Arc-Shaped Teething Element with Elastic Overlap for Molar Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing teething devices fail to adequately stimulate molars at the back of the jaw and pose a risk of entering the throat or being swallowed due to their design, with narrow gaps and rigid structures.
Innovation Solution
An arc-shaped teething element with elastically deformable ends that can overlap when lateral pressure is applied, forming a secure position to prevent throat entry and featuring a circular annular design with a 15°-35° opening angle to reach the molars, made from a hollow body filled with non-hazardous liquid for enhanced flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the teething device uses a narrow gap between end areas to reach the molars at the back, then the molars can be stimulated, but breathing becomes difficult and the device may enter the throat area
Solution Approach 1:
The teething element is designed with elastically deformable end areas that can dynamically change their configuration. In the rest position, the end areas are spaced apart to allow breathing. When lateral pressure is applied (securing position), the end areas deform to overlap, preventing throat entry while maintaining the ability to reach molars through the arc-shaped design.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening angle of the free gap is optimized to between 15° and 35°, which allows the end areas to be positioned to stimulate molars while preventing the device from entering the throat area. The elastic deformability parameter enables the end areas to transition between spaced apart and overlapping states based on applied pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the teething element has straight end areas to support front teeth, then front dentition is supported, but the molars at the back are not stimulated sufficiently and rigid straight end areas may enter the throat
Solution Approach 1:
The teething element is designed with an arc-shaped configuration that follows the curvature of the jaw, replacing straight end areas with curved geometry. This allows the element to simultaneously contact and stimulate both front teeth and molars, improving overall dentition support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the teething element have different properties: the arc-shaped body provides curvature for overall jaw following, while the end areas maintain sufficient length and elasticity to provide localized stimulation appropriate for their respective positions (front or back of the mouth).
3Stability of the object's composition
If the teething device uses a closed torus shape, then the structure is complete, but the molars at the back cannot be reached properly and the structure becomes rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The closed torus structure is segmented by introducing a free gap between the end areas, creating an arc-shaped element rather than a complete ring. This segmentation allows the element to be positioned to reach molars while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic material and the tension created by the gap.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional protective parts like shields are added to prevent throat entry, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The teething element's end areas are designed to automatically prevent throat entry through their own elastic deformability. When lateral pressure is applied, the end areas deform to overlap in the securing position, creating a self-regulating safety mechanism without requiring additional protective parts or shields.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively stimulates the entire jaw, including the molars, while preventing accidental throat entry and providing a safe, flexible chewing experience without the need for additional protective parts.
Implementation Method 1
the arc-shaped teething element is elastically deformable in such a way that the two end areas can be arranged at least partially overlapping each other in a securing position
Implementation Method 2
made from a hollow body filled with non-hazardous liquid for enhanced flexibility and safety
Data Source
AI summary
Teething device for an infant, with a substantially arc-shaped and elastically deformable teething element having two free end areas spaced apart from each other in an unloaded rest position, wherein the teething element forms a free gap between the end areas in the rest position and is substantially circular, and the arc-shaped teething element substantially simulates the shape of the jaw in such a way that, when it is inserted into the mouth and is substantially congruent with the jaw, the end areas are arranged in the area of the molars in the rest position of the teething element, wherein the free gap has an opening angle of between 15° and 35°, measured from the internal apex of the opening, and the arc-shaped teething element is elastically deformable in such a way that the two end areas can be arranged at least partially overlapping each other in a securing position.