Switchable Valve Coupling for Dental Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for dental instruments require complex pneumatic control systems and cabling to manage the supply of compressed air and electrical energy, leading to operational inefficiencies and unnecessary power consumption when multiple dental devices are connected.
Innovation Solution
A switchable valve clutch mechanism that uses compressed air to control the connection between fluid and electrical channels, allowing for precise activation of dental instruments only when needed, reducing power consumption and simplifying control complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex pneumatic control system and cabling are used to manage the supply of compressed air and electrical energy to multiple dental devices, then the supply and control of fluids and energy can be achieved, but the device complexity and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pneumatic control mechanism and electrical connection into a single integrated coupling device. The valve piston body integrates both fluid control functions and electrical plug connections, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable controlled supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pneumatic valve control mechanism, an electrical connector, and a fluid passage interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If compressed air is continuously supplied to multiple connected dental devices, then all devices remain ready for operation, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static continuous supply state to a dynamic controlled supply state. The valve piston body can be actuated to open or close fluid passages based on actual operational needs, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption to the current operational requirements rather than maintaining constant readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air supply is converted from continuous to periodic/intermittent operation. The valve mechanism allows air to be supplied only during the periods when dental instruments are actively in use, rather than maintaining continuous pressure to all connected devices, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dental instruments are connected to the supply and control unit, then versatility is improved, but control complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device segments the control function for each fluid passage, with individual valve piston bodies that can be independently actuated. This allows selective control of compressed air supply to different dental instruments without requiring a complex centralized control system, maintaining versatility while simplifying control architecture.
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 controlled and efficient supply of fluids and electrical energy to dental instruments, ensuring only the active device is operational, thereby reducing energy usage and simplifying the control system.
Implementation Method 1
The first coupling body (8) forms a valve piston body which can be displaced axially when compressed air is applied
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (4) for connecting a supply hose (6) for dental instruments (5) to a supply and control unit (2), comprising a coupling sleeve (7) in which at least partially a first coupling body (8) and a second coupling body (9) are received along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the coupling sleeve (7), wherein the first and second coupling bodies (8, 9) each have several fluid channels (10, 12) and electrical connectors (11, 13). The coupling device (4) is particularly advantageously designed in the form of a switchable valve coupling.