Ultrasonic Tip Cavity for Durable Power Range Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic dental treatment appliances face challenges in reliably identifying the appropriate power and amplitude range for tips due to marking issues that fail to withstand the harsh conditions of vibration, temperature, and sterilization, leading to potential misselection and wear-off of markings.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an elastic material-based identifier element within the tip's structure, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or elastomers, which forms a cavity housing a ring or pellet that remains visible and durable, ensuring permanent marking and correct power/amplitude range identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tip marking is applied by sticking labels or applying paint/varnish, then the tip can be identified with power range information, but the marking disappears quickly under severe operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier element is integrated directly into the tip structure by housing it within a cavity formed in the tip body. This merging of the identification system with the tip itself eliminates the problem of marking disappearance, as the identifier becomes an intrinsic part of the tip that cannot be lost or degraded under operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier element is designed as a separate replaceable component housed in the tip. When the tip is sterilized or replaced, the identifier element can be renewed along with it. This approach accepts that the identification marking has a limited lifetime corresponding to the tip's service life, but ensures reliability during that period through proper material selection.
2Ease of operation
If the tip is separated from its support element after placement, then the tip can be used on the handpiece, but the means for identifying the power range are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The identification means are merged with the tip by housing the identifier element within a cavity in the tip itself. This ensures that the identification information travels with the tip wherever it is installed or removed, eliminating the problem of losing identification when the tip is separated from the support element.
3Loss of information
If separable support elements with color codes are used, then tips can be packaged with identification information, but there is a risk of mismatching tips with incorrect power ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier element provides immediate visual feedback to the practitioner about the correct power range for the installed tip. By making the identification information permanently visible on the tip itself, the system enables continuous verification that the selected power range matches the tip being used, preventing mismatching errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip itself carries its own identification information through the housed identifier element, enabling the tip to serve its own identification function without relying on external support elements. This self-identifying capability ensures that the tip always presents its power range information, reducing the risk of mismatching.
4Reliability
If an identifier element made of elastic material with high melting temperature is housed in the tip, then the identification remains durable under vibration and sterilization conditions, but the tip structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is segmented by creating a cavity within its structure to house the identifier element. This segmentation allows the identification system to be separated from the functional tip structure, enabling the use of specialized materials for the identifier that would be unsuitable for the entire tip, while minimizing the impact on the overall tip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier element is nested within a cavity in the tip structure, creating a compact integrated design. This nesting approach allows the additional identification component to be incorporated into the tip without significantly increasing its external dimensions or overall complexity, as the identifier is contained within the existing tip volume.
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 reliable and durable means to visually identify the power and amplitude range of ultrasonic tips, ensuring correct selection and preventing misplacement, even under extreme conditions, thus enhancing user safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the identifier element being made of an elastic material that presents a melting temperature higher than 130° C.
Implementation Method 2
the material of the identifier element has a melting temperature higher than 130° so as to enable it to withstand sterilization temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
In order to select the ultrasonic wave power and amplitude range that matches an ultrasonic tip (130) for mounting on a surgical handpiece (120), the tip (130) includes a cavity (131) forming a housing for an identifier element (140). The identifier element is made of an elastic material presenting a melting temperature higher than 130° C. enabling it to withstand both vibration and sterilization temperatures. The identifier element (140) presents a color or a pattern corresponding to the ultrasonic wave power and amplitude range appropriate for use with the tip.