RU2783732C2 - Ultrasound system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: acoustics.

SUBSTANCE: ultrasound system contains a means for generation of ultrasound micro-oscillations; a waveguide connected to the generation means, while the waveguide is made with the possibility of partial bending; a working element connected to a stationary node of a waveguide bend, so that bending micro-oscillations are transmitted by the waveguide to the working element in the form of alternating torsional or bending micro-oscillations. The generation means contains an ultrasound converter located coaxially with a predominant direction (Z) of the waveguide. A distal section of the specified waveguide is extended along a direction defining Z or D. The working element is connected to the stationary node of the waveguide bend, extended along a direction defining a secondary or tertiary axis. An axis Z or D of the waveguide and the secondary or tertiary axis are perpendicular and intersecting, and they define a single plane P or S. The axis D of the waveguide and the secondary or tertiary axis (Y or X) intersect each other and form an angle from 85 degrees to 125 degrees, and the specified axes Y or X, Z, D of the working element, the generation means, and the waveguide are in the same plane.

EFFECT: possibility of creation of bending, torsional oscillations with high amplitudes.

21 cl, 31 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic system which finds particular and advantageous use in the field of surgery, in the field of dentistry or implantology, but which is also applicable in the industrial field and in construction, in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

More specifically, such a system can be used in sectors where it is necessary to carry out the removal or drilling of material, for example, mineralized, but not only.

State of the art

In accordance with the prior art, making holes or removing material is done by means of tools connected to spindles driven, possibly by miniature motors (micromotors).

The main disadvantages of the known drilling or removal systems are related to: i) the generation of heat in the material with which they work, since friction against the tool and heat (of the micromotor) cause heat; ii) inefficient removal of residual material, making it difficult to further remove the material in the form of fragments; iii) operator-accessible space, which may be space-constrained.

Currently, ultrasonic vibrations generated by the piezoelectric method or magnetostriction in solid, liquid and multiphase media are used in various fields of industry and medicine. Low intensity pressure waves generated at frequencies above 1 MHz are used to obtain information about structures (industrial, civil and military) and internal organs of the human body (medical diagnostics). While high intensity waves at frequencies from 20 kHz to 100 kHz excite in resonant devices, causing permanent changes in various applications. This last type of wave, commonly known as high-power ultrasound, is used in the manufacturing industry, for example, for making interconnects in integrated circuits or welding thermoplastic materials, and in the food industry for cutting sweets and other foods.

In the field of medicine, and especially in the field of surgery, powerful ultrasound is used to cut hard tissues (bones) and soft tissues, cauterize blood vessels, and also in dentistry to remove tartar.

With regard to the field of implantology, by way of example only, sites for the insertion of screws or other fixation systems into the bone are prepared using rotary instruments of the type mentioned above, which, however, have serious limitations: during the operation for the operator, and in the postoperative period for the patient.

To name just a few, conventional instruments are problematic when intervening in surgical sites in the presence of complex anatomical structures with difficult or limited surgical access or in close proximity to delicate anatomical structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

The large amount of mechanical energy produced by rotation and the considerable pressure that the operator must apply to the instrument are responsible for possible damage to non-mineralized structures, generation of significant amounts of heat, loss due to friction, with subsequent overheating of mineralized tissues, fatigue of the operator at the expense of accuracy and the necessary control during operation time.

An increase in temperature at the site is also caused by the possible insufficient removal of mineralized fragments from the intervention site, the result of drilling, both at the level of the cutting elements of the mentioned instruments, and at the level of the walls of the surgical field, followed by the formation of a layer of fragments that blocks the channels of normal vascularization of the area responsible for the process osteoregeneration.

The present invention relates to ultrasonic force systems intended for use in medicine and dentistry, for example in maxillofacial implantology, to which we mainly refer to illustrate the advantages and inventive aspects of the proposed configurations. However, this invention is equally applicable to other areas of medicine and industry.

The operation of most ultrasonic power systems is based on the transmission of longitudinal waves to the means used. These waves are generated by piezoelectric transducers and transmitted in the medium through concentrators or waveguides called ultrasonic horns.

However, there are applications that use bending, torsional or complex vibrations. In dentistry, for example, longitudinal vibrations excited in ultrasonic transducers are converted into bending vibrations through connection with asymmetrically shaped inserts or tips. The inclusion of one or more flexures in the profile of the insert serves the dual purpose of providing good access to the interior of the mouth and converting the transducer's longitudinal motion into a linear flexural vibration near the working portion of the insert.

In ultrasonic scalers, bending hook inserts is commonly used to remove calcified deposits (tartar) from teeth. In ultrasonic scalpels (such as the "Piezo Surgical Device" from Mectron spa), the transverse motion generated by sickle-shaped inserts is used to accurately cut jaw bones and other mineralized tissues.

There are also ultrasonic scaling instruments that remove tartar by both linear and elliptical vibrations, as described in DE102005044074A1 or EP2057960B1, for example. In these systems, oscillatory motions having bidirectional components are generated in the inserts by transducer bending vibrations in orthogonal planes, see in particular EP2057960B1. The configurations of these bendable transducers are based on a previously disclosed concept in which transverse vibrations are induced by adjacent piezoelectric volumes inserted in the radial and axial directions with opposite polarizations [cf. Mori, E. et al., New Bolt Clamped Flexural Mode Ultrasonic High Power Transducer with One-Dimensional Construction”, Ultrasonics International 89 Conference Proceedings”; Watanabe, Y. et al., “A Study on a New Flexural-mode Transducer-solid Horn System and its Application to Ultrasonic Plastic Welding”, Ultrasonics Vol. 34, 1996, pp. 235-238; Yun, C-H. et al., “A High Power Ultrasonic Linear Motor using a Longitudinal and Bending Hybrid Bolt-Clamped Langevin Type Transducer”, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 40, 2001, pp. 3773-3776].

In maxillofacial surgery procedures, ultrasonic vibrations of inserts are commonly used to cut bone tissue. To date, there is no ultrasonic device capable of piercing the jaw with the same efficiency as cutting the jaw. For this reason, procedures such as implant site preparation are still performed almost exclusively with micromotor driven drills.

According to the protocol of dental implantation, after the first hole of reduced dimensions is made, it is gradually enlarged using rotating drills with increasing section until it reaches the diameter corresponding to the implant.

The inserts commonly used in ultrasound systems for oral surgery do not have enough vibration amplitude to perform all stages of implant site preparation. This limitation is inherent in the design of these devices, in which, for the same nozzle, the larger the cross section of the nozzles, the smaller the amplitude of the generated oscillations. This inverse relationship between the cross-section and oscillation of the inserts represents the limit of the applicability of the technology, especially in oral implantology, where it is necessary to obtain holes with a diameter of several millimeters.

There is another problem associated with the linear vibration of the inserts, which does not allow piercing of the jaw tissue, unless used in addition to this manual tip tilt. This assisted movement is certainly difficult for the operator to perform inside the mouth, and in any case is not very compatible with the precision requirements that are placed in today's implant practice.

Ultrasonic devices capable of dissecting biological tissues by excitation of ultrasonic torsional or combined torsional and longitudinal vibrations are known from US7374552B2, US6402769B1, US2009/236938A1, US2011/0278988A1. A common feature of these devices is that they all have a single geometric axis, being essentially axisymmetric systems. In maxillofacial applications such as dental implantology, oscillating inserts used in the oral cavity have a markedly asymmetrical design with respect to the axis of the transducer. Therefore, in these areas it is impossible to create torsional or longitudinal and torsional vibrations in the working parts of the inserts in accordance with the requirements of the mentioned inventions (valid only for systems in which the transducers and working parts are coaxial).

