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WO2025184725A1 - Instrument dentaire à source d'alimentation intégrée - Google Patents

Instrument dentaire à source d'alimentation intégrée

Info

Publication number
WO2025184725A1
WO2025184725A1 PCT/CA2025/050274 CA2025050274W WO2025184725A1 WO 2025184725 A1 WO2025184725 A1 WO 2025184725A1 CA 2025050274 W CA2025050274 W CA 2025050274W WO 2025184725 A1 WO2025184725 A1 WO 2025184725A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
medical instrument
section
distal
proximal
connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/CA2025/050274
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2025184725A8 (fr
Inventor
Claude CHAMOUN
Peter EL KHOURY
Fadi KHOURY
Guillaume JOLY
David EL KHOURY
Marc-Antoine Archambault
Mathieu Bouchard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Halo Dental Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Halo Dental Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Halo Dental Technologies Inc filed Critical Halo Dental Technologies Inc
Publication of WO2025184725A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025184725A1/fr
Publication of WO2025184725A8 publication Critical patent/WO2025184725A8/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/24—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
    • A61B1/247—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00124—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00128—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0661—Endoscope light sources
    • A61B1/0676—Endoscope light sources at distal tip of an endoscope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/12—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements
    • A61B1/128—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for regulating temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00025—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management
    • A61B1/00027—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply
    • A61B1/00032—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply internally powered

Definitions

  • the technical field generally relates to dental instruments. More particularly, the technical field relates to dental instruments, such as dental mirrors, that include an integrated power source.
  • Intraoral mirrors also known as dental mirrors
  • dental mirrors are frequently used by such health care providers to facilitate the viewing of biological structures that are located inside the oral cavity of the patient’s mouth, such as teeth and gums, by enabling the observation of reflections of the biological structure of interest onto the reflective surface of the dental mirror.
  • the oral cavity of a patient’s mouth is typically a humid, warm and dark environment. This type of environment can make it difficult to properly view the biological structure of interest on the reflective surface of the dental mirror. Therefore, in order to improve the visibility within the patient’s mouth, additional components can be provided to cooperate with the dental mirror, such as light sources, cameras, heating systems, etc. These components may require a power source which may be external to or integrated within a structure of the dental mirror.
  • known dental mirrors with integrated components are relatively bulky and can have various drawbacks, such as being difficult to manipulate by the health care provider, or a nearby assistant, thereby increasing the time during which the health care provider is providing treatment to the patient.
  • the various components of the dental mirror can become disassembled and/or fall apart after repetitive manipulations of the dental mirror by the health care provider, requiring additional time to repair or replace the dental mirror.
  • a medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a head-receiving end and a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end and an operative end; a head portion coupled to the head-receiving end of the distal portion, the head portion comprising a medical instrument operating component; a power source housed within the handle; a connection assembly comprising: a mechanical connection assembly comprising: a groove section coupled to one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end; and a tongue section couplable to the other one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, the tongue section being configured to engage the groove section to engage the distal portion and the proximal portion of the handle together, the mechanical connection assembly being operable between an unlocked configuration, wherein the tongue section is free to engage and disengage the groove section, and a locked configuration, where
  • the groove section comprises at least one groove and the tongue section comprises at least one corresponding tongue engageable with the at least one groove.
  • the at least one groove comprises a plurality of grooves spaced about the one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, and wherein the at least one corresponding tongue comprises a plurality of tongues spaced about the other one of the proximal connection end and the distal connection end, the plurality of tongues being configured to engage respective ones of the plurality of grooves.
  • the at least one groove successively comprises an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section respectively enabling axial and rotational movement of the at least one corresponding tongue along the at least one groove.
  • the axial pathway section of each groove of the at least one groove comprises an inlet having an inlet width larger than an axial pathway section width to define an alignment feature to facilitate insertion of a corresponding tongue of the at least one corresponding tongue into the groove.
  • the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the at least one groove along the axial pathway section.
  • the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the at least one groove section along the radial pathway section.
  • the axial pathway section and the radial pathway section together define a substantially L-shaped groove.
  • the at least one groove comprises a recess extending from the radial pathway section configured to hold and retain the at least one corresponding tongue therein for operation of the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.
  • the recess and the axial pathway section are generally parallel to one another.
  • the in the locked configuration, the at least one corresponding tongue is positioned within the recess.
  • the axial pathway section, the radial pathway section and the recess together define a J-shaped pathway.
  • the groove section comprises an outer surface with the at least one groove being defined about the outer surface of the groove section, and wherein the tongue section comprises an inner surface, the at least one corresponding tongue extending radially inwardly from the inner surface.
  • the inner surface of the tongue section is configured to slidably contact the outer surface of the groove section upon engagement of the at least one corresponding tongue into the at least one groove.
  • an outer diameter of the groove section is less than an outer diameter of the tongue section to enable insertion of the groove section into the tongue section.
  • the groove section and the tongue section are configured to define a sealed interface therebetween when operating the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.
  • the proximal portion comprises a tubular casing configured to house the power source, the tongue section being coupled at a first end of the tubular casing, opposite the operative end.
  • the tongue section is removably coupled to the first end of the tubular casing.
  • the electrical connection assembly comprises: a proximal electrical assembly coupled to the proximal portion of the handle and having a proximal connector; and a distal electrical assembly coupled to the distal portion and having a distal connector; the proximal connector and the distal connector being configured to be in electrical communication with each other upon operation of the mechanical connection assembly in the locked configuration.
  • the proximal electrical assembly comprises a power PCB operatively coupled to the power source, the proximal connector being operatively coupled to the power PCB such that the distal connector is configured to be operatively coupled to the power PCB via the proximal connector.
  • the proximal connector is provided within the tongue section of the mechanical connection assembly.
  • the distal portion comprises a distal casing configured to house the distal electrical assembly of the electrical connection assembly, and wherein the distal electrical assembly comprises a relay PCB operatively coupled to the distal connector and extending along the distal casing and into the head portion for establishing electrical communication with the medical instrument operating component.
  • the groove section is removably coupled to the distal connection end opposite the head-receiving end of the distal portion.
  • the distal connector is connected to the groove section of the mechanical connection assembly.
