leaving residual fragments.
2Ease of operation
If conventional extraction methods are used without secure gripping, then the extraction process is simpler, but the broken file cannot be securely held and removed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper prongs are designed to be resilient and movable, allowing them to flex and adapt to the shape and size of the broken endodontic instrument. The prongs can be compressed to allow insertion of the broken file, then spring back to engage and secure the instrument. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable gripping while maintaining ease of operation through simple actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool features localized gripping elements (prongs) with specific geometric characteristics designed to engage the flutes or surface features of the broken file. The prongs have varying dimensions and configurations along their length, with the gripping surface optimized for maximum friction and mechanical interlocking with the broken instrument, ensuring secure hold during extraction.
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 effectively secures and removes broken endodontic instruments from the root canal, ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection can proceed, thereby addressing the obstruction issue and facilitating successful dental restoration.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device may be turned on to melt a ball of solder, which drains into the gripper tube to solder the gripper prongs to the broken file
Implementation Method 2
melt a ball of solder, which drains into the gripper tube to solder the gripper prongs to the broken file
Data Source
AI summary
The tool for extracting broken endodontic instrument has a cylindrical, tubular body. The body has a cap at one end and a conical nose at the opposite end. A gripper tube for gripping a broken endodontic file extends from the conical nose. The body of the tool houses a heating or soldering device equipped with a magazine of balls of solder. The gripper tube has an open tip dimensioned for slidably receiving an end of the broken file and resilient gripper prongs inside the tube allowing insertion of the end of the file but preventing the file from exiting the gripper tube. The heating device may be turned on to melt a ball of solder to solder the gripper prongs to the broken file to further secure the broken file to the gripper tube for extraction of the broken endodontic tube from the root canal.