KR102532129B1 - Dental device of using Ultrasound Generation Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental device using ultrasound is disclosed. The cartridge unit has a detachable structure from the body unit and has an ultrasonic generating element provided in a recessed shape on the front surface. The ultrasonic generating element generates at least two types of ultrasonic signals at a resonance frequency. To this end, the ultrasonic generating element generates a first ultrasonic signal that does not form a focus through the first ultrasonic generating region and generates a second ultrasonic signal having at least one focus through the second ultrasonic generating region. Through this, it is possible to supply ultrasonic energy to a wider area or affected area.

Description

Dental device using ultrasonic generation device {Dental device of using Ultrasound Generation Device}

The present invention relates to a dental apparatus, and more particularly, to a dental apparatus using an ultrasonic generating element.

Fields using ultrasound have recently been widely used due to non-invasive advantages in medical, cosmetic and environmental treatment fields. In particular, the field of skin beauty using an ultrasonic focusing function has recently been actively researched. Ultrasonic waves focused into the skin deliver heat to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which is the root cause of wrinkles, and improve wrinkles by contracting or coagulating skin tissue by the supplied heat.

An ultrasonic focusing element that generates ultrasonic waves and focuses them on a specific point is made of a piezoelectric material and is focused on a specific point by an optical principle. To this end, the ultrasound focusing element has a spherical lens shape. In general, light passing through a spherical lens has a different focal length depending on the wavelength, and the focal length decreases as the wavelength increases. According to this optical principle, when a voltage is applied to a conventional ultrasonic focusing element, ultrasonic energy generated in the thickness vibration mode is concentrated at the center of a radius of curvature, and a focusing operation is performed.

On the other hand, since the ultrasonic focusing element made of a piezoelectric material has a maximum displacement at a resonance frequency, when applied to a specific device and driven, a signal having a predetermined amplitude and resonance frequency must be supplied. When a signal having a resonance frequency is supplied to the ultrasonic focusing element, resonance is generated through a change in the thickness direction of the ultrasonic focusing element, the resonance frequency is changed according to the thickness, and ultrasonic waves vibrating at the same frequency as the applied resonance frequency are generated. let it

When a conventional disk-shaped or lens-shaped ultrasonic focusing element is driven in the thickness vibration mode, the maximum displacement occurs at the resonance point in the thickness direction. In addition, depending on the type of piezoelectric material, the ultrasonic focusing element has a unique frequency constant, and the frequency constant may be expressed by Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, Nt is a frequency constant, f _r is a primary resonant frequency, and t is the thickness of the specimen. The resonant frequency according to the thickness of the specimen is determined by Equation 1 above. For example, if the frequency constant is 2100, the thickness of the piezoelectric material having a resonant frequency of 2 MHz in the thickness direction is determined by Equation 2 below.

That is, it can be seen that in order to manufacture an ultrasonic focusing element having a resonant frequency in the thickness direction of 2 MHz, the thickness of the piezoelectric material constituting the element must be 1.05 mm. In addition, the ultrasonic focusing element having a desired resonant frequency may be manufactured by changing the frequency constant by changing the composition or material of the piezoelectric material constituting the ultrasonic focusing element.

In this way, the ultrasonic focusing element for ultrasonic focusing can be designed to have a desired focal length by using the principle of a spherical lens and the frequency constant of the thickness vibration mode. That is, it is possible to manufacture an ultrasonic focusing device having a desired frequency and focal length by adjusting the thickness to have a desired resonant frequency and fabricating a hemispherical device having a spherical surface.

In addition, the point where ultrasonic focusing occurs coincides with the radius of curvature of the hemispherical ultrasonic focusing element. In addition, since the focal length is inversely proportional to the wavelength, the ultrasonic focusing distance from the skin can be adjusted by changing the frequency. Therefore, the focal length of the ultrasonic focusing element having the same radius of curvature is changed according to the generation frequency. The focal length follows Equation 3 below.

In Equation 3, f represents the focal length, d represents the diameter of the lens, and λ represents the wavelength. In Equation 3, since the shorter the wavelength, the longer the focal length, the depth of penetration under the skin can be adjusted by changing the frequency. However, when the frequency is increased, an airy disk becomes smaller and a high focusing speed can be obtained.