Slipszenko (US2013/0253559A1) has developed ultrasonic system configurations that alternately generate torsional, flexural, or longitudinal vibrations in ultrasonic soft tissue scalpels with an axis perpendicular to that of the transducer. In accordance with this solution, the transverse vibration of the piezoelectric transducer can be converted into torsional, bending or longitudinal vibrations by switching on an ultrasonic or waveguide horn mounted eccentrically with respect to the axis of the transducer. For proper vibration transmission, the diameter of the back of the horn must be larger than that of the transducer. Although it is possible to create alternating vibrational families on orthogonal planes, the requirements for compactness, ergonomics, and specific gravity of dental and maxillofacial devices cannot be achieved using the Slipzhenko solution. The large size and eccentric installation of the ultrasonic horn significantly limit the visibility inside the oral cavity. In addition, in Slipzhenko's solution, one or more waveguides are inserted between the scalpel and the vibration transmitting/converting horn to transmit the respective vibrations. Even by reducing the number of these components to a minimum, the overall length of the device would still be unsuitable for intraoral use.

Mishiro (JPH0373207A) proposed an ultrasonic material removal system that could theoretically be used in dentistry. The proposed solution is based on the operating principle typical of ultrasonic motors, in which the elliptical vibration created in the joint formed by the ultrasonic transducer connected to the waveguide causes rotation of the working element (tool) in contact with the end of the waveguide. In the configurations shown in JPH0373207A, the working element, whose axis of symmetry may be perpendicular or parallel to the axis of symmetry of the transducer, in addition to rotation, performs ultrasonic vibrations, thereby allowing material to be removed. The point of contact between the working element and the waveguide, through which the oscillatory motion generated by rotation is transmitted, corresponds to the antinode of the longitudinal and transverse vibrations that occur at the junction of the converter-waveguide. In accordance with the configurations described in this solution, the working element is supported by two bearings located on the same number of fixed nodes located along the oscillating element. This solution looks complicated in its design and is not suitable for applications where the working elements (inserts) need to be consistently used and replaced, as in dental implantology.

Solution

The present invention provides alternative transducer/insert connection configurations that allow bending, torsional, or combined longitudinal and torsional vibrations of suitable amplitude for implant site preparation and other applications.

The invention relates to the implementation of new transducer/insert system configurations suitable for performing operations in the oral cavity. Using the solutions described below, it is possible to create bending, torsional or combined torsional and longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations in the working part of the inserts with sufficiently high amplitudes to prepare the implant site. The axes of the inserts and the associated bending transducer can be inclined, orthogonal, and coplanar.

In particular, combined bending or torsional and longitudinal vibrations can be used to create the first hole during the implantation procedure; while torsional or torsional and longitudinal vibrations generated in the inserts of the appropriate configuration, allow you to perform subsequent steps to expand the initial hole.

In each configuration described and illustrated below, the connection between the inserts and the transducer is through a bending assembly.

The ultrasonic system contains: means for generating ultrasonic microoscillations; waveguide means connected to and extending from the generation means so as to be at least partially bent; a working element connected to a stationary bending unit of the waveguide means so that bending microoscillations are transmitted by the waveguide means to the working element in the form of alternating torsional or bending microoscillations; said generating means comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer located coaxially with the predominant direction of the waveguide means, wherein the distal portion of said waveguide means is extended along the direction of the waveguide means defining the axis of the waveguide means; the specified work item attached to the stationary node bending of the waveguide means, extended along the direction that defines the secondary or tertiary axis; said axis of the waveguide means and said secondary or tertiary axis are substantially perpendicular and intersecting and define a single plane; said axis of the waveguide means and said secondary or tertiary axis intersect each other and form an angle of 85 degrees to 125 degrees, preferably 90 degrees; and said axes of the work item, generation means and waveguide means are in the same plane.

In one of the variants of the system, the generating means is configured to bend the waveguide means in a single oscillation plane by means of stationary ultrasonic microoscillations; and/or said axis of the waveguide means and said secondary or tertiary axis are perpendicular to each other and intersect at said stationary bending node of the waveguide means.

The working element can be formed outside the oscillation plane, so that the bending micro-oscillations are transmitted to the specified element in the form of torsional micro-oscillations; and/or said waveguide means is at least partially bent in the plane of oscillation; and said waveguide means axis and said secondary axis are substantially perpendicular and intersecting with each other and define a single plane perpendicular to said oscillation plane.

The working element can also be formed in a plane that is essentially parallel to the vibration plane or coincides with the vibration plane, so that the bending micro-vibrations are transmitted to the specified working element in the form of bending micro-vibrations; and/or said waveguide means is at least partially bent in the plane of oscillation; and said waveguide means axis and said tertiary axis are substantially perpendicular and intersecting with each other and define a single plane coinciding with said oscillation plane.

In one embodiment of the system, the generation means and the waveguide means lie substantially entirely in the plane of oscillation and are aligned along the predominant direction of the waveguide means; and/or said waveguide means or its waveguide housing comprises an inclined section that extends along an oblique direction with a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the predominant direction; and/or said angle of inclination is between 5 degrees and 45 degrees, preferably 30 degrees; and/or in said waveguide means or waveguide housing, said inclined section is connected at a point corresponding to a stationary bending point of the waveguide means or waveguide housing.

In one embodiment, the generating means is configured to generate longitudinal micro-oscillations transmitted along the waveguide means in the predominant direction; or the generating means comprises at least two piezoelectric elements that are rotated by 90° relative to each other around the predominant direction/axis, while the working element is connected to the waveguide in a stationary bend node, and the axis of the generating means or waveguide is perpendicular to the axis of the working element.

In a particular variant, the waveguide means distally comprises a body-bearing element connected to the working element, and at least one guide loop, which unfolds radially relative to the specified predominant direction, made with the ability to convert longitudinal microoscillations into torsional microoscillations of the working element.

Preferably, the working element is rigidly connected to the body of the waveguide means in a stationary bending unit.

The working element (6) may be a part separated from the body of the waveguide means; and/or the working element is connected to the body of the waveguide means with the possibility of detachment in the specified stationary node bending of the waveguide means.

In embodiments of the system, the operating element may be extended along a secondary direction intersecting or substantially perpendicular to the vibration plane, said secondary direction forming an axis of symmetry of said operating element; or

the operating element extends at least partially in a tertiary direction which is essentially parallel to the oscillation plane, in particular lies in the oscillation plane, said tertiary direction forming an axis of symmetry of said operating element.

In system variants, the working element is connected to the waveguide means or the housing of the said means through at least one transmitting housing integrated into the working element or attached to the working element, wherein said transmitting housing is configured to amplify or damp micro-oscillations and/or is configured to amplify or dampen microoscillations obtained from the means of generation.

In preferred embodiments, the working element extends from the waveguide means, or the working element and the transmitting body extend from the waveguide means, for a length in the vicinity of a quarter of the wavelength λ of the torsional or bending microoscillations generated in the working element, or its multiple of an integer (n) , and the indicated neighborhood is less than or equal to λ/10; and/or

the working element passes from the waveguide means, or the working element and the transmitting body extend from the waveguide means, for a length located in the vicinity of a quarter of the wavelength λ of the torsional or bending microoscillations created in the working element, or its multiple of an integer (n), and the specified neighborhood less than or equal to λ/40.

In a particular variant of the system, the operating element comprises a helical rod which extends in a spiral along a secondary direction intersecting the oscillation plane or substantially perpendicular to the oscillation plane, so that the distal portion of the operating element is sensitive to impact vibrations, with a longitudinal motion component, in addition to torsional vibrations. , reciprocating along the specified secondary direction.

Preferably, the generating means comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer, containing piezoelectric elements located in electrical contact with at least one pair of contact electrodes, each piezoelectric element contains a pair of half-elements with mutually opposite polarization directions, located side by side in the oscillation plane, so that when an alternating electrical voltage is applied to the contact electrodes, alternately one half-element expands and the other half-element of the pair contracts to generate bending microoscillations in the generating means and in the waveguide means.