  • one of the distal connector and the proximal connector comprises at least one connection pin, and wherein the other one of the distal connector and the proximal connector comprises at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.
  • the distal connector comprises the at least one connector point
  • the proximal connector comprises the at least one connection pin
  • the at least one connector point is arcuate and configured to enable relative rotation between the distal and proximal connectors while maintaining electrical engagement between the at least one connector point and the at least one connection pin.
  • the at least one connection pin comprises a pogo-pin.
  • the medical instrument further comprises a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with one or more devices, the wireless transceiver being provided proximate the operative end of the proximal portion and operatively coupled to the power source.
  • the wireless transceiver is operatively coupled to the power source via the power PCB.
  • the medical instrument further comprises an operative end cap connectable to the operative end of the proximal portion, the operative end cap being shaped and configured to cover the wireless transceiver and being made of a cap material that facilitates a transmission of electromagnetic waves.
  • the medical instrument is a dental instrument.
  • the medical instrument operating component comprises a dental mirror and one or more sub-components.
  • the one or more sub-component comprises one or more of a camera, a heating system, light sources and a processor.
  • the one or more sub-component comprises a processor
  • the operative end further comprises a support plate comprising a longitudinally extending plate to receive the processor thereon.
  • the support plate is made of a heat dissipation material.
  • the medical instrument further comprises a thermally conductive glue provided between the longitudinally extending plate and the processor.
  • the support plate further comprises a proximal casing engaging feature provided distally from the longitudinally extending plate and having an outer surface.
  • a thermally conductive glue provided between the outer surface of the proximal casing engaging feature and the proximal casing to dissipate heat.
  • the power source is housed within the proximal portion of the handle.
  • the medical instrument comprises one or more features as described herein.
  • a medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a head-receiving end and a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end and an operative end; a head portion coupled to a head-receiving end of the distal portion, the head portion comprising a medical instrument operating component; a mechanical connection assembly operable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, the mechanical connection assembly comprising: a first cooperative section defined proximate the proximal connection end of the proximal portion, the first cooperative section defining a continuous pathway successively comprising an axial pathway section and a radial pathway section; and a second cooperative section provided proximate the distal connection end of the distal portion and configured to engage the first cooperative section and travel along the continuous pathway.
  • the first cooperative section comprises a groove section defining a groove and the second cooperative section comprises a tongue section comprising a tongue, or vice versa.
  • the tongue in the unlocked configuration, is located along the axial pathway section of the continuous pathway to enable disconnection of the proximal portion and the distal portion from one another.
  • the tongue in the locked configuration, is located along the radial pathway section of the continuous pathway to prevent disconnection of the proximal portion and distal portion from one another without a rotation of the distal portion or the proximal portion of the handle.
  • the axial pathway section and the radial pathway section of the continuous pathway together define a substantially L-shaped continuous pathway.
  • the continuous pathway further comprises a recess extending from the radial pathway section.
  • the recess and the axial pathway section are generally parallel to one another.
  • the axial pathway section, the radial pathway section and the recess of the continuous pathway together define a substantially J-shaped continuous pathway.
  • the tongue in the locked configuration, is located in the recess of the continuous pathway to prevent disconnection of the proximal portion and the distal portion from one another without an axial movement of the proximal portion of the handle relative to the distal portion.
  • continuous pathway section is arcuate.
  • the medical instrument further comprises: a power source housed within the handle; and an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between the power source and the medical instrument operating component when the mechanical connection assembly is in the locked configuration.
  • the medical instrument comprises one or more features as described herein.
  • a medical instrument comprising: a handle comprising: a distal portion having a distal connection end; and a proximal portion having a proximal connection end removably connectable to the distal connection end; a connection assembly for removably engaging the distal connection end and the proximal connection end together; an electrical connection assembly configured to establish electrical communication between a power source and the operating component, the electrical connection assembly comprising: a distal connector provided at the distal connection end and a proximal connector provided at the proximal connection end, the proximal and distal connectors being configured to be in electrical communication with each other; wherein one of the distal and proximal connectors comprises at least one connection pin, and wherein the other one of the distal and proximal connectors comprises at least one connector point configured to be electrically engageable with the at least one connection pin.
  • the distal connector comprises the at least one connector point
  • the proximal connector comprises the at least one connection pin
  • the at least one connector point is arcuate and configured to enable relative rotation between the distal and proximal connectors while maintaining electrical engagement between the at least one connector point and the at least one connection pin.
  • the at least one connection pin comprises a pogo-pin.
  • the dental instrument further comprises a medical instrument operating component configured to be in electrical communication with the power source.
  • the medical instrument further comprises a head portion coupled to a head-receiving end of the distal portion located opposite the distal connection end, wherein the medical instrument operating component is provided in the head portion.
  • the medical instrument further comprises the power source, and wherein the power source is housed within the proximal portion of the handle.
  • the medical instrument is a dental instrument.
  • the medical instrument operating component comprises one or more of a camera, a heating system, light sources and a processor.
  • the medical instrument comprises one or more features as described herein.
  • Figs 1 to 19 illustrate various views related to aspects and implementations of the system and units described herein.
  • Fig 1 is a perspective view of a dental instrument including a head portion and a handle.
  • Fig 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dental instrument of Fig 1 , showing a proximal portion and a distal portion of the handle having a longitudinal axis A, and a mechanical assembly to enable connection of the proximal portion with the distal portion.
  • Fig 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dental instrument of Fig 2 showing a first cooperative section configured to be coupled to a distal end of the proximal portion and a second cooperative section configured to be coupled to a proximal end of the distal portion.
  • Fig 3A is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first cooperative section configured to be coupled to the distal end of the proximal portion and the second cooperative section configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the distal portion.
  • Fig 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first cooperative section and the second cooperative section shown in Fig 3A.
  • Fig 5 is an enlarged exploded side view of the first cooperative section configured to be coupled to the distal end of the proximal portion and the second cooperative section configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the distal portion shown in Fig 3A.
  • Figs 6A to 6J are example pathways that can be defined on a first cooperative section along which a tongue of a second cooperative section can be configured to travel when coupling the distal portion and the proximal portion of the handle together.