On the other hand, in the case of an oral structure including a material that is easy to transmit ultrasonic waves, such as a tooth made of ceramic material surrounded by a gum, and a weak skin such as gums, fine adjustment of the shape and focusing strength of the ultrasonic focusing element is required. . In the case of a conventional ultrasonic toothbrush, a square-shaped ultrasonic element is inserted into a head portion into which bristles are inserted, and ultrasonic vibration energy is transmitted to the bristles. Toothbrushes that induce such a cavitation effect are commercially available, but the loss of ultrasonic waves during transmission is severe, and thus the therapeutic effect on inflammation such as periodontal disease is reduced. That is, in order to treat inflammation, it is efficient to treat pain by applying thermal energy to an inflamed area, but it is difficult to apply a thermal effect to a specific area when using an existing toothbrush head. In addition, conventional ultrasound focusing devices used to improve skin wrinkles have a side effect of focusing ultrasound on one point and supplying excessive heat energy to necrosis normal cells, and thus have a problem in stability.

A technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a dental device capable of treating the affected area by supplying ultrasonic energy to a wider affected area.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, the present invention uses an ultrasonic generating element that generates two types of ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic generating element is provided in a recessed form from the surface of the cartridge part, and supplies ultrasonic energy to a wide affected area through it.

According to the present invention described above, the dental apparatus has an ultrasonic focusing element capable of simultaneously driving a plane wave and a focused wave. A user may operate the dental appliance by using a water or gel-type medium on teeth and gums in the oral cavity. Through this, it is possible to induce a thermal effect and a cavitation phenomenon in the affected area, and treat dental diseases by focusing ultrasound on an appropriate area.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a dental appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cartridge portion of Figure 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view illustrating the ultrasonic generating element of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
4 is another cross-sectional view and a plan view illustrating the ultrasonic generating element of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ultrasonic generating element shown in Figure 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention may have various changes and various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed form, and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. Like reference numerals have been used for like elements throughout the description of each figure.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, they should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. don't

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail.

Example

1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a dental appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the dental apparatus according to the present embodiment has a cartridge unit 100 and a body unit 200 .

The cartridge unit 100 has a detachable structure from the body unit 200, receives a driving signal from the body unit 200, and performs an ultrasonic focusing operation. To this end, the cartridge unit 100 has a cartridge housing 110, an ultrasonic generating element 120, and a cartridge fastening unit 130.

The cartridge housing 110 surrounds the outer periphery of the cartridge unit 100 and may be provided in the form of a polymer material as a material having insulating properties. In addition, the ultrasonic generating element 120 is attached to the distal end of the cartridge housing 110 . For example, the cartridge housing 110 and the ultrasonic generating element 120 are attached to and connected to each other by an adhesive such as epoxy.

The ultrasonic generating element 120 attached to the distal end of the cartridge housing 110 generates ultrasonic waves by a driving signal supplied from the main body 200 . The driving signal supplied to the ultrasonic generating element 120 has a unique resonance frequency of the ultrasonic generating element 120. In particular, the resonant frequency may have two or more values depending on the material and shape of the ultrasonic generating element 120 . In addition, predetermined wires may be connected to both surfaces of the ultrasonic generating element 120 . For example, two wires are connected to one surface and the other surface opposite thereto, and the ultrasonic generating element 120 performs an ultrasonic generating operation by an AC signal defined by the two wires. The wires are wired through the inner space of the cartridge defined by the cartridge housing 110 .

The cartridge fastening part 130 may be fastened to the body part 200 . The aspect coupled with the body portion 200 is provided in various forms. That is, it is easy to attach and detach between the cartridge unit 100 and the body unit 200, and any structure that can transmit a driving signal from the body unit 200 to the cartridge unit 100 will be possible. In particular, if the cartridge unit 100 is attachable and detachable from the main body unit 200 using the cartridge fastening unit 130, various frequencies can be provided through various selections of the cartridge unit 100.

For example, a cartridge unit to which an ultrasonic generating element having a different resonance frequency is attached may be detached from the body unit. Through this, it is possible to select a cartridge unit suitable for the depth of dental disease and the affected area and connect it to the main body unit 200, and supply ultrasonic waves to the affected unit according to a driving signal supplied from the main body unit 200.

The body part 200 has a body fastening part 210, a circuit part 220 and a power supply part 230.

The body fastening part 210 is coupled with the cartridge fastening part 130 . In addition, the driving signal supplied from the circuit unit 220 is transmitted to the cartridge unit 100 through the coupling.

