Adjustable Bite Block with Radial Dimension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental and medical procedures face challenges in maintaining a patient's mouth open due to varying mouth sizes and instrument sizes, leading to discomfort and potential harm from accidental biting down on instruments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bite block with a mechanism that adjusts to different radial dimensions, allowing it to fit various mouth sizes and accommodate differently sized instruments, featuring snap, ratchet, and other mechanisms to securely hold the mouth open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size oral apparatus is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot fit different mouth sizes and provides improper exposure for medical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the radial dimension to be dynamically changed. The band can be adjusted to different radial dimensions to fit various mouth sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite block is divided into separable components including a band and a closure mechanism. This segmentation allows for adjustable configurations where the band can be connected at different positions to achieve various radial dimensions, enabling adaptation to different mouth sizes while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bite block is made adjustable to fit different mouth sizes, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the radial dimension to be dynamically changed. The band can be adjusted to different radial dimensions to fit various mouth sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be easily operated by the user without requiring complex tools or procedures. The mechanism allows the patient to adjust the bite block size themselves, making the adjustment process simple and self-service oriented.
3Ease of operation
If a standard oral apparatus is used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but it causes discomfort and difficulty for doctors to work around with instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the radial dimension to be dynamically changed. The band can be adjusted to different radial dimensions to fit various mouth sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite block allows for changes in the radial dimension parameter to accommodate different mouth sizes and instrument requirements. This parameter adjustment enables optimal positioning for surgical instruments while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adjustable bite block for positioning within a person's mouth and maintaining the mouth in an open position. The adjustable bite block comprising at least one band of curved material comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions configured to be coupled to one another so as to define a closed loop with an opening defined therethrough, wherein the first and second portions are further configured to be selectively adjusted relative to one another so as to adjust a radial dimension of the loop, and wherein the band is configured to be positioned within the person's mouth such that at least a portion of the loop maintains the person's mouth in an open position. Embodiments of the adjustable bite block may use snap tabs spaced along the band or a ratchet mechanism for adjustment of the radial dimension.