Vibrating Scaler Tip With Convex-Side Coolant Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental procedures generate aerosols and splatter that pose a significant risk of infectious disease transmission to dental professionals, necessitating the development of methods to reduce aerosol generation and improve safety during dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a coolant comprising a Newtonian fluid with a viscosity greater than water, such as glycerine, is delivered to the working end of dental devices to form a fluid shield that traps aerosol particles and debris, reducing aerosolization and improving device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water is used as coolant, then cooling efficiency is good, but aerosol generation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the coolant from water (low viscosity) to a viscous fluid (high viscosity). This parameter change transforms the coolant's behavior from atomizing into fine aerosol particles to forming a cohesive fluid shield that suppresses aerosol generation while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful aerosolization effect of coolant into a beneficial fluid shield. The viscous coolant, which could be considered harmful due to its thickness potentially reducing flow, actually benefits the system by forming a protective barrier that captures and suppresses aerosol particles, turning a disadvantage into an advantage for infection control.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If viscous coolant is used, then aerosol suppression is improved, but coolant flow may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a fluid shield that copies or replicates the protective function of physical barriers (like PPE) but in fluid form. This fluid shield maintains adequate coolant flow while providing aerosol suppression, effectively copying the protective function without the flow restriction issues of solid barriers.
3Productivity
If standard scaler tip is used, then scaling function is effective, but aerosol is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into one tip design: the scaling function and the aerosol suppression function. The fluid shield outlet integrates with the scaling tip structure, combining therapeutic scaling with infection control in a single device component, eliminating the need for separate protective measures.
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 higher viscosity coolant effectively suppresses aerosolization, potentially eliminating it, while also providing improved device performance, noise reduction, and patient comfort, with reduced coolant evaporation and lower sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant comprising a Newtonian fluid having a viscosity greater than water
Implementation Method 2
form a fluid shield that traps aerosol particles and debris
Implementation Method 3
delivering a coolant to a working end of the device to cool the device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~2A
AI summary
This invention relates to a tip for a vibrating scaler for use in dentistry, the tip comprising a proximal inlet for receiving coolant; a distal working portion for being vibrated to aid scaling; and an outlet for delivering coolant received via the inlet to cool the working portion, wherein the working portion defines a concave side and a convex side of the tip and the outlet is located on the convex side of the tip. The invention also relates to a vibrating scaler for use in dentistry that comprises the tip.