  • Fig 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dental instrument of Fig 2 showing a first cooperative section configured to be coupled to a distal end of the proximal portion and a second cooperative section configured to be coupled to a proximal end of the distal portion, and a battery.
  • Fig 8 is a perspective view of the battery of Fig 7.
  • Fig 9 is a perspective exploded view of the battery of Fig 7, showing a power PCB, a proximal connector and a transceiver.
  • Fig 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the dental instrument of Fig 1.
  • Fig 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the dental instrument of Fig 10, showing a proximal connector and a distal connector operatively engaged and a relay PCB.
  • Fig 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a tongue section including a proximal coupling side and a tongue connection side, with tongues being provided on the tongue connection side and the proximal coupling side including an extension defining a power PCB receiving cavity.
  • Fig 12 is an enlarged exploded front perspective view of the first cooperative section and the second cooperative section shown in Fig 3A and a proximal connector provided between first cooperative section and the second cooperative section.
  • Fig 13 is an enlarged exploded back perspective view of the first cooperative section and the second cooperative section shown in Fig 3A and a proximal connector provided between first cooperative section and the second cooperative section, the first cooperative section including a distal connector having connection points.
  • Fig 14 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first cooperative section and the distal connector of Fig 14, and relay connection points configured to be operatively coupled to the distal connector.
  • Fig 15 is an enlarged side view of the distal connection end of the dental instrument of Fig 4.
  • Fig 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the distal connection end of Fig 15, showing the engagement between the distal connector, the relay PCB and the relay connection points.
  • Fig 17 is a side view of a first cooperative section including a groove section having a groove connection side and a distal coupling side, the distal coupling side including an outwardly extending protrusion and a seal.
  • Fig 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the groove section of Fig 17.
  • Fig 19 is a side perspective view of an operative end including a support plate having a longitudinally extending plate and a proximal casing engaging feature.
  • the present disclosure describes devices, systems and methods for assisting health care providers, such as dentists and dental hygienists, to perform various procedures.
  • the present disclosure describes medical instruments, such as dental instruments, provided with a connection assembly configured to enable structural assembly of the medical instrument while simultaneously enabling electrical connection between various components of the dental instrument.
  • the connection assembly can include a mechanical connection assembly and an electrical connection assembly configured to cooperate with each other such that operation of the mechanical connection assembly can enable establishing an electrical connection between different components of the electrical connection assembly.
  • the mechanical connection assembly can be operated in a locked configuration for securing and maintaining the electrical connection provided by the electrical connection assembly, and an unlocked configuration facilitating the disengagement of the different components of the electrical connection assembly.
  • the medical instrument is exemplified as a dental instrument. It is to be understood that the description of the various features of the dental instrument presented herein is also application to other types of medical instruments, and that for sake of conciseness, the expression “dental instrument” can thus be understood as encompassing other types of medical instruments.
  • the dental instrument includes an elongated handle having a distal portion and a proximal portion configured to be removably connectable to one another via the mechanical connection assembly.
  • the dental instrument can also include a head portion coupled at one end of the distal portion, the head portion typically providing a medical instrument operating component (e.g., a functional part of the medical instrument), which can also be referred to as a dental instrument operating component if the medical instrument is a dental instrument.
  • the dental instrument operating component can be for instance a dental mirror that can include various types of sub-components. Examples of sub-components can include for instance a camera, light sources, a heating system, a processor, etc.
  • the handle is configured to house a power source, which is operatively coupled to the electrical components of the dental instrument via the electrical connection assembly.
  • the power source can be housed within the proximal portion of the handle and can be configured to provide power to one or more of the sub-components of the medical instrument operating component via the electrical connection assembly upon operation of the mechanical connection assembly to assemble the handle by connecting the proximal and distal portions together.
  • the dental instrument 10 corresponds to a dental mirror 12, although other medical instruments, dental instruments or types of tools can be used and are within the scope of the present description.
  • the dental instrument 10 includes a handle 14 enabling the dental instrument 10 to be grasped and handled by a user (e.g., a dentist), and a head portion 18 coupled to the handle 14.
  • the head portion 18 typically includes the functional part of the dental instrument 10, which can be for instance a sickle, a scaler, a dental pick, a probe, a cleaner, a scraper, a mirror, etc.
  • the head portion 18 includes a mirror 19 configured to assist the user in viewing the interior of the patient’s mouth during certain procedures.
  • the handle 14 includes a distal portion 20 and a proximal portion 22 connectable to one another.
  • the distal portion 20 has a head-receiving end 24 configured to receive and connect with the head portion 18, and a distal connection end 26.
  • the proximal portion 22 has an operative end 28 (e.g., the end of the dental instrument opposite the head portion 18) and a proximal connection end 30.
  • the distal and proximal connection ends 26, 30 are configured to be removably connectable to one another to enable selective connection and disconnection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 20, 22 of the handle 14.
  • the dental instrument 10 includes a connection assembly 32 configured to engage the different structural components of the dental instrument 10 together (e.g., the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14) and establish electrical connections between components coupled to and/or housed within the different structural components.
  • a connection assembly 32 configured to engage the different structural components of the dental instrument 10 together (e.g., the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14) and establish electrical connections between components coupled to and/or housed within the different structural components.
  • connection assembly 32 includes a mechanical connection assembly 34 configured for enabling connection between the different structural components of the dental instrument.
  • the connection assembly 32 also includes an electrical connection assembly 36 (see Figs 7 to 9) configured for enabling the electrical connections between different components of the dental instrument 10.
  • the head portion 18 can include a light source, a camera, a sensor, a heating system, etc., as sub-components of the dental instrument operating component, such sub-components requiring power (e.g., an electrical connection) to operate.
  • Examples of light sources, a camera and a heating system provided in the head portion of a dental instrument are detailed in PCT Application Nos. PCT/CA2023/051642 and PCT/CA2024/051700, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 includes cooperative sections configured to removably connect to one another.
  • a first cooperative section can be coupled to one of the proximal connection end 30 and the distal connection end 26, and a second cooperative section can be coupled to the other one of the proximal and distal connection ends. It is thus appreciated that the proximal and distal connection ends 26, 30, and therefore the proximal and distal portions 20, 22 of the handle 14, can be removably engaged to one another.
