Patent Application
20220160211
The present invention relates to a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument comprising an elongated body for gripping and holding the instrument, which may be combined with a wand portion having a specific functionality. Different wand portions providing different functionalities may be employed. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a kit-of-parts for providing a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument as defined by any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least two wand portions.
A dental practitioner may encounter a wide range of dental conditions requiring treatment. For example, a dental patient may require preventive, therapeutic diagnostic or cosmetic treatment. In order to be able to treat each of the different conditions, the dental practitioner is required to keep a wide range of dental instruments available and ready for use, including dental handpieces for rotary tools which may be connected to an external control unit and/or power supply. Dental handpieces are useful in that different rotary tools may be connected to the dental handpiece. However, the dental practitioner requires additional functionality which goes beyond the capabilities of a dental handpiece. For this purpose, the dental practitioner may use additional specialized instruments , each provided and limited to a specific functionality.
For example, for curing photocurable compositions, the dental practitioner uses a dental curing light comprising a light source adapted to emit radiation of a specific wave length. However, different photocurable dental compositions may require light of a different wave length for curing. Accordingly, the dental practitioner needs as many dental curing lights as potentially different photocurable dental compositions need to be cured in the future. Moreover, the illumination of dental tissue may be required for reasons other than photocuring a dental composition whereby the wave length and intensity of the light must again be adapted to the specific functionality.
Finally, the dental practitioner may require further dental instruments which are unrelated to any irradiation functionality. For example, the dental practitioner may require a dental mirror which rotates in order to prevent blurring by water spray or saliva when the dental mirror is introduced into the buccal cavity. Moreover, certain highly viscous dental compositions are provided with thixotropic properties so that the application of ultrasound vibration facilitates the flow of the dental composition into a dental cavity. Accordingly, the dental practitioner requires an instrument which is adapted to provide ultrasonic vibrational capabilities for this specific type of dental composition.
The need to own a different dental instrument for each of the different functionalities which are required by the dental practitioner to treat a wide range of dental conditions may be quite costly. Moreover the maintenance of a large selection of different dental instruments requires additional resources. In view of the continuing diversification of the dental products and therapies, it is desirable to combine functionalities in a single instrument.
For example, US2006275732 discloses curing lights which can be constructed using more than one LED, where at least 2 of the LEDs have different spectral profiles in order to have the capability to activate initiators sensitive to light of different wavelengths.
However, the dental instruments known from the prior art, in particular cord-less pen-style dental instruments providing irradiation functionality of light with different wave length cannot be used for providing unrelated and diverse functionalities such as providing self-cleaning indirect vision by rotating a dental mirror, vibrating a dental tip, providing pulp vitality testing based on current stimulation or heat/cold application, or providing heated Gutta percha plugging.
According to a first aspect, it is a problem of the present invention to provide a cord- less pen-style dental instrument which may be used for providing functionality in the treatment of a wide range of dental conditions whereby the functionality may be selected from a wide range of alternative functionalities including irradiation of light of a specific wave length or wave length range, providing self-cleaning indirect vision by rotating a dental mirror, vibrating a dental tip, providing pulp vitality testing based on current stimulation or heat/cold application, or providing heated Gutta percha plugging.
According to a second aspect, it is a further problem of the present invention to provide a kit-of-parts for providing a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument as defined by the present invention which may be used for providing functionality in the treatment of a wide range of dental conditions whereby the functionality may be selected from a wide range of alternative functionalities including irradiation of light of a specific wave length or wave length range, providing self-cleaning indirect vision by rotating a dental mirror, vibrating a dental tip, providing pulp vitality testing based on current stimulation or heat/cold application, or providing heated Gutta percha plugging.
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument comprising:
(a) an elongated body for gripping and holding the instrument, which has a connector portion at the distal end thereof;
(b) a wand portion having a proximal end adapted to be releasably connected to the connector portion at the distal end of the elongated body; wherein the dental instrument further comprises a heat flow barrier between the elongated body and the wand portion.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a kit-of-parts for providing a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument of the present invention, comprising:
(A) at least two wand portions as defined by claim 1, having a proximal end adapted to be releasably connected to the connector portion at the distal end of at least one of the elongated bodies, whereby at least two wand portions provided a functionality which different from each other.