In a preferred embodiment of the system, the distal end of the waveguide means defines one or more radial connection sockets for attaching the operating element; or the waveguide means defines two radial connection sockets oriented so that the tertiary direction of the working element in the socket is oblique or substantially orthogonal with respect to the secondary direction of the working element installed in the other socket; and/or each connection socket is configured to releasably attach an independent operating element to the ultrasound system.

In private embodiments, one or more connection sockets contain a socket cavity that extends into the waveguide body, in which the mating threaded connection is located.

The working element comprises a drill head, a material removal cutter, a (semi)spherical element, an expander or a cutting element.

Preferably, the generating means control means is configured to control the frequency of ultrasonic micro-oscillations of said means, setting such values that the micro-vibrations of the working element are in the frequency range from 20 to 60 kHz, for example, from 20 to 36 kHz, in order to selectively remove at least part of the mineralized structures, such as teeth or bones, while preserving the integrity of lower density tissues, such as soft tissues.

The second object of the invention is a device for maxillofacial and/or dental and/or bone surgery, containing the above ultrasound system, which is the first object of the invention.

Some of the main advantages of this invention are as follows:

i) achievement of high vibrations of the working parts of the inserts necessary for operations in limited access spaces;

ii) reduced dimensions (small inserts);

iii) greater versatility in insert design;

iv) the modal parameters and the electromechanical efficiency of the transducer remained practically unchanged despite being connected to different inserts;

v) the possibility of carrying out the preparation of the implant bed using a single transducer in combination with a set of inserts with certain geometric and vibrational characteristics.

Thus, the present invention provides a universal solution applicable both in maxillofacial surgery and in other sectors of medicine and industry.

The present invention falls within the aforementioned context by providing an ultrasonic system which operates according to a dynamic other than conventional rotation in one direction and which, thanks to the innovative variable motion described, achieves results advantageous in terms of reduced superheat, advantageous in terms of better fragment removal. from the place of use, advantageous in terms of reduced overall dimensions.

This goal is achieved using an ultrasonic system according to claim 1 of the claims. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Description of drawings

The object of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- in Fig. 1A, 1B are perspective views of an ultrasonic system in accordance with the present invention in accordance with the first embodiment, in an inoperative configuration and in an operational (or resonant) configuration, respectively, the latter calculated using finite element analysis;

- in Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C are enlarged views of the distal region, ie the operating element of the ultrasound system shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, while in FIG. 2B, 2C show two consecutive operating moments in a resonant oscillation cycle, these moments, in particular, are out of phase by about 180°;

- in Fig. 3 is a perspective view in non-operational configuration of the ultrasound system according to the present invention according to the second possible embodiment;

- in Fig. 4, 6 show two longitudinal sectional views of an ultrasonic system according to another embodiment at two successive operating moments in a resonant oscillation cycle, these moments in particular being out of phase by about 180°;

- in Fig. 5, 7 show two diagrams of modal shapes related to the waveguide means and to the operating element at the time shown in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 6, respectively, in the presence of a work item;

- in Fig. 8 shows on an enlarged scale a possible variant of the generator means in the region of the piezoelectric elements in which oscillations are generated;

- in Fig. 9, 10 show perspective views of the ultrasonic systems of the present invention, in accordance with other possible options;

- in Fig. 11 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a possible configuration of the operating element;

- in Fig. 12, 13 are two exploded perspective views of possible configurations of the distal portion of the waveguide means, respectively configured to attach a single operating element or to attach an operating element in two different positions;

- in Fig. 14, 16 show two longitudinal sectional views of the ultrasound system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, at two successive operating moments in the resonant oscillation cycle, these moments being in particular out of phase by about 180°;

- in Fig. 15, 17 show two diagrams of modal shapes related to the waveguide means and the operating element at the time shown in FIG. 14 and in FIG. 16, respectively;

- in Fig. 18, 20 are two longitudinal sectional views of the ultrasound system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, at two successive operating moments in the resonant oscillation cycle, these moments being in particular out of phase by about 180°;

- in Fig. 19, 21 show two diagrams of modal shapes related to the waveguide means and the operating element at the time shown in FIG. 18 and in FIG. 20, respectively;

- in Fig. 22, 23, 24 show a perspective view of the ultrasound system of the present invention according to another possible embodiment, and two enlarged views of the distal region, i.e. the working element of the ultrasound system shown in FIG. 22, while in FIG. 23, 24 show two successive operating moments in a resonant oscillatory cycle, these moments, in particular, being phase-shifted by about 180° along mutually different axes;

- in Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic system according to the present invention according to the first possible embodiment, in which vibration planes P of the guide body and element plane S in which the operating element oscillates are highlighted, where vibrational deformation of the flexural ultrasonic transducer and waveguide means is highlighted, and also the torsional deformation induced in the working element at the moment of maximum vibrations;

- in Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a detail of the solution shown in FIG. 25, which highlights the deformation of the ultrasonic system at the time of operation in an oscillatory resonant cycle;

- in Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic system of the present invention, according to a further embodiment, in which the operating member is in the vibrational plane P of the flexural ultrasonic transducer, and in which the vibrational deformation of the flexural ultrasonic transducer and the waveguide means and the bending deformation caused in the working element, highlighted at the time of maximum fluctuations;

- in Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a detail of the solution shown in FIG. 27, which highlights the deformation of the ultrasonic system at the time of operation in an oscillatory resonant cycle.

Description of some preferred options

In the above drawings, the reference numeral 1 denotes an ultrasonic system 1 as a whole, containing a means 2 for generating ultrasonic microoscillations, a waveguide means 4 connected to the generation means 2, and at least one working element 6.

The term "waveguide" means a body or a part of the body which, due to its geometry and arrangement, ie also its connection to said generation means 2, concentrates and/or amplifies the bending vibrations of the generation means 2. Such a component or part of the ultrasound system 1 is also referred to as a "hub" because it concentrates (and preferably, but not necessarily amplifies) the bending vibrations of the generation means 2, for example, by having a smaller cross section in at least one of its distal parts. This component or part of the ultrasonic system 1 is also referred to as the ultrasonic horn.

According to an embodiment of the invention, said waveguide 4 is on the same axis or coaxial with said generation means 2.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, said generating means 2 comprises several piezoelectric elements 18 separated from each other by a massive body 42 and connected proximally to a massive body 40 or tuner, and distally to an additional massive body 44. These massive bodies 40, 42 and 44 their predetermined mass makes it possible to calibrate the operating frequency or frequencies of the generation means 2 .

For example, this ultrasound system 1 is a surgical instrument such as a bone drill or a dental instrument. In other embodiments, the present system 1 is an industrial tool or can be used in the construction field, for example as a milling cutter, drill or cutting tool.

In various embodiments, the working element 6 comprises a drill head 34, a material removal cutter 36, a (hemispherical) element, an expander or a cutting element (variants not shown).

According to a variant (for example, see the variant in Fig. 10), the generation means 2 comprises at least one longitudinal ultrasonic transducer 74 (as defined below), in particular of the Langevin® type.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the generating means 2 comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer 16, 74 containing one or more piezoelectric elements 18 in electrical contact with at least one pair of contact electrodes 20, 22.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic transducer 16, for example also of the Langevin type, is flexural.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic transducer 16, 74 comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements 18 placed next to each other, for example along the assembly direction Z'.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic transducer 16, 74 is positioned or mounted coaxially with respect to the predominant Z direction of the waveguide means 4.

It should be noted that in this description, the expressions "axial", "radial", "transverse", "longitudinal" always refer to the predominant Z direction, unless otherwise indicated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned assembly direction Z' is substantially parallel or coincident with the predominant Z direction.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, at least one piezoelectric element 18 is located in the antinode 58 of the flexural microoscillation, in particular in the ultrasonic transducer 16 of the flexural type.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic transducer 16 comprises at least one pair of massive housings 40, 42, 44, which axially surround at least one piezoelectric element 18.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more massive bodies 40, 42, 44 (for example, all) are made of a metallic material.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric element 18, the contact electrodes 20, 22 and the optional massive housings 40, 42, 44 are independently annular or tubular in shape and mounted coaxially to each other with respect to the assembly direction Z'.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric element 18, the contact electrodes 20, 22 and the optional massive bodies 40, 42, 44 may have a cross section - relative to the predominant Z direction or relative to the assembly axis Z' - of a circular or polygonal shape (for example, square or rectangular ).

