Touch Sensor Handle for Dental Device Brake Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical treatment devices require a separate operating procedure to deactivate the braking system before moving the operator element to a new position, which complicates handling and slows down the repositioning process.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a touch sensor on the gripping element that automatically deactivates the braking system upon touch, allowing for immediate movement of the operator element to a new position, and reactivates when the touch is released, eliminating the need for a separate deactivation step.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate operating procedure is used to deactivate the braking system before moving the operator element, then the braking system can be reliably deactivated, but the handling complexity increases and repositioning time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system deactivation reliabilityVSAvoidoperator element handling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the braking system deactivation function with the operator element movement operation by providing a release element that simultaneously deactivates the braking system and enables movement. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate operating procedures, reducing handling complexity while maintaining reliable braking deactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The release element serves multiple functions: it acts as both a movement actuator and a braking system deactivator. This multi-functionality allows a single operation to achieve both braking release and position adjustment, improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate operating procedure is used to deactivate the braking system, then the braking control can be precise, but the repositioning speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking control precisionVSAvoidrepositioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The release element merges the braking deactivation function with the movement initiation function, allowing both actions to occur simultaneously in a single operation. This eliminates the sequential time required for separate deactivation and movement steps, thereby increasing repositioning speed while maintaining precise braking control through the designed release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the braking system is always activated to stabilize the operator element, then position stability is maintained, but the operation complexity increases due to required deactivation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator element position stabilityVSAvoidoperating procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system transitions from a static always-activated state to a dynamic state that automatically activates when the release element is no longer engaged. This dynamic behavior maintains position stability during normal operation while automatically reducing complexity during movement phases, eliminating the need for manual deactivation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies the handling of operator elements by eliminating the need for a separate deactivation procedure, enabling quicker repositioning and stabilizing the new position automatically, thus improving handling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a touch sensor is provided on the gripping element, which triggers a deactivation of the braking element when touched

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTouch sensor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2086490B1Medical treatment device comprising a sensor handle
Publication Date: 2014.08.20 KALTENBACH & VOIGT GMBH & CO
  • EP2086490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2086490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2086490B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical, in particular dental treatment device comprising a specialists element (3) or similar, that can be adjusted in a position in relation to the base of the device by means of a retaining arm. For adjusting, a handle (6) or similar is provided on the said specialists element (3). Said treatment device also comprises a brake that acts upon the retaining arm enabling the specialists element to be stabilised by the brake once in the adjusted position. According to prior art, the brake is initially released in a separate operating step in order to adjust the position. According to the invention, a touch sensor (9) is integrated into the handle (6), said sensor being touch activated, automatically causing the brake to be released so that the specialists element (3) is immediately adjusted without further ado. Said touch sensor (9) can be provided with two sensor surfaces (22, 23) by a capacitive sensor, said surfaces being protected by a plastic handle covering (20).