The present invention is based on the recognition that a cord-less pen-style dental instrument may be provided with a wide range of functionalities when a modular is selected provided that a heat flow barrier is present between the elongated body and the wand portion in order to reduce the accumulation of heat in the elongated body which may deteriorate the coupling of and the communication with a further wand portion when a further wand portion is used, in particular when the rotation around the longitudinal axis of the wand portion of the dental instrument must be maintained.
Furthermore, the present invention is based on the recognition that it is necessary to provide computational capabilities not only based on a microprocessor in the elongated body, but also in the wand portion so that a wide range of functionalities may be provided while at the same time a suitable standardized interface with a reduced number of electrical lines between the elongated body portion and the wand portion may be realized.
The present invention provides a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument. The modular dental instrument provides multiple functionalities by a plurality of exchangeable wand portions. Each exchangeable wand portion is dedicated to a module specific function. The multiple functions of the dental instrument as defined in the present disclosure are achieved independently or in combination with a further wand portion of an additional modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument. The wand portion is releasably and communicatively connected via the connector portion to the elongated body. The elongated body provides power to the wand portion and controls the wand portion via the main control unit. For this purpose, the wand portion is provided with a module control unit. Furthermore, additional accessories could be attached to the said wand portions to achieve further functions.
The term “modular” means that the dental instrument is constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use. Accordingly, the proximal end of each wand portion is standardized, so that different wand portions of dedicated module specific functions can be assembled to a standardized elongated body via a standard connector portion. The assembled wand portion and the elongated portion as a whole has sufficient mechanical property and is fully functional for operation. Namely, the elongated body provides power to the wand portion and control the wand portion to operate via the control units. The multiple functions of the dental instrument as defined in the present disclosure are achieved independently or collaboratively by the plurality of exchangeable wand portions assembled to the elongated body.
The term “cord-less” means that the dental instrument does not require a wired external power supply during use. Accordingly, the dental instrument is typically powered by a battery such as a rechargeable battery, a stack of AA batteries, or supercapacitors. The term “cord-less” does not exclude the presence of an interface such as a plug where an electrical cable may be attached, for example for updating software or for repairing the dental instrument. The term “cord-less” does not exclude the presence of an interface such as a plug where an electrical cable may be attached to allow the use of an external power supply, for example in case the battery is out of order. In a preferred embodiment, the dental instrument comprises a wireless communication unit that can transmit and receive data via wireless transmission techniques, for example Bluetooth® or infra-red transmission technique. In another preferred embodiment, the dental instrument comprises a wireless power unit, which receive the electrical power via the near-field or far-field wireless power transmission for charging or operation.
The term “pen-style” means with regard to the dental instrument of the present invention that the overall shape and dimensions as well as the direction in which the functionality is delivered by the dental instrument, are adapted to that the dental practitioner may grasp, hold and operate the dental instrument with a single hand like a pen. Accordingly, the dental instrument of the present invention may have an overall length in the range of from 10 to 30 cm, more preferably 15 to 25 cm. The term “pen-style” does not specifically require the practitioner to grasp, hold, and operate the dental instrument exactly like a pen. The assembled modular pen-style dental instrument delivers the module specific function at the distal end of the wand portion and allows the practitioner to grasp, hold, and operate the dental instrument at around the centre or the proximal end of the assembled dental instrument. In a preferred embodiment, a switch is located on the side of the elongated body near the centre of the assembled dental instrument to allow the practitioner to control the function of the wand portion with a single hand.
The modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument of the present invention provides an elongated body for gripping and holding the instrument. The elongated body has in general a cylinder shape, which is suitable for the practitioner to grasp, hold and operate the dental instrument with a single hand. The elongated body provides space to accommodate essential components inside the body. In a preferred embodiment, a switch is located on the side of the elongated body near the centre of the assembled dental instrument to allow the practitioner to control the function of the wand portion with a single hand.