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric element 18, contact electrodes 20, 22 and optional massive housings 40, 42, 44 are mounted on a connecting rod 46 (or inner rod) which passes through them in the axial direction (in particular: relative to the direction Z' assembly).

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the massive housings 40, 42, 44 of the ultrasonic transducer 16 provide elements of axial compression of the piezoelectric element 18 and contact electrodes 20, 22 or several piezoelectric elements 18 and contact electrodes 20, 22.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the massive housings 40, 44 of the ultrasonic transducer 16, 74, located at the ends in the axial direction, may contain a first thread 48, 50, made with the possibility of connection with the second thread 52, 54, limited by the connecting rod 46, for example one of which is located at the end, and the other - in an intermediate or central position.

- In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more piezoelectric elements 18 of the ultrasonic transducer 16 each contains a pair of half-elements 24, 26 (or element parts 24, 26) with mutually opposite directions of polarization and side by side in the plane P of oscillation. Thus, when an alternating electrical voltage is applied to the contact electrodes 20, 22, half-element (24 or 26) alternately expands, while the other half-element (26 or 24) of the pair is compressed, creating bending microoscillations in the generation means 2 and in the waveguide means 4 .

This contraction/expansion phenomenon is clearly seen, for example, in the embodiments of FIG. 4, 6 or 8.

Taking as an example the moment in Fig. 4, it can be noted that in the first pair of left half-elements - in accordance with the orientation of this figure - the upper half-element 24 (which is in the expanded state) has an axial thickness slightly greater than that of the other half-element 26 of the pair located below, which is in the compressed state and therefore has a smaller thickness than the opposite element. However, at the same time, the other pair of half-cells 24', 26' located on the right has an opposite state due to the electrical voltage applied to the other pair.

More specifically, the pairs of half-elements have such a position and mode of oscillation in bending, which advantageously allow the ultrasonic system 1 to resonate.

With respect to the moment before or after that shown in FIG. 4 in FIG. 6 shows the opposite configuration, in which the expanded or contracted states of the discussed half-elements are reversed, creating periodic oscillations of the waveguide means 4.

According to an embodiment, the present system comprises means 90 for controlling the electrical voltage supplied to generating means 2.

According to an embodiment, the control means 90 is configured such that the electrical voltage applied to a pair of piezoelectric elements (eg, a pair of adjacent elements) has the same modulus and the same phase.

In accordance with an embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 16, 74 comprises at least one pair of piezoelectric elements 18 placed next to each other along an axis, for example, along the Z' direction of the assembly.

In accordance with an embodiment, in this pair of piezoelectric elements 18 (for example, contained in the ultrasonic transducer 16), half-element 24, 26 with a certain direction of polarization is located side by side in the radial direction and in the axial direction with half-elements having the opposite direction of polarization.

More specifically, in a pair of adjacent piezoelectric elements, the polarization directions between radially adjacent half-elements (in particular, located symmetrically with respect to the Z' direction of the assembly) are opposite, and the polarization directions between adjacent half-elements in the Z' direction of the assembly are also opposite (more specifically, located on one side along such assembly direction Z').

According to an embodiment, the half-elements 24, 26 are separated by an intermediate space 56 which extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the vibration plane P.

In accordance with an embodiment, the half-elements 24, 26 are made in the form of a circular or (half-) annular sector, for example in the form of a crescent.

In accordance with another embodiment, the piezoelectric element 18 (for example, the ultrasonic transducer 16) or several such elements are made in the form of a ring containing two sections of the element having mutually opposite directions of polarization (in particular, located symmetrically with respect to the Z' direction of the assembly) and an intermediate section without polarization.

With respect to the features of the longitudinal ultrasonic transducer 74, such a transducer is not configured to vibrate in a single plane as in the embodiment just discussed. Conversely, such a transducer 74 is configured to generate longitudinal microvibrations (i.e., along the Z' direction of the assembly and/or along the predominant Z direction; for example, see the direction of the arrows in Fig. 19 or 21, which has a main longitudinal component in the predominant direction Z) and alternate so that they are transmitted to the waveguide means 4.

In accordance with an embodiment, the piezoelectric elements 18 (for example, the ultrasonic transducer 74 of the longitudinal type) are made in the form of a ring or tube.

In accordance with an embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 74 comprises at least one pair of piezoelectric elements 18 with mutually opposite polarization directions and parallel to the assembly direction Z'.

The waveguide means 4 is connected to and extends from the generation means 2 so as to at least partially bend (and predominantly resonate).

It should be noted that the expression "at least partially" means a bending that relates essentially to the entire waveguide means 4 (as, for example, schematically shown in Fig. 4-7 or 14-17), or a bending that concerns only a part of such means (see, for example, reference position 28 in Fig. 19 or 21).

According to an embodiment, the generation means 2 is configured to bend the waveguide means 4 in one vibration plane P by means of stationary ultrasonic micro-vibrations.

In other words, according to this embodiment, the waveguide means 4 can bend under the action of micro-oscillations generated by the generation means 2 (and predominantly resonate under the action of these micro-oscillations), so that the vibrations of the waveguide means 4 are stationary with at least one stationary bending node 8.

It should be noted that in this description, the expression "stationary node" means at least one orthogonal segment (with respect to the predominant Z direction) of the waveguide means 4, characterized by the absence of microoscillations or microvibrations.

In particular, the bending vibration described above occurs at a frequency corresponding to the bending frequency of the generating means, for example, at a bending resonance frequency, and such a frequency can, for example, be set using the control means 90 (for example, electronic) of the generating means 2.

The working element 6 is connected to the stationary bending unit 8, so that the bending microoscillations are transmitted by the waveguide means 4 to the working element 6 in the form of alternating torsional or bending microoscillations.

In other words, the bends caused by the generation means 2 are transmitted to the working element 6 so that the latter oscillates/reciprocates, in a torsional or bending manner.

According to an embodiment, see, for example, FIG. 2A, FIG. 3 or fig. 10, the working element 6 extends outside the oscillation plane P, so that the bending micro-oscillations are transmitted as alternating torsional micro-oscillations of the element 6.

According to an embodiment, see, for example, FIG. 9, the working element 6 extends in an essentially parallel, optionally coinciding plane with respect to the oscillation plane P, so that the bending micro-oscillations are transmitted as alternating bending micro-oscillations of the element 6.

According to an embodiment, the generation means 2 is configured to generate longitudinal micro-oscillations transmitted along the waveguide means 4 in the predominant Z direction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the waveguide means 4 distally comprises a body-bearing element 72 connected to the working element 6 (for example, its base 62), and at least one guide loop 28, which extends radially with respect to said predominant Z direction. Thus, the body-bearing element 72 and the guide loop 28 are made with the possibility of converting longitudinal micro-oscillations into torsional micro-oscillations of the working element 6.

In other words, the guide loop 28 leads to the transformation of the longitudinal micro-oscillations of the generation means 2 into bending micro-oscillations, which are appropriately converted into alternating torsional micro-oscillations of the body-bearing element 72.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the body-bearing element 72 defines a stationary bending unit 8.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the guide loop 28 is connected (for example, rigidly) at the first end 76 with the guide body 10, hereinafter also referred to as the waveguide body 10, of the waveguide means 4, and at the opposite second end 78 with the body-bearing element 72.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide body 10 includes a proximal portion 82 and a distal portion 84 releasably connected to each other.

It should be noted that in the present description, the term "distal" means components located on the working element 6 or facing him; on the other hand, the term "proximal" means components located on the opposite side with respect to the element 6, in particular in the direction of the massive housing 40 located at the axial end of the transducer 16, 74.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the releasable connection between the proximal part 82 and the distal part 84 is realized with a bayonet connection or, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 18 or 20 with threaded connection 86.

