Adjustable Bite Block with Mandibular Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bite blocks for medical procedures are difficult to adjust during use, particularly when dealing with irregularly shaped or sized teeth, and they do not allow for easy repositioning of the mandibular tray, which can lead to airway obstruction issues.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bite block with a movable lower portion and a mandibular adjustment member that allows for the mandible to be moved between a rest position and a forward thrust position, enabling adjustment of the airway without removing the bite block or scope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid or semi-rigid bite block is used to hold the mouth open, then the airway passage is maintained, but the device cannot be adjusted during use when airway obstruction occurs or teeth position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block incorporates a mandibular adjustment member that enables dynamic repositioning of the lower jaw during the procedure. The device transitions from a static rigid structure to one that can be adjusted in real-time, allowing the mandible to be moved between rest and forward thrust positions while maintaining structural integrity and airway patency
2Reliability
If the maxillary and mandibular trays are made rigid to maintain airway passage, then the airway is kept open, but the risk of inadvertent damage to the teeth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block utilizes materials with varying degrees of rigidity and flexibility. The maxillary and mandibular trays are designed with controlled flexibility to maintain airway passage while reducing the risk of tooth damage. The material properties are optimized to provide sufficient structural support for airway maintenance while being compliant enough to protect dental structures
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mandibular tray is made to capture the teeth securely, then the bite block remains stable, but repositioning becomes difficult or impossible during use
Solution Approach 1:
The mandibular adjustment member provides a mechanical mechanism for dynamic repositioning of the mandibular tray. This allows the device to maintain stable engagement with the teeth during normal use while enabling controlled repositioning when airway obstruction occurs or procedural adjustments are needed, without requiring removal of the bite block
4Reliability
If a manual jaw thrust maneuver is performed to open the airway when obstruction occurs, then the airway can be reopened, but the procedure is interrupted and other medical activities are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism through the mandibular adjustment member that allows the airway to be reopened by simply rotating an adjustment knob, without requiring manual jaw thrust maneuvers or removal of the device. This enables the airway to be maintained patent continuously, allowing other medical procedures to proceed without interruption
Data Source
AI summary
There is proposed an adjustable bite block for a patient's mouth for use during a medical or surgical procedure. The adjustable bite block includes an upper portion for engaging the teeth of a maxilla of the patient, and a lower portion for engaging the teeth of a mandible of the patient. The upper portion and/or lower portion has at least one passageway therebetween or therethrough, and the lower portion is adjustably connected to or adjacent the upper portion, to facilitate the movement of the mandible to thereby adjust the patient's airway. An adjustment member is connected or coupled to the lower portion of the bite block, and accessible from an exterior of the patient's mouth during use. The adjustment member is configured to move the lower portion relative to the upper portion to thereby move the mandible of the patient between a rest position and a forward thrust position.