The circuit unit 220 generates a driving signal. In addition, the circuit unit 220 generates a driving signal by changing the frequency or amplitude of the power signal supplied from the power supply unit 230 . In addition, the circuit unit 220 may receive a control signal from the outside through a control button attached to the body unit 200 or a control signal remotely applied from the outside and control the driving signal.

For example, the amplitude of the driving signal may be adjusted by the control signal, and the frequency level of the driving signal may also be changed.

In addition, the circuit unit 220 may check the power supplied to the ultrasonic generator through the driving signal, and adjust the frequency or amplitude of the driving signal so that the applied power has a value within a predetermined lower limit and upper limit. there is. This is provided so that the ultrasonic generating element 120 is made of a piezoelectric material, limits the power supplied during resonance mode operation, or satisfies the requirements of a user or operator.

The power supply unit 230 receives commercial power applied from the outside. For example, if commercial power has a frequency of 60 Hz and an RMS value of 220 V, the power supply unit 230 receives it and supplies power necessary for the circuit unit 220 to generate a driving signal. To this end, the power supply unit 230 may separately include an energy storage device therein.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cartridge portion of Figure 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the cartridge unit has a cartridge housing 110 , an ultrasonic generating element 120 and a cartridge fastening unit 130 .

In particular, a first wire 141 and a second wire 142 connected from the cartridge coupling part 130 are disposed inside the cartridge housing 110 . The first wiring 141 is electrically connected to the rear surface of the ultrasonic generating element 120, and the second wiring 142 is electrically connected to the front surface of the ultrasonic generating element 120. An alternating current driving signal is transmitted through the first wiring 141 and the second wiring 142 .

In addition, the ultrasonic generating element 120 is fixed to the cartridge housing 110 . The ultrasonic generating element 120 generates a vibration operation in response to an alternating current driving signal applied to both sides and performs an ultrasonic generation operation by the vibration operation. The ultrasonic generating element 120 has a resonant frequency, which is a unique vibration frequency. Therefore, a driving signal having a frequency equal to or close to the resonance frequency is applied, and an ultrasonic generating operation according to vibration may be performed. To this end, silver or copper thin films may be applied to the front and back surfaces of the ultrasonic generating element 120 . The applied metal thin film may be referred to as an electrode. That is, a first electrode may be formed on the rear surface of the ultrasonic generating element 120, which is a piezoelectric element, and a second electrode may be formed on the front surface of the ultrasonic generating element 120. Also, the first electrode is electrically connected to the first wire, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the second wire.

In addition, the ultrasonic generating element 120 is preferably provided in a form recessed from the surface of the cartridge housing 110. That is, compared to the surface of the cartridge housing 110 for fixing and supporting the ultrasonic generating element 120, the ultrasonic generating element 120 is fixed in a recessed shape. Bonding or fixing of the ultrasonic generating element 120 and the cartridge housing 110 is preferably performed through an adhesive such as epoxy or an appropriate fastening means.

3 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view illustrating the ultrasonic generating element of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the ultrasonic generating element 120 has a substantially circular planar shape. In addition, the circular ultrasonic generating element 120 has a first ultrasonic generating region 121 in the center and a second ultrasonic generating region 122 on the periphery.

It is preferable that the first ultrasonic generating region 121 and the second ultrasonic generating region 122 have the same material as each other. In addition, the first ultrasound generating region 121 has a planar shape without a radius of curvature. In addition, the second ultrasound generating region 122 has a curved shape having a predetermined radius of curvature. The first ultrasonic generating region 121 and the second ultrasonic generating region 122 preferably have the same thickness and are provided in an integral state connected without being physically separated.

In particular, the first ultrasound generating region 121 has a substantially circular planar shape. Accordingly, the first ultrasound generating region 121 does not have a focus and generates ultrasound of a plane wave rather than a focused wave.

In addition, the second ultrasonic generation region 122 is formed around the first ultrasonic wave generation region 121 and has a substantially spherical cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the second ultrasound generating region 122 has at least one focal point, and generates focused ultrasound waves instead of plane waves.

4 is another cross-sectional view and a plan view illustrating the ultrasonic generating element of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the ultrasonic generating element 120 has a substantially rectangular planar shape. However, it is preferable that the long axis of the ultrasonic generator 120 of FIG. 4 has a straight line shape and the short axis has a constant curved shape.