According to an embodiment, the proximal portion 82 and the distal portion 84 are geometrically connected, for example by a male-female coupling.

According to an embodiment, the distal portion 84 defines a female portion into which the proximal male portion 82 is at least partially inserted.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the distal portion 84, the guide loop 28, and optionally the body-bearing element 72 are made in a single piece.

According to an embodiment of the invention (not shown), the stationary bending assembly is in the predominant Z direction (particularly when the generation means 2 is in a non-operating state).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the stationary bending assembly 8 is displaced in the radial direction with respect to the predominant Z direction (particularly when the generating means 2 is in a non-operating state).

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the generation means 2 and the waveguide means 4 are essentially completely placed in the oscillation plane P.

According to an embodiment, the generating means 2 and the waveguide means 4 are aligned along the predominant Z direction of passage of the waveguide means 4.

According to an embodiment, the guide housing 10 is a continuation (in particular, an axial continuation) of the connecting rod 46.

According to an embodiment, the waveguide means 4 is capable of at least partially bending or resonating together with the generation means 2.

The working element 6 is connected to the stationary bending unit 8, so that the bending microoscillations are transmitted by the waveguide means 4 to the working element 6 in the form of alternating torsional or bending microoscillations.

In particular, the transmission of bending micro-oscillations from the waveguide means 4 to the working element 6 occurs by means of a dynamic torque parallel to the oscillation plane P (as an option, taken in this plane P) and with a fulcrum in the stationary bending node, acting on the base 62 of the working element 6 to create torsional or bending micro-oscillations.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such transmission takes place without the influence of the microoscillations of the working element 6 on the microoscillations of the generation means 2 and/or waveguide means 4, and vice versa, by changing the shape or amplitude.

It follows that the bending micro-oscillations of the waveguide means 4 can be transformed into alternating torsional micro-oscillations or into alternating bending micro-oscillations. For example, a different torsional/flexural transformation may depend on different connection seats 30, 32, 80 defined by the waveguide means 4 coupled to the working element 6.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the waveguide means 4 comprises at least one guiding body 10, for example substantially tubular or cylindrical in shape.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide body 10 has a substantially constant cross-section along its entire length.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the guide body 10 has at least one tapering cross section in the distal direction. For example, the distal portion 84 may be narrowed distally.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the guide body 10 has a variable cross-section, for example increasing or decreasing from the generation means 2, for example, to amplify or dampen the micro-oscillations passing through the body 10, depending on the needs.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide body 10 has a substantially circular cross section.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the working element 6 is rigidly connected to the body 10, 72 of the waveguide means 4 in the stationary bending unit 8.

It should be noted that in the present description, the expression "body 10, 72" means "guiding body 10" or "body-bearing element 72" in accordance with embodiments of the invention that require the use of one or the other of the mentioned bodies.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the working element 6 is detachably connected to the body 10, 72 of the waveguide means 4.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the detachable connection between the working element 6 and the guide body 10 is carried out using a mating connecting thread 12 located on the element 6 and on the body 10.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the releasable connection between the working element 6 and the guide body 10 may comprise the aforementioned releasable connection between the proximal part 82 and the distal part 84.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the releasable connection between the working element 6 and the guide body 10 is carried out using a locking element 60, for example, a pin, connected to the guide body 10 (possibly through a mating connecting thread 68, 70).

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the guide housing 10 may define at least one element seat 66 to at least partially accommodate (e.g., completely) the locking element 60.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the fixing element 60 or pin acts by pressing against the support surface 64, limited by the working element 6, in particular, limited by its base 62.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the bearing surface 64 is substantially flat or concave.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the operating element 6 extends along a secondary direction Y, which is inclined or substantially perpendicular to the vibration plane P.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the secondary direction Y is the axis of symmetry of the working element 6.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the secondary direction Y intersects the oscillation plane P at the fixed bending node 8 .

According to an embodiment of the invention, the secondary direction Y lies in the plane S of the element orthogonal to the vibration plane P.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating element 6 extends at least partly in the tertiary direction X, essentially parallel, alternatively in the vibration plane P.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tertiary direction X represents the axis of symmetry of the working element 6.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating element 6 is connected to the waveguide means 4 or to the housing 10, 72 of said means 4 via at least one transmission housing 14, for example integrated in or attached to the operating element 6.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the transmission housing 14 can be made integral with the working element 6.

According to an embodiment, the transmission housing 14 can be mounted on the operating element 6, for example, in a detachable manner.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the transmission housing 14 is designed to simply transmit micro-oscillations from the generation means 2 to the working element 6 without changing the frequencies of such micro-oscillations in any way.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the transmission housing 14 is configured and/or tuned to amplify or, conversely, dampen the micro-oscillations received from the generation means 2.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the working element 6 passes, or the working element 6 and the transmitting body 14 extend from the waveguide means 4 to a length L (see, for example, Fig. 11) contained in the neighborhood of the I quarter, or a multiple of an integer number n from λ of torsional or bending microoscillations generated in the working element 6 (said neighborhood I is less than or equal to n*λ/10, preferably λ/10 and even more preferably λ/40).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the length L is measured along the secondary Y direction or along the tertiary X direction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the waveguide means 4 (or its guiding body 10) comprises a distally asymmetric section 92 (for example, a folded or inclined section) with respect to the predominant Z direction, while the stationary bend assembly 8 is located in such an asymmetric section 92.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the waveguide means 4 (or its guiding body 10) comprises an inclined section 94 which extends along an oblique direction D with respect to the predominant direction Z with a predetermined inclination angle α.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the inclination angle α is an acute angle.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the distal end 4' of the waveguide means 4 defines one or more radial connection sockets 30, 32 for attaching the operating element 6.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the waveguide means 4 defines two radial connecting sockets 30, 32 oriented so that the tertiary direction of the working element 6 in the socket 30 is oblique or substantially orthogonal to the secondary Y direction of the working element 6 installed in the other socket 32.

More precisely, each connection socket 30, 32 is made with the possibility of attaching (for example, detachable connection) an independent working element 6 to the ultrasonic system 1.

According to an embodiment of the invention, additional connection threads 12 may be located on the radial connection socket 30, 32.

For example, one or more connection sockets may comprise a socket cavity 88 that extends inside the guide body 10 (i.e., at least partially through the thickness of such body 10) in which said mating threaded connections 12 are located.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the operating element 6 comprises a screw rod 38 that extends in a helical fashion along the secondary Y direction such that the distal portion 6' of the operating element 6 is sensitive to vibrations in collisions with the longitudinal and variable component along the secondary Y direction.

In other words, this option provides that torsional micro-vibrations applied to the asymmetry of the screw rod 38 create micro-vibrations along the secondary Y direction.

In other words, the distal part 6' of the working element 6 according to this embodiment is capable of receiving, in addition to torsional vibrations, additional shock vibrations with a longitudinal and variable component along the secondary Y direction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic system 1 comprises means 90 for controlling the generating means 2, configured to control the frequency of ultrasonic microoscillations of the means 2 at such values that the microoscillations of the working element 6 are in the frequency range from 20 to 60 kHz, for example 20-36 kHz . Thus, a portion of mineralized structures (eg teeth or bones) can be selectively removed (or punctured) while maintaining the integrity of lower density tissues (eg soft tissues).

Innovatively, the ultrasonic system that is the object of the present invention allows brilliantly to overcome the shortcomings associated with the prior art.

More specifically, the present invention allows an operating action, such as drilling, to be achieved through a reciprocating twisting or bending movement of the working element, avoiding the simple rotary action typical of prior art instruments with a clear operating and possibly clinical advantage.

Advantageously, unlike conventional devices, the present ultrasonic system does not use micromotors that are associated with macroscopic vibrations.