  • the first cooperative section can include a groove section 38 provided with grooves 40
  • the second cooperative section can include a tongue section 42 provided with tongues 44 (shown in Fig 4) shaped and sized to engage respective grooves 40.
  • the tongues 44 are configured to engage the grooves 40 in order to engage the groove section 38 with the tongue section 42, thereby connecting the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 is operable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.
  • the tongue section 42 In the unlocked configuration, the tongue section 42 is free to engage and disengage the groove section 38, for instance via an axial movement of the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 relative to the distal portion 20, which in turn can enable disconnection of the distal portion 20 from the proximal portion 22.
  • the tongue section 42 In the locked configuration, the tongue section 42 can be prevented from disengaging the groove section 38, thereby preventing disconnection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 from one another.
  • the electrical connection assembly 34 is configured to establish various electrical connections throughout the dental instrument 10 upon connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together. Therefore, operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 in the locked configuration can assist in maintaining and securing electrical connections established by the electrical connection assembly 34.
  • the groove section 38 is connectable to the distal connection end 26 of the distal portion 20 while the tongue section 42 is connectable to the proximal connection end 30 of the proximal portion 22.
  • the groove section 38 is removably coupled to the corresponding handle portion (e.g., the distal portion 20) and includes a distal coupling side 45 configured to engage and connect to the distal portion 20, and a groove connection side 46, opposite the distal coupling side 45, provided with one or more of the grooves 40.
  • the tongue section 42 can be removably coupled to the corresponding handle portion (e.g., the proximal portion 22) and includes a proximal coupling side 47 configured to engage and connect to the proximal portion 22 of the handle, and a tongue connection side 48 provided with one or more of the tongues 44 (shown in Figs 4, 11 and 12).
  • the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 can include a corresponding number of grooves 40 and tongues 44.
  • the groove section 38 defines three (3) grooves 40 spaced from one another about the groove connection side 46
  • the tongue section 42 includes three (3) corresponding tongues 44 spaced apart from one another about the tongue connection side 48. Therefore, each tongue 44 can be configured to engage a corresponding groove 40, each defining a tongue-and-groove connection.
  • Other configurations are possible, such as having a different number of pairs of grooves 40 and tongues 44.
  • the grooves 40 and tongues 44 can be spaced from one another at regular intervals about respective sections, although irregular spacing is possible and may be implemented.
  • the grooves 40 are spaced about an outer surface 39 of the groove section 38, and the tongues 44 are spaced about an inner surface 43 of the tongue section 42.
  • the tongue connection side 48 of the tongue section 42 can be substantially hollow, defining an interior volume configured to receive the groove connection side 46 of the groove section 38 therein. It is thus noted that the outer diameter (OD) of the groove connection side 46 is equal or less than the inner diameter (ID) of the tongue connection side 48. This configuration enables the groove connection side 46 to engage and extend within the interior volume of the tongue connection side 48.
  • the tongues 44 extend radially inwardly into the interior volume and are configured to engage respective grooves 40 upon engagement of the groove connection side 46 within the tongue connection side 48.
  • the relative shape and size of the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 can enable the inner surface 43 of the tongue connection side 48 and the outer surface 39 of the groove connection side 46 to contact one another.
  • the inner surface 43 of the tongue section 42 and the outer surface 39 of the groove section 38 can be configured to be in a sliding engagement with one another.
  • This configuration can define a snug fit between the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42, while enabling relative movement thereof to permit operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 from the unlocked to the locked configuration.
  • the tongue-and-groove connections are configured to enable operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 between the unlocked and locked configurations.
  • each groove 40 defines a pathway 50 along which a corresponding one of the tongues 44 is configured to travel when coupling the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together.
  • the pathway 50 successively includes an axial pathway section 52 shaped and configured to enable movement of the tongue 44 along the groove 40 in a first direction, and a radial pathway section 54, communicating with the axial pathway section 52 and shaped and configured to enable movement of the tongue 44 along the groove 40 in a second direction.
  • Each groove 40 also includes an inlet 55 communicating with the axial pathway section 52, and the groove section 38 further defines a terminus 57 at an end 56 of the radial pathway section 54.
  • each tongue 44 engages a corresponding groove 40 initially via a corresponding inlet 55, with the tongue 44 subsequently travelling along the pathway 50 towards the terminus 57 as the proximal portion 22 is engaged with the distal portion 20.
  • each one of the grooves 40 can have substantially identical shapes such that the tongues 44 can simultaneously engage and travel along corresponding grooves 40 in order to arrive at the corresponding terminuses 57 substantially simultaneously.
  • the substantially identical shape of the grooves 40 also enable any one of the tongues 44 to engage any one of the grooves 40, although other configurations are possible.
  • specific tongues can be designed to engage specific grooves in order to have the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 be in a predetermined selective rotational position relative to each other.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 can include an alignment feature 60 configured to assist in aligning the tongues 44 with the grooves 40, and thereby facilitate connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14. In the implementation shown in Figs 4 and 5, the tongue connection side
  • the 48 of the tongue section 42 includes a lip 62 extending past the tongues 44 towards a distal end 63 of the tongue section 42, the lip 60 corresponding to the alignment feature 60.
  • the lip 62 can be configured so as to define a same internal diameter (ID) as the rest of the tongue connection side 48, and defines the opening 65 into which the groove section 38 can be inserted to engage the interior volume of the tongue section 42.
  • the lip 62 is configured to contact the outer surface 39 of the groove connection side 46 prior to the tongues 44 engaging the grooves 40.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 can be axially aligned with one another by having the groove section 38 inserted into the opening 65 and by having the lip 62 contact and/or extend over the outer surface 39 of the groove connection side 46 of the groove section 38.
  • the tongues 44 if not aligned with the inlets 55, can abut against the groove connection side 46 (e.g., against a front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46), thereby preventing connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be rotated relative to each other until the tongues 44 align with corresponding inlets 55 for engaging the grooves 40.
  • the alignment feature 60 is further configured to assist in having the tongues 44 engage corresponding inlets 55.