In addition, the ultrasonic generating element 120 has a first ultrasonic generating region 123 in the center and a second ultrasonic generating region 124 on the periphery.

It is preferable that the first ultrasonic generating region 123 and the second ultrasonic generating region 124 have the same material as each other. In addition, the first ultrasound generating region 123 has a planar shape without a radius of curvature. In addition, the second ultrasonic wave generating region 124 has a curved shape having a predetermined radius of curvature. The first ultrasonic generating region 123 and the second ultrasonic generating region 124 preferably have the same thickness and are provided in an integral state connected without being physically separated.

In particular, the first ultrasound generating region 123 has a substantially circular planar shape. Accordingly, the first ultrasound generation region 124 does not have a focus and generates ultrasound of a plane wave rather than a focused wave.

In addition, the second ultrasonic wave generating region 124 is formed around the first ultrasonic wave generating region 123 and has a substantially spherical cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the second ultrasonic wave generation region 124 has at least one focal point and generates focused ultrasonic waves instead of plane waves.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ultrasonic generating element shown in Figure 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , since the first ultrasound generating region 121 does not have a focus, plane waves are generated. Therefore, a focusing operation of ultrasonic waves in a specific area is not generated.

In addition, since the second ultrasound generation area 122 has a focus, an ultrasound focusing operation is induced.

In addition, the first ultrasonic wave 125 generated in the first ultrasonic wave generating region 121 and the second ultrasonic wave 126 generated in the second ultrasonic wave generating region 122 have the same frequency. Therefore, in the overlapping region 127 where the first ultrasound 125 and the second ultrasound 126 proceed, an offset or interference phenomenon occurs due to the overlapping of the waveforms. Accordingly, the energy of the second ultrasonic wave 126 directed to a specific focus may be significantly weakened when it leaves the overlapping region 127 .

That is, the first ultrasound 125 is a plane wave and can determine the area of the affected area to be irradiated, and the second ultrasound 126 is overlapped with the first ultrasound 125 in the area of the affected area to be irradiated to radiate energy over a large area. can concentrate

The dental apparatus having the above structure has an ultrasonic focusing element capable of simultaneously driving a plane wave and a focused wave. A user may operate the dental appliance by using a water or gel-type medium on teeth and gums in the oral cavity. Through this, it is possible to induce a thermal effect and a cavitation phenomenon in the affected area, and treat dental diseases by focusing ultrasound on an appropriate area.

100: cartridge unit 110: cartridge housing
120: ultrasonic generating element 200: main body
210: body fastening part 220: circuit part
230: power supply

Claims (8)

a body portion for generating a driving signal;
a cartridge unit electrically connected to the body unit and receiving the driving signal to operate an ultrasonic generating element provided in a recessed form from a surface;
A cartridge housing made of an insulating material surrounding the outer periphery of the cartridge unit;
Attached to the cartridge housing, provided in a recessed form from the surface of the cartridge housing, the ultrasonic generating element for generating ultrasonic waves; and
The ultrasonic generating element includes a first ultrasonic generating region and a second ultrasonic generating region having the same thickness. The method of claim 1, wherein the body portion
A main body fastening unit connected to the cartridge unit, being detachable, and transmitting the driving signal to the cartridge unit through fastening;
a circuit unit for transmitting the driving signal to the body fastening unit and generating the driving signal; and
A dental apparatus comprising a power supply unit for receiving power from the outside and supplying power required for operation of the circuit unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the cartridge unit
The dental apparatus comprising a cartridge fastening part that receives the driving signal supplied from the main body part and is engaged with the main body part. The method of claim 1, wherein a first wiring and a second wiring are connected to the ultrasonic generating element, the first wiring is connected to a rear surface of the ultrasonic generating element, and the second wiring is connected to a front surface of the ultrasonic generating element. Dental device, characterized in that being. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic generating element
a first ultrasound generating region having a planar shape with no radius of curvature; and
A dental apparatus comprising a curved second ultrasonic wave generating region formed around the first ultrasonic wave generating region and having a radius of curvature. [6] The dental apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first ultrasound generating area has a circular planar shape and generates plane wave ultrasound. [6] The dental apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second ultrasound generating area has at least one focal point and generates focused ultrasound waves. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first ultrasound generating area and the second ultrasound generating area are provided in a physically integrally connected form.

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