The elongated body has a connector portion at the distal end thereof. The connector portion provide communicative and electrical connection to the main control unit and the rechargeable battery inside the elongated body. The connector portion is standardized to allow the secure communicative, electrical, and mechanical connection to the proximal end of different wand portions. Consequently, the connector portion enable the secure, flexible, releasable, mechanical and electrical connection between the wand portion and the elongated body, so that the assembled dental instrument and be fully functional. Furthermore, the connector portion provide thermal insulation via a heat flow barrier between the wand portion and the elongated body. The thermal insulation prevents the heat generated in the wand portion to negatively affect the secure connection between the wand portion and the elongated body. The thermal insulation also prevents the heat to negatively affect the essential components in the elongated body. In a preferred embodiment, the connector portion allows the 360° rotation of the wand portion around the longitudinal axis of the dental instrument. The ability of rotation eases the practitioner in the operation of the dental instrument by providing an extra degree of freedom.
The modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument of the present invention provides a wand portion having a proximal end adapted to be releasably connected to the connector portion at the distal end of the elongated body. The wand portion is in general a cylinder-shaped object which delivers the module specific functionality at its distal end. The wand portion requires to be connected to the elongated body to be fully functional. The wand portion comprises module specific essential components inside its body. These essential components of the wand portion are to be connected to the control units in the elongated body to be controlled electrically powered. The wand portion has a standardized proximal end, which can be mechanically, communicatively, and electrically connected to the elongated portion via the connector portion. The wand portion comprises other essential components inside its body, which are not necessarily to be connected to the elongated body.
The dental instrument further comprises a heat flow barrier between the elongated body and the wand portion in the connector portion, which is located at the distal end of elongated body. A heat flow barrier prevents, reduces, or limits the heat transfer across the heat flow barrier passively or actively, when two sides of the heat flow barrier has a temperature difference.
Heat flow barrier may be provided by adjusting the possible temperature difference between the wand portion and the elongated body portion, the material present between the wand portion and the elongated body portion, the area through which the heat will be transferred between the wand portion and the elongated body portion, and the distance it must be transferred between the wand portion and the elongated body portion.
Accordingly, assuming a flat surface interface, the transfer of heat from a wand portion with a temperature of T1 to an elongated body portion with a temperature of T2 through a surface area A of the heat flow barrier having a thickness d, whereby the thermal conductivity value of the heat flow barrier is k, the equation relating the heat transfer rate to these variables is
Rate=k·A·(T1−T2)/d (Joule/second)
Preferably, the material of the heat flow barrier is a thermal insulator having a thermal conductivity k of the material of at most 1.5 W/m/° C., preferably at most 1 W/m/° C., more preferably at most 0.1 W/m/° C.
The heat flow barrier prevents the heat flow from negatively affecting the secure connection between the wand portion and the elongated body. The heat flow barrier also prevents the heat flow to negatively affect the essential components in the elongated body or the wand portion. In a preferred embodiment, the heat flow barrier thermally isolates the wand portion from the elongated body to prevent overheating of the electronics and connector portion by heat flow generated by the wand portion. In another preferred embodiment, the heat flow barrier provides thermal insulation between the wand portion and the elongated body to prevent undesired heating of the cooled wand portion by the heat flow generated from the battery, warm hand, or the control units. In yet another preferred embodiment, the heat flow barrier provides active cooling to avoid the overheating of the connection portion, which would otherwise lead to insecure connection of the wand portion and the elongated body.
The modular pen-style dental instrument as defined in the present disclosure offers the wand portion provides functionality selected from
(i) radiating curing light radiation;
(ii) radiating diagnostic illumination;
(iii) providing illumination for cancer screening;
(iv) providing self-cleaning indirect vision by rotating a dental mirror;
(v) vibrating a dental tip
(vi) providing pulp vitality testing based on current stimulation or heat/cold application;
(vii) providing heated Gutta percha plugging; and
(viii) facilitating fluorescence aided caries detection.