  • each inlet 55 can include curved sidewalls 67 configured to join the front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46 in order to facilitate engagement of the tongues 44 into the groves 40. For instance, when attempting to engage the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together, the tongues 44 can be made to abut against the front surface
  • the terminus 57 is thus illustratively shown at the end of the groove 40, e.g., at the end of the recess 64.
  • the recess 64 can be sized and configured to receive and retain the tongue 44 therein.
  • the recess 64 can extend in a third direction transverse to the general direction of the radial pathway section 54 in order to hold a corresponding tongue 44 therein and prevent accidental and/or undesired disconnection of the proximal portion 22 from the distal portion 20 of the handle 14, for instance without pressing axially onto the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14.
  • the axial pathway section 52, the radial pathway section 54 and the recess 64 thus define the overall pathway 50 of the groove 40.
  • Figs 6A to 6J illustrate example implementations of pathways 50 for a groove 40.
  • the pathway 50 has a substantially J-shaped configuration, as shown in Figs 5 and 6A.
  • the pathway 50 has a substantially L- shaped configuration.
  • successively sliding the tongues 44 into the groove 40 in a first direction and then in a second direction having a different orientation than the first direction, and optionally within a recess can correspond to operating the mechanical connection assembly 34 to place the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 in the locked configuration.
  • the first direction can be defined by the axial pathway section 52 and the second direction can be defined by the radial pathway section 54, the axial pathway section 52 and the radial pathway section 54 having different orientations.
  • the axial pathway section 52 can extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (A) of the handle 14 (shown in Fig 2), and the radial pathway section 54 can extend substantially transversely relative to the axial pathway section 52.
  • the radial pathway section 54 can extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the axial pathway section 52.
  • the recess 64 illustratively extends from the radial pathway section 54 towards the front surface 49 of the groove connection side 46.
  • the recess 64 extends substantially transversely relative to the radial pathway section 54 and generally in the same direction as the axial pathway section 52.
  • the recess 64 and the axial pathway section 52 can be parallel to one another, although other configurations are possible.
  • various exemplary implementations of the pathway 50 of the groove 40 are illustrated. It is noted that the axial pathway section 52, the radial pathway section 54 and the recess 64 can extend from one another at any other suitable angles. Additionally, in some implementations, different portions of the pathway 50 can be defined by a single continuous section.
  • the recess 64 and the radial pathway section 54 are defined by a single continuous arcuate section of the pathway 50.
  • the axial pathway section 52, the radial pathway section 54 and the recess 64 are defined by a single continuous arcuate section of the pathway 50. It is appreciated that any other shapes, configurations or combinations thereof are possible for defining the groove 40 and associated pathway 50.
  • axial pathway section 52 and radial section pathway 54 and the recess 64 are illustrated as being relatively straight in Figs 5, 6A to 6D, 6F and 6G, it is to be understood that any one of these pathway sections can be at least partially arcuate such as shown in Figs 6E and 6H to 6J.
  • each tongue 44 in order to position the tongues 44 in corresponding recesses 64, the tongues 44 are axially inserted into the grooves 40 via the inlets 55. This step can be facilitated by the alignment feature 60, as previously described. Each tongue 44 then follows the pathway 50 of the groove 40 towards the terminus 57. Initially, each tongue 44 travels in the first direction along the axial pathway section 52, where the relative movement of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 relative to each other is axial (e.g., along the longitudinal axis (A)). Once at the end of the axial pathway section 52, such as at an intersection with the radial pathway section 54, each tongue 44 can keep travelling along the pathway 50 to engage the radial pathway section 54.
  • each tongue 44 travels in the second direction, such as a radial or circumferential direction (e.g., around a circumference of the groove section 38).
  • a radial or circumferential direction e.g., around a circumference of the groove section 38.
  • at least one of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be rotated relative to the other.
  • each tongue 44 can then engage the recess 64, and therefore travels in a third direction, such as an axial direction, for instance along the longitudinal axis (A).
  • the tongues 44 are configured to be received in corresponding recesses 64 and abut against an end surface of the terminus 57, thereby operatively engaging the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 together.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 can be considered as being in the locked configuration once the tongues 44 are received in respective recesses 64 (e.g., at the terminus 57 of their corresponding groove 40).
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle are at least partially locked together, where separation of these portions via an application of a force along the longitudinal axis (A) is prevented.
  • the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 are configured to define a sealed interface 70 (see Fig 1) therebetween when operating the mechanical connection assembly 34 in the locked configuration.
  • the forward edge of the tongue section 42 e.g., the lip 62
  • the mechanical connection between the groove section 38 and tongue section 42 enables establishing an electrical connection between different components of the dental instrument 10.
  • the sealed interface 70 can be configured to enable preventing impurities from infiltrating into cavities of the dental instrument 10 and/or into the interior volume of the tongue section 42 via the opening 65.
  • At least one of the lip 62 and the base 72 can be provided with a seal, such as an elastomeric element (e.g., an O-ring) configured to assist in providing the sealed interface 70.
  • the sealed interface 70 can be provided by the cooperation between the structure of the tongue section 42 (e.g., the lip 62) and the structure of the groove section 38 (e.g., the base 72).
  • the lip 62 and the base 72 can be held together by any suitable manner enabling sealing of interstices that could undesirably remain therebetween, such as via interference fit, for example.
  • the sealed interface 70 can be obtained following connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 to each other.
  • the lip 62 can be configured to extend over the base 72 as the tongues 44 travel from the axial pathway section 52 into the radial pathway section 54.
  • the lip 62 can be configured to extend over the base 72 proximate the end of the axial movement of the tongues 44 along corresponding axial pathway sections 52.
  • the lip 72 can be omitted, and the groove section 38 can define an annular region configured to receive a seal 74 therein, such as an O-ring seal.
  • the seal 74 can provide a tight engagement between the internal surface 41 of the tongue section 42 and the seal 74 of the groove section 38, enabling to seal the groove section 38 and the tongue section 42 together.
  • the distal coupling side 45 of the groove section can be further engageable with the tongue section 42 via a snap-fit configuration. In order to do so, the distal coupling side 45 can include an outwardly extending protrusion 75 configured to be received into a corresponding distal casing recess 77 defined on the inside surface of the distal casing 25.
  • both the seal 74 and the snap-fit provided by the combination of the outwardly extending protrusion 75 and the distal casing recess 77 can be present, while in other implementations, either one of the seal 74 and the snap-fit can be present.