Advantageously, the present ultrasonic system provides a high versatility of use, since the working element can independently perform drilling or removal operations depending on the orientation of the socket connected to this element.

Advantageously, the present ultrasonic system provides high flexibility of use due to the geometry and features of the selected working part.

Advantageously, the present ultrasonic system makes it possible to obtain greater tactile sensitivity and greater accuracy during operation, since the applied forces required by the operator are substantially lower.

Advantageously, the present ultrasonic system uses ultrasonic micro-vibrations of the working element which create holes or remove material in a process of very fine grinding of the removed material or tissue, which is then immediately removed by the mechanical action of any irrigation fluid present.

In any case, the reciprocating motion described favorably contributes to the removal or natural release of material fragments.

Advantageously, in the present ultrasonic system, the effects of centrifugal superheat are less significant than (or even minimized in relation to) the effects created by macrovibrations generated by the rotation of conventional nozzles/mills.

Advantageously, the present ultrasonic system makes it possible to achieve increased stability of the working element at the start of drilling or removal of material.

Advantageously, the present ultrasonic system makes it possible to obtain a markedly higher working accuracy than conventional rotary tools (for example, in relation to drilling nozzles); the latter are actually unstable at the start of drilling due to the centrifugal component which causes the tool to deviate from the desired drilling axis. In fact, according to the prior art, and in particular in the field of implant surgery, a specially shaped tip is first used to engage the surface of the bone to be drilled (the most common variant known as the rosette tip and lancet cutter).

On the contrary, in combination with its micro-vibratory action, the specific configuration of the working element according to the invention makes it possible to impart greater stability, not only due to the significant elimination of any centrifugal component for starting the tool.

Advantageously, in the present ultrasound system, greater cleaning of the interface between the working element and the substrate can be achieved and a possible improvement in osteoregenerative processes (for options that involve surgical, implant or dental use of the system described in this document).

Advantageously, ultrasonic micro-oscillations acting on the working element cause cavitation of any liquids that may be present (for example, irrigation fluid), allow the removal of bone fragments from the side walls of the hole made by this element, leaving the aforementioned interface clean due to washing the walls of the hole with an ultrasonic system. Thus, the traditional lubricated bone layer created by spiral tips and conventional drills is not formed, which contributes to osteoregenerative processes.

Preferably, in the present ultrasound system, selective drilling of bone tissue is achieved through the use of low frequency vibrations. In fact, selected frequency vibrations are extremely useful for drilling or removing mineralized structures such as bones or teeth, but they are ineffective when applied to soft tissues.

Therefore, preferably, accidental contact with lower density soft tissue does not cause any damage or tear, but only a short and limited heat release.

The predominantly dynamic characteristics of the generation means and the waveguide means only slightly depend on the nature of the working element (for example, mass, geometry and/or its longitudinal and/or transverse load), since such an element is fixed on a stationary node, and therefore such a main property is essentially not related with the creation and maintenance of microvibration motion.

In addition, the nature and dynamic characteristics of the generation means and waveguide means (for example, mass, geometry and/or longitudinal and/or transverse load on the waveguide and/or generation means) do not affect, or only slightly affect, the vibrations of the working element, with the exception of transmission of the required micro-oscillations.

This circumstance, therefore, makes the present ultrasonic system particularly versatile in the design and use of operating elements that can be associated with the present system.

Advantageously, the present system has been designed to operate at a fixed frequency in order to generate predetermined stationary bend nodes always located in the same axial position of the generation means and the waveguide means.

According to a further preferred aspect, although the frequency of the fixed generation means remains, the configuration of the operating element (for example, length L, section, material, or the like) can be adjusted according to needs, in particular by adjusting at the design stage the characteristics of this element, adjusting it to the corresponding harmonic of microoscillations.

As an example, if it were necessary or advantageous to develop a working element of very small dimensions, then very large amplitudes of its micro-oscillations could be obtained by setting the length L of the working element to be approximately a quarter of the wavelength of the excited micro-oscillations.

Advantageously, a part of the working element can act as an amplifier or damper of micro-oscillations.

Predominantly, the vibration or resonant characteristics of the working element can be changed even after the implementation of the element itself, for example, to amplify or dampen micro-oscillations.

Advantageously, the present generation means has been designed to generate and transmit vibrations capable of bending the waveguide means in one vibration plane, in a reliable, continuous manner and with technical devices that are easy to implement.

Advantageously, the present generating means has been designed to easily accommodate all the necessary components with a (pre)compression force that can be determined according to needs.

Advantageously, the present system has been designed to allow various shapes of workpieces to vibrate, since the stationary assembly is a location characterized by no movement in the direction of generation of bending vibrations.

This last circumstance makes the present system particularly innovative in the sense that, contrary to an extremely widespread technical prejudice, the work item is placed near a location (stationary node) where no movement takes place.

In other words, although the stationary node has a fixed point or line, its environment has minimal movement, but still sufficient to provide the required excitation of microoscillations.

Advantageously, the working elements that can be used in the present invention are extremely small, mainly due to the wavelengths discussed above.

Advantageously, the system of the present invention allows for a micropercussion action that facilitates penetration of the working element into the tissue to be drilled.

Several changes or replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent elements may be made by one skilled in the art to meet specific needs in embodiments of the aforementioned system.

Also, such options are included in the scope of protection given by the following claims.

Moreover, each option described as referring to an exemplary embodiment of the invention may be implemented independently of the other options described.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, starting from a variant in which the conversion of bending vibrations into torsional vibrations occurs due to the connection in a fixed bending unit, variants of the piezoelectric transducer can be proposed. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the converter is shown in full in FIG. 1 and 9 which, in terms of the shape, size and arrangement of the piezoceramic, is a transducer capable of generating bending vibrations in the waveguide means 4 (or waveguide housing 10). Alternatively, the bending vibration can be obtained by "degenerating" the longitudinal vibration by means of a waveguide 4 having an asymmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis Z of the transducer itself. According to an embodiment, in FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal transducer (Langevin type, 74), consisting of piezoelectric half-elements 24, 26, a massive body or support mass or tuner, 40, a waveguide or horn or concentrator 4, with a guiding housing 10, to which the vibration transducer is connected (in this case loop 28) using a thread (threaded connection 86), in which the body-bearing element 72 is located, and matching with the stationary node 8, the seat 80 for the working element 6.

Also in this embodiment, the stationary bending node is located on the predominant Z axis of the generating means, providing connection with the stationary node of the work item 6 and orthogonality between the node plane (oscillation plane P) and the Y axis of symmetry of the work item itself.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the predominant Z direction and the axis of the work item 6 are inclined, essentially orthogonal, that is, located at an angle of 85 to 125 degrees, preferably 90 degrees, and belong to the same plane (i.e. without eccentricity).

According to an embodiment of the invention, improved characteristics (vibration amplitude) in the distal part of the working element 6 are achieved when the diameter d' of the waveguide 4 is greater than the diameter d of the stem of the working element 6, and preferably if the diameter d' of the waveguide 4 is greater than or equal to half d/2 working element rod diameter 6.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 24 and 25, the rod diameter d corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical operating element 6, while in FIG. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, the diameter d corresponds to the diameter of the transmission body 14. The base of the working element 62 serves, for example, even if not only for attaching, for example screwing, the working element 6 to the distal part of the waveguide 4.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a solution is provided to increase intraoperative visibility in the oral cavity, which includes the first and second molar (both at the level of the lower jaw and at the level of the upper jaw), the visibility of which is limited due to the size of the mouth and differences between each patient regarding mouth opening.

To overcome this problem, micromotors are currently used provided with an opposite part (i.e., part of the twist drill to which the working element is connected), while the distal part is deflected relative to the main longitudinal axis of the most opposite part. The angle of inclination of the distal part is usually 120° (30° if we consider an acute angle with respect to the prevailing direction).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the distal part of the waveguide means 4 (or the waveguide housing 10) is inclined with respect to the predominant Z direction, this variant does not affect the transmission and transformation of vibrations at the level of the working element 6 (i.e. in such a way that the purely bending vibration of the generation means 2 and the waveguide means 4 is converted or transmitted in the working element 6 connected to the stationary assembly into torsional vibrations or bending vibrations lying entirely in the plane P, respectively).