The functionality of radiating curing light radiation refers to the electromagnetic radiation that is suitable for curing a dental composition. The radiation needs to have enough intensity and has a peak wavelength that is compatible with the specific light curable dental composition. Typically, the wavelength of the curing light may be in the range of violet and/or blue light. The light source of the radiation is selected from light emitting diodes (LED) having an emission maximum in the desired range. In a preferred embodiment, a range of wand portions that emit curing light at different wavelengths and/or different intensity are provided so that the practitioner can choose a most suitable wand portion for a specific light curable dental composition.
The functionality of radiating diagnostic illumination refers to the electromagnetic radiation that is suitable for illuminating the oral cavity. Preferably a bright white light is used. The light source at the distal end of the wand portion may illuminate the oral cavity, so that treatment and/or diagnosis can be performed based on the light from reflectance, fluorescence, and/or transmission.
The functionality of providing illumination for cancer screening refers to a case where the light source at the distal end of the wand portion can emit light at a specific wavelength suitable for visually distinguishing a cancerous tissue from normal tissues by a difference in the fluoresce and/or reflection, so that the dental instrument can be used for oral cancer screening.
The functionality of self-cleaning indirect vision by rotating a dental mirror refers to a mirror refers to a self-cleaning dental mirror, which is incorporated at the distal end of the wand portion to provide the practitioner with indirect vision. The self-cleaning function is achieved by including a rotating dental mirror, which utilizes centrifugal force to remove the water droplets from water spray or saliva which could otherwise block or blur the vision.
The functionality of vibrating a dental tip refer to a tip at the distal end of the wand portion which is adapted to provide vibrational, e.g. ultrasonic vibrational, capabilities. The dental tip may be selected from a polishing brush, an ultrasonic tip, or a needle. Certain highly viscous dental compositions are provided with thixotropic properties, so that the application of ultrasound vibration facilitates the flow of the dental composition into a dental cavity. In a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic tip at the distal end of the wand portion can be used to deliver ultrasound vibration to improve the flowability of a highly viscous dental composition. In one embodiment, the vibrating tip is used for cleaning, in particular rinsing, of a root canal. The vibration of the tip or needle, which is inserted into the root canal, leads to turbulent fluctuations of the rinsing solution, which has been introduced into the root canal before, resulting in improved cleaning of the canal.
The functionality of providing pulp vitality testing based on current stimulation or heat/cold application, refers to a tip at the distal end of the wand portion which is adapted to provide heating/cooling or current conducting capabilities. Pulp vitality can be tested via an electrical current, cooling or heating. When a current, cold source, or hot source is applied to the tooth, a neurological response is elicited and is reported by the patient. A wand portion with heating/cooling or current conducting ability are suitable for such pulp vitality testing.
The functionality of providing heated Gutta percha plugging refers to a tip at the distal end of the wand portion which is adapted to provide heating capabilities. Gutta percha is a rubber-like elastomer made of monomer unit as trans-isoprene. It is typically used during root canal therapy. Warmed or heated Gutta percha plug is used for consistently dense, dimensionally stable, three-dimensional root canal fillings. A wand portion with a heating tip allowed the process of heated Gutta percha plugging.
The functionality of facilitating fluorescence aided caries detection refers to the irradiation of light at a wave length and intensity which is able to visually distinguish carious lesions from healthy hard dental tissue.
The heat flow barrier in the modular pen-style dental instrument as defined in the present disclosure may comprise is an air-gap and/or one or more solid elements comprising a heat-insulation material. The heat flow barrier can be provided by using a combination of thermal insulator as defined above, selected from air-gap, a vacuum gap, and/or one or more solid elements comprising a heat-insulation material. The solid elements comprising the heat-insulation material may be in the form of solid bodies, closed-cell foams, open-cell foams, non-woven fabrics, porous materials, or a combination thereof.
The heat flow barrier in the modular pen-style dental instrument as defined in the present disclosure wherein the one or more solid elements comprise a rubber O-ring and parts of the elongated body and the wand portion which are in contact with each other, which are made of a resin. Preferably, the heat flow barrier is an O-ring or a cylinder that has a hole along its axis, which allow the electrical connection to pass through the heat flow barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the heat flow barrier comprises an air gap and an O-ring made from a rubber or other suitable resin. The heat flow barrier may also comprise a thermo composite containing phase changing materials.