  • the reverse order of movements described above can be followed.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be pushed (e.g., axially) towards each other in order to have the tongues 44 disengage the terminuses 57 and recesses 64 and reach the radial pathway sections 54.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can then be rotated to have the tongues 44 travel along the radial pathway sections 54 and reach the intersection with the axial pathway sections 52.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be pulled apart as the tongues 44 follow the axial pathway sections 52 to exit the grooves 40 via the inlets 55, thus disengaging the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 can be in the unlocked configuration when the tongues 44 are positioned along the axial pathway section 52 or the radial pathway section 54 of respective grooves 40, and in the locked configuration, the tongues 44 can be positioned and held within respective recesses 64, although other configurations are possible.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 can be in the unlocked configuration when the tongues 44 are positioned along the axial pathway section 52 of respective grooves 40, and in the locked configuration the tongues 44 can be positioned along the radial pathway section 54.
  • the electrical connection assembly 36 of the dental instrument 10 is configured to enable electrical connections between different components of the dental instrument 10.
  • the head portion 18 can include a medical instrument operating component 80 having a sub-component such as a light source, a camera, a sensor, a heating system, etc., configured to operate to perform a given task.
  • the electrical connection assembly 36 is thus configured to establish electrical connections to provide electrical power to one or more sub-components of the medical instrument operating component 80.
  • the dental instrument 10 is configured to house a power source 82 within one of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14.
  • the proximal portion 22 can define a generally hollow casing 23 shaped and sized to receive the power source 82 therein.
  • the power source 82 can be a battery 84 housed within the casing 23 of the proximal portion 22.
  • the power source can be provided as an external power source, for example.
  • the battery 84 can be rechargeable or disposable, for instance depending on the configuration of the dental instrument 10 and its intended use.
  • the battery 84 can be a lithium-ion battery.
  • the electrical connection assembly 36 can include a proximal electrical assembly 86 coupled to the proximal portion 22, and a distal electrical assembly 88 coupled to the distal portion 20.
  • the proximal electrical assembly 86 is operatively coupled to the power source 82 (e.g., the battery 84 housed within the proximal portion 22), while the distal electrical assembly 88 is operatively coupled to the medical instrument operating component 80. It is thus appreciated that establishing an electrical connection between the proximal electrical assembly 86 and the distal electrical assembly 88 can establish an electrical connection between the power source 82 and the medical instrument operating component 80.
  • the proximal electrical assembly 86 includes a proximal connector 90 and the distal electrical assembly 88 include a distal connector 92 (shown in Fig 13).
  • the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 are configured to be operatively connected to each other to establish electrical communication between the power source 82 and the medical instrument operating component 80.
  • the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 are operatively connected together during operation of the mechanical connection assembly, e.g., during connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14.
  • the proximal connector 90 can be coupled to (e.g., housed within) the tongue section 42 and the distal connector 92 can be coupled to the groove section 38 such that connecting the groove section 38 and the tongue sections 42 together can also connect the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 together.
  • the proximal electrical assembly 86 has an electrical connection that includes a power PCB 94 for establishing electrical communication between the proximal connector 90 and the power source 82.
  • the power PCB 94 is in electrical communication with the power source 82, and the proximal connector 90 is coupled to the power PCB 94 and is thus in electrical communication with the power source 82.
  • the battery 84 is positioned within the proximal casing 23 in a manner defining an annular region 85 therebetween, as shown in Fig 10A.
  • the power PCB 94 extends along the battery 84 within the annular region 85 in order to enable connection of the power PCB 94 at opposite ends of the battery 84.
  • the power PCB 94 is exemplified as a flex power PCB 95 having a power connection point 96 configured to connect with the proximal connector 90.
  • the proximal connector 90 is configured to be operatively coupled to the power PCB 94 via a connection with the power connection point
  • the proximal connector 90 is housed within the tongue section 42 of the mechanical connection assembly 34. More specifically, the proximal coupling side 47 of the tongue section 42 can include a proximal connector receiving cavity 98 configured to receive the proximal connector 90 therein.
  • the proximal connector receiving cavity 98 can include a seat 100 shaped and sized to have the proximal connector 90 abut thereon.
  • the seat 100 can be substantially ring-shaped, having an annular surface 102 defining a central aperture 104.
  • the proximal connector 90 can thus be positioned within the proximal coupling side 47 (e.g., within the proximal connector receiving cavity 98) and engage the seat 100 (e.g., the annular surface 102) to have at least a portion thereof extend through the central aperture 104 and connect with the power connection point 96.
  • the proximal connector receiving cavity 98 and the proximal connector 90 can have complementary shapes configured to enable engagement of the proximal connector 90 relative to the tongue section 42 in a predetermined position/configuration.
  • the proximal connector 90 can have a generally disk-shaped configuration and include a depression 114.
  • the proximal coupling side 47 can therefore include a complementary bulge or protuberance (not shown) extending from an inner surface thereof and configured to engage the depression 114, thus having the proximal connector 90 be positioned in the predetermined position.
  • the power connection point 96 can similarly extend within the proximal coupling side 47 to facilitate connection with the proximal connector 90.
  • the proximal coupling side 47 includes an extension 105 defining a power PCB receiving cavity 106 configured to receive at least a portion of the power PCB 94, 95 therein, including the power connection point 96.
  • the power PCB receiving cavity 106 is shaped and sized to position the power connection point 96 in general alignment with the central aperture 104 to facilitate connection with the proximal connector 90.
  • the power PCB receiving cavity 106 can similarly include a seat 110 having an annular surface 112 configured to have a portion of the power PCB 94, 95 abut thereon. It is noted that, in this implementation, both seats 100 and 110 are defined by a common structural feature and that the annular surfaces 102, 112 therefore correspond to opposite sides of the common structural feature. In other words, the proximal connector 90 and the power connection point 96 are configured to engage respective annular surfaces 102, 112 defined on opposite sides of the structure of the seat 110. It should also be noted that any one of the proximal connector 90 and the power connection point 96 can be configured to extend through the central aperture 104 to establish the electrical connection therebetween.