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in order to provide the required inclination of the distal part of the waveguide means 4 or the waveguide body 10 without prejudice to the transmission/conversion of vibrations in the working element 6, a waveguide body 10 is proposed, passing, for example, in two directions, which are defined proximally and distally regarding means 2 generation. The proximal direction is coaxial to the predominant Z direction, while the distal part is inclined with respect to the most predominant Z direction (D direction) by an angle α of 5 to 45°, preferably 30°. To maintain the innovative characteristics of the proposed ultrasound system 1, two directions (Z and D) also fall to a point corresponding to the stationary bending node of the waveguide means 4 or the waveguide body 10. The axis D of the distal part of the waveguide means 4 and the axis (Y or X) of the working element 6 continue form an angle of 85 to 125 degrees, preferably 90 degrees.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in order to have a significant oscillation amplitude in the distal part of the working element 6, the working element 6 should have a diameter d smaller than the diameter d' of the waveguide 4, and preferably d ≤ 1/2 d'. With reference, for example, to FIG. 11, the diameter d of the working element corresponds to the diameter of the transmitting body 14 of the working element, while in FIG. 25-28 these elements are presented in a simplified way (in the form of cylindrical bodies) to facilitate understanding of the invention.

It is important to understand that the use of a stationary node (bend) as a connection point between two vibrating elements for transmitting/converting the vibrations of the first element to the second (from the waveguide to the working element) differs significantly from the transmission of oscillatory motion by connecting the vibrating elements through an antinode point/section ( as, for example, done in the prior art). The use of an antinode is a common solution adopted in ultrasonic energy systems, in which the point of maximum vibration of the resonant component (actually the antinode) is used as the excitation source for the second resonant component connected to it, which in turn will exhibit the vibration antinode at the point / connection area. Since the stationary node is the point of minimum vibration, in the prior art (e.g., ultrasonic power systems) it is used as a connection/attachment point/site to isolate vibrations of the oscillating element/device with respect to the attached structure (e.g., handpiece or housing of any type, connected to a vibrating ultrasonic system through flanges placed in the nodal parts), which should not oscillate. On the other hand, in ultrasonic power systems, the use of antinodes, rather than knots, to transmit vibrations from one vibrating element to another is the only proposed solution.

On the other hand, due to the features of the present invention, in which the families of modes, harmonics and boundary conditions are appropriately selected, the stationary node can be used as a point/site for converting/transmitting vibrations of significant amplitude to the distal part of the working element connected to the waveguide.

The advantages arising from the proposed configurations are as follows: high vibration of the working parts, suitable for operations in limited available space; reduced overall dimensions (the length of the working element is proportional to λ/4, and not just λ/2, as in known ultrasonic systems); there is practically no influence of the working element 6 on the frequency and oscillatory (modal) form of the articulation system/oscillation generator; great geometric versatility of the design of the working element; the possibility of using a single connection of the generation means 2 and the waveguide 4 for vibration activation of a set (multiple) of working elements 6, each of which has certain geometric and vibrational characteristics, without connection with such working elements that change the electrodynamic efficiency of the system.

A similar explanation should be made regarding the use of vibrating working elements 6 with a length close to a quarter (or a multiple of it) of the wavelength of the torsional/bending vibration generated in the element. Typically, in ultrasonic power systems, the length of the oscillating components is half (or a multiple) of the wavelength of the generated vibration. Otherwise, due to the specific configurations proposed in this invention, as well as the selected families of modes, harmonics and boundary conditions, it is possible to use working elements 6, the length of which is close to a quarter (or a multiple of it) of the wavelength of the generated torsional / bending vibration (in the element ), providing the aforementioned advantages, in particular high vibrations and reduced dimensions.

Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the transmission / conversion of bending vibrations created by the generation means 2 and transmitted through the waveguide 4 into torsional (or torsional-longitudinal) or bending vibrations of the working element 6, the axis of which runs at an angle and is orthogonal or almost orthogonal to the axis of the waveguide 4 and/or 2nd generation means.

The axes of the working element, generator and waveguide can be coplanar (therefore, it is not necessary to perform an eccentric assembly for the required transformation/transmission of vibrations).

In addition, the transmission/transformation of vibrations occurs by means of mechanical attachment of the working element 6 in the bending node (and not through the antinode, as in the prior art) of the waveguide 4.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the waveguide 4 is absent, and the connection of the working element 6 is performed in the bend node directly with the generation means 2.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the axes of the generating means 2 and the waveguide 4 are at an angle and do not coincide. The working element 6 of the invention functionally allows the following: (i) not to be installed eccentrically with respect to the waveguide 4 (or to the generation means 2 if the waveguide 4 is not present); (ii) have a cross section (diameter d) smaller than the diameter d' of the waveguide 4; (iii) have a length proportional to λ/4, and not just λ/2, as with all prior art resonant system components.

This description mentions the oscillation planes of the system referring to the planes containing the axes of the working element 6 and the generation means 2 and/or the waveguide 4, making it clear that the connection between the oscillating elements is not eccentric as suggested in the prior art.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the generating means 2 comprises two piezoelectric elements rotated relative to each other by 90° around the predominant Z direction/axis, and in which the attachment of the working element 6 takes place in a stationary bending node, and the orthogonality of the axis of the generator 2 and/or waveguide 4 and the working element 6 itself. Thanks to this configuration, it is possible to transmit bending vibrations generated in the transducer (or generation means 2) and in the waveguide 4 to the working element 6 in the form of torsional or bending vibrations, depending on the piezoelectric element being excited, which allows eliminate the double connection socket for the working insert 6, as shown in FIG. 13.

List of reference positions

1 ultrasound system

2 generation tool

4 waveguide means

4' distal end

6 work item

6' distal portion of working element

8 stationary bending unit

10 guide housing or waveguide housing

12 mating threaded connection

14 transmission body

16 bending ultrasonic transducer

18 piezoelectric element

20 contact electrode

22 pin electrode

24 half element or part of element

24' half element or part of element

26 half element or part of element

26' half element or part of element

28 guide loop

30 radial connection socket

32 radial connection socket

34 drill head

36 material removal cutter

38 screw rod

40 massive body

42 massive body

44 massive body

46 connecting rod or inner rod

48 first thread

50 first threadϕ

52 second thread

54 second thread

56 intermediate space

58 antinode

60 blocking element

62 working element base

64 bearing surface

66 element socket

68 connecting thread

70 connecting thread

72 body-bearing element

74 longitudinal ultrasonic transducer

76 first end

78 second end

80 connection socket

82 proximal section

84 distal site

86 threaded connection

88 socket cavity

90 control

92 asymmetrical plot

94 inclined section

α tilt angle

λ wavelength

D oblique direction defining the oblique axis

L length

S element plane

P plane of oscillation

X tertiary direction defining the tertiary axis

Y secondary direction defining the secondary axis

Z dominant direction, defining the dominant axis

Z1 direction of the waveguide means defining the axis of the waveguide means

Z' assembly direction

d stem diameter

d' is the diameter of the waveguide.

