Dentistry – Apparatus – Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-16
2001-05-08
Manahan, Todd E. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool
C433S147000, C279S128000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227853
ABSTRACT:
FIELD
This invention relates generally to coupling systems, and in particular the present invention relates to detachable coupling systems.
BACKGROUND
Coupling mechanisms or systems are used in a variety of devices to join various types of tools, such as drill bits, dental implements, etc., to a base structure, such as a transducer. Some coupling systems are also used to transmit torque from one component to another. Many of these coupling systems are intended to be relatively permanent, such that the joints are welded or soldered, as with hot plate welding and ultrasonic assembly. However, this type of arrangement lacks flexibility, since the user does not have the ability to use the same base structure with other tools. Further, since replacement of the tool also includes replacement of the base structure, this type of coupling system can be costly.
Detachable coupling systems, such as screw threads or latches, are designed to removably combine components. However, such designs can lead to galling or thread wear. Known detachable coupling systems which are magnetic are often relatively complex in their design and are typically used to transmit or resist torque. In the dental field, the coupling of sonic energy from a transducer to a liquid stream using a magnetostrictive rod is known, although due to the poor acoustic impedance match between solid and liquids, such transmission is relatively poor, or less than about 20%.
Therefore, what is needed is a simple detachable coupling system that efficiently transmits energy from a transducer to an attached tool.
SUMMARY
A magnetic coupling system comprising a magnetic assembly for removably combing a base structure and a tool insert is described. This arrangement allows energy from a transducer located in the base structure to be transmitted through the magnetic assembly to the tool insert. In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly comprises one or more magnetic inserts located between the base structure and tool insert and a permanent magnet or an electromagnet located proximate to the one or more magnetic inserts.
The permanent magnet can be polarized in any suitable manner, such as axially or radially or at any intermediate angle. In one embodiment, the permanent magnet or electromagnet is cylindrical in shape and surrounds the one or more magnetic inserts. In another embodiment, the permanent magnet is located between two magnetic inserts.
In an exemplary embodiment, the two components being coupled are a wave guide in direct contact with an ultrasonic motor and a dental scaling tool. In this embodiment, vibrational motion is transferred by the magnetic coupling system from the wave guide to the tool insert. If desired, the components are arranged such that the vibrational motion is transformed to flexural or elliptical motion at the tip of the tool insert.
The magnetic coupling system transfers energy efficiently and provides a firm connection during use. It gives the user the ability to quickly remove and attach implements as needed. The system is simple, inexpensive, and provides reliability by eliminating problems such as galling and thread wear.
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Flowers Billy R.
Hansen Thomas T.
Edge Technologies, Inc.
Manahan Todd #E.
Schwegman Lundberg Woessner & Kluth P.A.
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