  • the distal electrical assembly 88 has an electrical connection that includes a relay PCB 120 for establishing the electrical communication between the distal connector 92 and the medical instrument operating component 80 (e.g., provided at the head portion of the dental instrument 10).
  • the relay PCB 120 is configured to establish electrical communication between the distal connector 92 and the medical instrument operating component 80.
  • the distal portion 20 can define a distal casing 25 shaped and sized to receive the relay PCB 120 therein.
  • the relay PCB 120 is positioned within the distal casing 25 and extends longitudinally along substantially an entire length thereof.
  • the relay PCB 120 can have a portion thereof protrude from the distal casing 25 (e.g., at the distal connection end 26) in order to extend within the groove section 38, and have another portion protrude at the opposite end (e.g., at the head-receiving end 24) to extend within the head portion 18, as shown in Fig 10.
  • the distal coupling side 45 of the groove section 38 defines a slot 122 sized and configured to receive the relay PCB 120 so that the relay PCB 120 can extend and engage the distal connector 92.
  • the distal connector 92 is operatively coupled to the groove connection side 46 and is received within an opening 125 defined in the groove connection side 46, as shown in Fig 14.
  • the opening 125 and the distal connector 92 can have complementary shapes configured to enable engagement of the distal connector 92 with the groove section 38 in a predetermined position/configuration.
  • the distal connector 92 has a generally disk-shaped configuration and includes a depression 126, and the opening 125 therefore includes a complementary bulge or protuberance 128 (shown in Fig 13) configured to engage the depression 126, thus having the distal connector 92 be positioned in the predetermined position.
  • the opening 125 can also include a seat 130 having a surface 132 configured to receive a portion of the distal connector 92 thereon.
  • the relay PCB 120 can extend through the groove section 38, and includes one or more relay connection points 124 configured to be operatively coupled to the distal connector 92. It should thus be understood that establishing an electrical connection between the distal connector 90 and the proximal connector 92 indirectly couples the medical instrument operating component 80 with the power source 82. More specifically, the power source 82 is operatively coupled to the proximal connector 90 via the power PCB 94, the proximal connector 90 is configured to be operatively coupled to the distal connector 92, as will be described below, and the distal connector 92 is operatively coupled to the medical instrument operating component 80 via the relay PCB 120.
  • one of the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 can include a connection pin 140, and the other one of the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 can include a corresponding connection point 142.
  • the connection pin 140 is configured to engage the connection point 142 to enable establishing electrical communication between the proximal and distal connectors 90, 92 (and thus between the power source 82 and the medical instrument operating component 80).
  • the proximal connector 90 includes a plurality of connection pins 140 (e.g., five (5) pins), and the distal connector 92 includes a corresponding number of connection points 142.
  • connection pins 140 and the connection points 142 be provided in a reverse configuration, with the connection pins 140 extending from the distal connector 92 to engage connection points 142 provided on the proximal connector 90.
  • the connection points 142 can be printed onto the distal connector 92.
  • the connection points 142 can be any suitable type of connection point, such as a socket or receptacle, configured to enable connection with the connection pins 140.
  • the connection pins 140 can be any suitable connection pin.
  • the connection pins 140 can have a connection pin height ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and a connection pin diameter ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm. It is to be noted that other dimensions are also possible.
  • each connection pin 140 includes a pogo-pin 144 provided with a spring-loaded pin head 146 to assist in establishing electrical communication between the proximal connector 90 and the distal connector 92 during operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 (e.g., during connection of the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 22 of the handle 14 together).
  • the connection points 142 can be elongated (i.e., in contrast to being circular), and arcuate so as to extend along an arc defined on the exposed surface of the distal connector 92.
  • This configuration can enable the spring-loaded pin heads 146 to remain in contact with respective connection points 142 during connection of the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 22 of the handle 14 together, and thus during rotation of the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 22 of the handle 14 relative to each other.
  • operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34 may involve both axial and radial (i.e., rotational) movements to engage the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together and place the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 in a locked configuration.
  • the mechanical connection assembly 34 and the electrical connection assembly 36 are configured to cooperate such that connecting the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 together simultaneously enables operatively connecting the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 to provide electrical power to the medical instrument operating component 80 provided at the head portion 18.
  • connection pins 140 are aligned with respective connection points 142.
  • the spring-loaded pin heads 146 engage with the connection points 142, thus establishing the electrical connection between the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90.
  • Pushing the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 further together can result in the spring-loaded pin heads 146 to retract (i.e., have their springs compress).
  • the spring-loaded pin heads 146 are configured in a way to not impede the mechanical connection of the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 while ensuring proper electrical connect with the connection points 142.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 can be rotated relative to each other in order to have the tongues 44 engage respective radial pathway sections 54.
  • the distance travelled by the tongues 44 along the radial pathway sections 54 can substantially correspond to the length of the elongated connection points 142.
  • the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 can be rotated relative to each other, thereby engaging the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 in a corresponding relative rotation.
  • the relative rotation of the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 correspondingly rotates the connection pins 140 relative to the connection points 142.
  • connection points 142 enable this rotational movement without disconnecting the connection pins 140 from to the connection points 142, and thus without disconnecting the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 from one another.
  • the elongated and arcuate configuration of the connection points 142 enables operation of the mechanical connection assembly 34, and prevents disconnection of the distal connector 92 and the proximal connector 90 of the electrical connection assembly 36.
  • the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can extend back out (e.g., partially or completely).
  • the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can push against the distal connector 92, therefore creating a force to maintain the tongues 44 in respective recesses 64 and in engagement with respective terminuses 57. Accordingly, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can assist in maintaining the mechanical connection assembly 34 in the locked configuration. In this implementation, the spring- loaded pin heads 146 can also assist in disconnecting the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 of the handle 14 from one another. For instance, upon disengaging the tongues 44 from the recesses 64 and travelling along the radial pathway section 54, the spring-loaded pin heads 146 have retracted and therefore generate a greater force by pushing against the distal connector 92.
  • the spring-loaded pin heads 146 can extend back out, with the greater force assisting in pushing the tongues 44 out the grooves 40 and separating the distal portion 20 and the proximal portion 22 from each other.
  • the dental instrument 10 can include a transceiver 150 configured to communicate with external devices.
