Ultrasonic Scaler Brush Attachment for Dental Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic tooth scalers have small cleaning tips made of metal, which are undesirable for use with orthodontic appliances, crowns, and other dental work, requiring multiple passes and increasing cleaning time, and are inefficient in covering larger areas.
Innovation Solution
A brush device is designed to be securely attached to ultrasonic scalers, featuring a tuft of bristles that extends from the base, allowing for enhanced cleaning of larger areas without modifying the scaler, and can be easily installed and removed, using a press fit connection with the scaler's tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a small metal cleaning tip is used, then the ultrasonic scaler can effectively remove plaque and stain, but it requires multiple passes and increases cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a base portion and a cleaning element portion. The cleaning element can be independently replaced, allowing for optimization of cleaning area without affecting the ultrasonic scaler's core functionality. This segmentation enables the use of larger cleaning elements that cover more surface area per pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element extends beyond the distal end of the ultrasonic scaler in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, utilizing additional spatial dimension. This extension increases the cleaning surface area without interfering with the ultrasonic vibration mechanism, allowing broader coverage per pass.
2Productivity
If a metal cleaning tip is used, then the ultrasonic scaler can clean teeth effectively, but it is undesirable for use with orthodontic appliances, crowns, bridges, and dentures
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element material is changed from metal to a softer material such as plastic or polymer. This parameter change maintains the ability to remove plaque and stain through ultrasonic cavitation while reducing the risk of damaging sensitive dental structures like orthodontic appliances, crowns, and bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure combining a rigid base (for structural integrity and ultrasonic transmission) with a softer cleaning element material (for safe patient contact). This composite approach allows the hard base to transmit ultrasonic vibrations effectively while the softer cleaning element provides gentle contact with dental work.
3Reliability
If the brush device is designed with an insert housing extending more than half the base length, then the connection to ultrasonic scaler is more secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert housing is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized connection interfaces that simplify the overall device structure while maintaining secure attachment to the ultrasonic scaler.
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 brush device reduces the number of cleaning passes needed, decreases cleaning time, eliminates residual plaque and stain streaks, and allows for the use of ultrasonic scalers with dental implants and other appliances by using a plastic-based material, while maintaining cavitation for effective cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic tooth scalers may use a transducer to convert electricity into mechanical energy and generate operating frequencies of between 20-45 kilohertz (kHz) or more at the cleaning tip of the device
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic vibrations induce high and low pressure areas around the cleaning tip that results in cavitation of the fluid. Under cavitation, vapor cavities (e.g., liquid-fee bubbles or voids within the liquid) are formed when the pressure is relatively low and implode when subjected to high pressure, thereby releasing energy that weaken plaque and stain on teeth
Implementation Method 3
fluid (e.g., water) is provided at the cleaning tip during device operation to cool and lubricate the tip
Data Source
AI summary
A brush device for an ultrasonic scaler includes: a base having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end and the second end define a longitudinal axis of the base; an insert housing extending from the first end of the base, the insert housing defines an opening sized and shaped to receive a distal end of the ultrasonic scaler and secure the brush device thereto; and a cleaning element extending from the second end of the base, the cleaning element is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.