The heat flow barrier may also function collaboratively with the components in the wand portion or elongated body, or external accessories that is mounted to the dental instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the heat flow barrier is a thermoelectric unit powered by the control unit, that actively cool the connector portion. In another preferred embodiment, the heat flow barrier comprises a heat sink, which is continuously cooled by a coolant that is circulated by pumping or convection.
In the present disclosure, the elongated body comprises a rechargeable battery and a main control unit communicatively connected through the connector portion with the wand portion, or by using a wireless communication. The elongated body comprises a main control unit, a rechargeable battery, and a connector portion. The main control unit is an electrical system that comprise circuits and one or more chips. The primary electronics for the main control unit are generally mounted on a conventional printed circuit board (either rigid or flexible). A communicatively connection refers to an electrical connection that transmit both power and signals, so that the connected parts can be powered and/or communicate with each other. Preferably, the main control unit is communicatively connected with the wand portion via a wireless connection, such as blue-tooth connection. The rechargeable battery is communicatively and electrically connected to the main control unit. The rechargeable battery may be selected from a rechargeable battery pack, one or more AA batteries, or a supercapacitor pack.
Preferably, a switch is installed on the outside of the elongated body, and the switch is communicatively connected to the main control unit. The switch enables the activation of a specific function of the wand portion.
Preferably in the present disclosure, the main control unit is communicatively connected through the connector portion with the wand portion via a single data line. The single data line refers to a single conductive wire that can transmit signal. Preferably, a further power line and optionally a ground line are present. The merit of a single data line connection is to allow a simple and robust electrical connection between two parts that can freely rotate. Preferably, the connection through the connector portion with the wand portion shows rotational symmetry around the longitudinal axis of the wand portion.
In the present disclosure, the wand portion comprises a module control unit powered by the rechargeable battery in the elongated body and communicatively connected with the main control unit of the elongated body.
In the present disclosure, the wand portion comprises a module control unit, wherein the module control unit serves to communicate the working parameters of the wand portion to the main control unit, wherein the working parameters are selected from output voltage, current to the tip, timing of the function, and acoustical and optical indications for giving user feedback.
In the present disclosure, the proximal end of the wand portion is releasably connected to the connector portion at the distal end of the elongated body. Preferably, the connection is achieved by a friction fit connection or form fit connection, or a combination thereof. A friction fit is a type of interference fit, which refers to a fastening between two parts which is achieved by friction after the parts are pushed together, rather than by any other means of fastening. A form fit refers to a connection a fastening between two parts which is achieved by the shape change.
More preferably, the wand portion is releasably connected to the elongated body by a quick-coupler connection. A quick-coupler connection refers to a connection that allows the rapid change of attachments. They also bring with them additional safety risks that must be overcome by careful design and manufacture, and proper use. Even more preferably, the quick coupler connection allows 360° rotation of the wand around the longitudinal axis of the instrument.
In the present disclosure, the modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument is provided in the form of kit-of-parts. These modules may be implemented in a variety of embodiments and can be packaged in a number of configurations without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
The kit-of-parts comprises (A) at least two wand portions, having a proximal end adapted to be releasably connected to the connector portion at the distal end of at least one of the elongated bodies, whereby at least two wand portions provided a functionality which different from each other.
Preferably, the kit-of-parts further comprises one or more elongated body for gripping and holding the instrument, which have a connector portion at the distal end thereof.
Preferably, the kit-of-parts for providing a modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument, which further comprises (C) a charger base. The charger base has one or more housings which is provided with means for supporting and receiving components or the assembled components of the dental instruments as defined in the present disclosure. The charger base provides a light intensity testing region to test.
The present invention will now be further described based on the figures.
1: modular cord-less pen-style dental instrument comprising:
10: an elongated body
12: connector portion at the distal end of the elongated body
14: distal end of elongated body
15: proximal end of elongated body
20: a wand portion
21: module control unit
25: proximal end of wand portion
30: heat flow barrier
67: main control unit
91: quick-coupler connection
92: rubber O-ring
111: rechargeable battery
141: charger base
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19162053.3 | Mar 2019 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2020/056396 | 3/10/2020 | WO | 00 |