  • the transceiver 150 can include an antenna 152 provided in the handle 14 of the dental instrument 10 for communicating wirelessly with external devices via any suitable wireless communication methods, such as Wi-Fi, BluetoothTM, etc.
  • the antenna 152 can also be configured to communicate with components of the electrical connection assembly 36 such as the power source 82, the power PCB 94, 95 via a wired and/or direct connection.
  • the transceiver 150 is provided at the operative end 28 of the proximal portion 22, but other configurations are possible.
  • the transceiver 150 is positioned proximate the power source 82 (e.g., the battery 84) and can be connected thereto to be in electrical communication therewith.
  • the transceiver 150 can also be operatively coupled to the medical instrument operating component 80 or a sub-component thereof (e.g., a light source, a camera, a sensor, a heating system, etc.) via the electrical connections established by the electrical connection assembly 36. It is thus noted that the medical instrument operating component 80 can communicate with external devices via the transceiver 150. For example, data gathered by the medical instrument operating component 80 can be communicated and displayed on an external device, such as a TV, a phone, a computer, a tablet, etc., which can assist the user manipulating the dental instrument 10 during the dental procedure being performed.
  • an external device such as a TV, a phone, a computer, a tablet, etc.
  • the operative end 28 of the proximal portion 22 can include a support plate 170 including a longitudinally extending plate 172 configured to enable abutment of a processor (not shown) thereon, either directly or indirectly.
  • the longitudinally extending plate 172 can thus have a role of structural support for the processor (or another component of the operative end 28).
  • the support plate 70 can be made of a material that facilitates heat dissipation.
  • the support plate 170 can be made a material such as aluminum.
  • a thermally conductive glue can be placed between the processor and the support plate 170 to further contribute to dissipating heat.
  • Other types of heat sinks or heat dissipation approaches enabling heat dissipation to ensure maintaining a proper functioning of the various components of the operative end 28, including the processor, can also be implemented and are within the scope of the present description.
  • the support plate 170 can further include a proximal casing engaging feature 174, provided distally from the longitudinally extending plate 172, and a thermally conductive glue can be placed onto the outer surface 176 of the proximal casing engaging feature 174 to facilitate heat dissipation from the various components of the operative end 28 to the proximal casing 23, thereby cooling the operative end 28 of the dental instrument 12.
  • the transceiver 150 can include an integrated microphone 155 enabling various operations to be performed via voice commands, for example.
  • a user can dictate observations made during a given dental procedure, which in turn can be automatically transcribed, displayed and/or saved to an external device, for instance. The dental procedure being performed therefore does not have to be interrupted to manually take notes.
  • the microphone 155 can also enable voice-activated commands in relation with, for example, the medical instrument operating component 80.
  • the medical instrument operating component 80 can include a light source which can be turned on and off via voice commands. Other operational components can be similarly voice-activated, either together with the other medical instrument operating components (if any) or independently therefrom.
  • the dental instrument 10 includes an operative end cap 160 configured to engage the top end of the proximal casing 23 and cover the transceiver 150.
  • the operative end cap 160 can be made of any suitable material enabling wireless communication between the transceiver 150 and external devices.
  • Other portions of the handle 14 can be made of a similar material, although different materials can be used for selected parts of the dental instrument 10.
  • the handle 14 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or titanium, and the operative end cap 160 can be made of a polymer.
  • Coupled can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used.
  • the terms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanical or electrical connotation.
  • the terms coupled, coupling or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.
  • an implementation is an example or implementation of the described features.
  • the various appearances of “one implementation,” “an implementation” or “some implementations” do not necessarily all refer to the same implementations.
  • various features may be described in the context of a single implementation, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination.
  • the dental instrument and/or the associated components may be described herein in the context of separate implementations for clarity, it may also be embodied in a single implementation.
  • Reference in the specification to “some implementations”, “an implementation”, “one implementation”, or “other implementations”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementations is included in at least some implementations, but not necessarily in all implementations.
  • the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying figures comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the tool as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations therebetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the system, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un instrument médical, tel qu'un instrument dentaire. L'instrument médical comprend une partie poignée et une partie tête, et peut comprendre un ensemble de connexion mécanique pouvant fonctionner dans une configuration déverrouillée et une configuration verrouillée. L'ensemble de connexion mécanique comprend une première section coopérative et une seconde section coopérative. La première section coopérative peut comprendre une voie comprenant successivement une section de voie axiale et une section de voie radiale, et la seconde section coopérative est configurée pour venir en prise avec la première section coopérative et se déplacer le long de la voie. L'instrument médical peut également comprendre un ensemble de connexion électrique qui comprend un connecteur distal et un connecteur proximal, l'un des connecteurs distal et proximal comprenant au moins une broche de connexion, et l'autre des connecteurs distal et proximal comprenant au moins un point de connecteur configuré pour venir en prise électriquement avec l'au moins une broche de connexion.
PCT/CA2025/050274 2024-02-28 2025-02-28 Instrument dentaire à source d'alimentation intégrée Pending WO2025184725A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463558745P 2024-02-28 2024-02-28
US63/558,745 2024-02-28

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WO2025184725A1 true WO2025184725A1 (fr) 2025-09-12
WO2025184725A8 WO2025184725A8 (fr) 2025-10-02

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060052664A1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2006-03-09 Julian Christopher A Connector device for a controllable instrument
US20080124671A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2008-05-29 Bao Luu Nguyen In situ powered hand dental instrument
US20120197190A1 (en) * 2011-01-31 2012-08-02 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices having releasable coupling
US20220409036A1 (en) * 2016-05-26 2022-12-29 Dental Smartmirror, Inc. Using an intraoral mirror with an integrated camera to record dental status, and applications thereof

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060052664A1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2006-03-09 Julian Christopher A Connector device for a controllable instrument
US20080124671A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2008-05-29 Bao Luu Nguyen In situ powered hand dental instrument
US20120197190A1 (en) * 2011-01-31 2012-08-02 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices having releasable coupling
US20220409036A1 (en) * 2016-05-26 2022-12-29 Dental Smartmirror, Inc. Using an intraoral mirror with an integrated camera to record dental status, and applications thereof

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