Claims (45)

1. Ultrasonic system (1), containing: means (2) for generating ultrasonic microoscillations; a waveguide means (4) connected to and extending from the generating means (2) so as to be at least partially bent; a working element (6) connected to a stationary bending unit (8) of the waveguide means (4) so that the bending microoscillations are transmitted by the waveguide means (4) to the working element (6) in the form of alternating torsional or bending microoscillations; the specified generation means (2) contains at least one ultrasonic transducer (16, 74) located coaxially with the predominant direction (Z) of the waveguide means (4), wherein the distal portion of said waveguide means (4) is extended along the direction of the waveguide means (4) defining the axis (Z or D) of the waveguide means; the specified work item (6)attached to the stationary node (8) bend waveguide means (4), extended along the direction that defines the secondary or tertiary axis (Y or X); said axis (Z or D) of the waveguide means and said secondary or tertiary axis (Y or X) are substantially perpendicular and intersecting and define a single plane (P or S); said axis (D) of the waveguide means and said secondary or tertiary axis (Y or X) intersect each other and form an angle of 85 degrees to 125 degrees, preferably 90 degrees; and said axes (Y or X, Z, D) of the working element (6), generating means (2) and waveguide means (4) are in the same plane. 2. Ultrasonic system (1) according to claim 1, in which the generating means (2) is configured to bend the waveguide means (4) in a single vibration plane (P) by means of stationary ultrasonic microoscillations; and/or the specified axis (Z or D) of the waveguide means and the specified secondary or tertiary axis (Y or X) are perpendicular to each other and intersect in the specified stationary node (8) bending of the waveguide means (4). 3. Ultrasonic system (1) according to claim 2, in which the working element (6) is formed outside the plane (P) vibrations, so that bending micro-oscillations are transmitted to the specified element (6) in the form of torsional micro-oscillations; and/or said waveguide means (4) is at least partially bent in the plane (P) of oscillation; and said axis (Z or D) of the waveguide means and said secondary axis (Y) are substantially perpendicular and intersecting with each other and define a single plane (S) perpendicular to said oscillation plane (P). 4. The ultrasonic system (1) according to claim 2, in which the working element (6) is formed in a plane that is essentially parallel to the plane (P) of vibrations or coincides with the plane (P) of vibrations, so that bending micro-oscillations are transmitted to the specified working element (6) in the form of flexural microoscillations; and/or said waveguide means (4) is at least partially bent in the plane (P) of oscillation; and said axis (Z or D) of the waveguide means and said tertiary axis (X) are substantially perpendicular and intersecting with each other and define a single plane (P) coinciding with said oscillation plane (P). 5. Ultrasonic system (1) according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the generation means (2) and the waveguide means (4) lie essentially completely in the oscillation plane (P) and are aligned along the predominant direction (Z) of the waveguide means (4); and/or said waveguide means (4) or its waveguide housing (10) comprises an inclined section (94) which extends along the oblique direction (D) with a predetermined angle (α) of inclination with respect to the predominant direction (Z); and/or the specified angle of inclination is from 5 degrees to 45 degrees, preferably 30 degrees; and/or in said waveguide means (4) or waveguide housing (10), said inclined section (94) is connected at a point corresponding to the stationary bending node of waveguide means (4) or waveguide housing (10). 6. Ultrasonic system (1) according to claim 1, in which the generation means (2) is configured to generate longitudinal micro-oscillations transmitted along the waveguide means (4) in the predominant direction (Z); or generation means (2) contains at least two piezoelectric elements (18) that are rotated by 90° relative to each other around the predominant direction/axis (Z), while the working element (6) is connected to the waveguide (4) in a stationary bending unit , and the axis of the generation means (2) or waveguide (4) is perpendicular to the axis of the working element (6). 7. Ultrasonic system (1) according to claim 6, in which the waveguide means (4) distally comprises a body-bearing element (72) connected to the working element (6), and at least one guide loop (28), which unfolds radially relative to the specified predominant direction (Z), made with the ability to convert longitudinal micro-oscillations into torsional micro-oscillations of the working element (6). 8. Ultrasonic system (1) according to any of the previous paragraphs, in which the working element (6) is rigidly connected to the body (10; 72) of the waveguide means (4) in the stationary bend assembly (8). 9. Ultrasonic system according to any paragraphs. 1-7, in which the working element (6) is a part separated from the body (10; 72) of the waveguide means (4); and/or the working element (6) is connected to the body (10; 72) of the waveguide means (4) with the possibility of detachment in the specified stationary node (8) of the bend of the waveguide means (4). 10. Ultrasonic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, 5-9, in which the working element (6) is extended along a secondary direction (Y) intersecting or essentially perpendicular to the plane (P) of vibrations, and the specified secondary direction (Y) forms the axis of symmetry of the specified working element (6) . 11. Ultrasonic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9, in which the operating element (6) extends at least partly in a tertiary direction (X) which is essentially parallel to the vibration plane (P), in particular lies in the plane (P ) vibrations, and the specified tertiary direction (X) forms the axis of symmetry of the specified working element (6). 12. Ultrasonic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the working element (6) is connected to the waveguide means (4) or the body (10, 72) of said means (4) through at least one transmission body (14) integrated into the working element (6) or attached to the working element (6), moreover, the specified transmitting body (14) is configured to amplify or damp micro-oscillations and/or is configured to amplify or damp micro-oscillations received from the generation means (2). 13. An ultrasonic system according to any one of the previous claims, in which the working element (6) extends from the waveguide means (4), or the working element (6) and the transmitting body (14) extend from the waveguide means (4), for a length (L) , located in the neighborhood (I) of a quarter of the wavelength (

) torsional or bending microoscillations created in the working element (6), or its multiple integer (n), and the indicated neighborhood (I) is less than or equal to

/ten; and/or the working element (6) passes from the waveguide means (4), or the working element (6) and the transmitting body (14) extend from the waveguide means (4) to a length (L) located in the neighborhood (I) of a quarter of the wavelength (

) torsional or bending microoscillations created in the working element (6), or its multiple integer (n), and the indicated neighborhood (I) is less than or equal to

/40. 14. Ultrasonic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, 5-10, 12, 13, in which the working element (6) contains a screw rod (38), which passes in a spiral along the secondary direction (Y), intersecting the plane (P) of vibrations or essentially perpendicular to the plane (P ) oscillations, so that the distal portion (6') of the working element (6) is sensitive to impact vibrations, with a longitudinal component of movement, in addition to torsional vibrations, reciprocating along said secondary direction (Y). 15. An ultrasonic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the generating means (2) comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer (16) containing piezoelectric elements (18) located in electrical contact with at least one pair of contact electrodes (20, 22), and each piezoelectric element (18) contains a pair of half-elements (24, 26) with mutually opposite directions of polarization, located side by side in the plane (P) of vibrations, so that when an alternating electrical voltage is applied to the contact electrodes (20, 22) , alternately one half-element (24, 26) expands, and the other half-element (26, 24) of the pair is compressed to generate bending microoscillations in the generating means (2) and in the waveguide means (4). 16. Ultrasonic system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the distal end (4') of the waveguide means (4) limits one or more radial connection sockets (30, 32) for attaching the working element (6); or the waveguide means (4) defines two radial connecting sockets (30, 32) oriented in such a way that the tertiary direction (X) of the operating element (6) in the socket (30) is inclined or substantially orthogonal with respect to the secondary direction (Y) of the working element (6) installed in another socket (32); and/or each connecting socket (30, 32) is made with the possibility of detachable connection of an independent working element (6) to the ultrasonic system (1). 17. An ultrasonic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the working element (6) comprises a drill head (34), a material removal cutter (36), a (semi)spherical element, an expander or a cutting element. 18. Ultrasound system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a surgical element, such as a bone drill or a dental instrument. 19. The ultrasonic system according to the previous paragraph, containing means (90) for controlling the generation means (2), configured to control the frequency of ultrasonic micro-oscillations of the specified means (2), setting such values that the micro-oscillations of the working element (6) are in the frequency range from 20 up to 60 kHz, for example from 20 to 36 kHz, to selectively remove at least a portion of mineralized structures, such as teeth or bones, while maintaining the integrity of tissues having a lower density, such as soft tissues. 20. Ultrasonic system according to any one of paragraphs. 5-15, in which one or more connection sockets comprise a cavity (88) of the socket, which extends into the waveguide body (10) in which the mating threaded connection (12) is located. 21. A device for maxillofacial and/or dental and/or bone surgery, containing an ultrasound system (1) according to any one of the previous paragraphs.

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