Bite Block Gas Flow Path Design for Saliva Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bite blocks used in endoscope examinations are prone to measurement inaccuracies due to obstruction by saliva and delays in gas sampling, leading to unreliable gas measurement and oxygen supply.
Innovation Solution
A bite block design featuring a cylindrical first wall and a surrounding second wall forming a gas flow path with a sample port, including a slope to prevent saliva obstruction and an adjustable respiration information collecting adaptor for accurate gas measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gas sampling hole is formed in the bite block to enable gas measurement, then respiration measurement is enabled, but the hole is obstructed by saliva during examination causing measurement failure and inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block is divided into functional zones: a first wall with a sampling hole for gas measurement, and a second wall forming a flow path. This segmentation allows the sampling function to be separated from the potential contamination zone, enabling accurate measurement while preventing saliva obstruction of the sampling hole.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow path is introduced as an intermediary structure between the oral cavity and the sampling hole. This flow path allows gas to reach the sampling hole while the slope configuration prevents saliva from blocking the sampling opening, acting as a mediator that enables measurement without contamination.
2Device complexity
If a simple hole structure is used for gas sampling, then the device is simple, but sampling response is delayed and atmospheric gas may be sucked causing inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a simple two-dimensional hole to a three-dimensional flow path structure with a slope. This dimensional enhancement creates a directional gas flow channel that improves sampling response and prevents atmospheric gas contamination, while adding only minimal structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed bite block structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the respiration information collecting adaptor cannot be optimally positioned for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the respiration information collecting adaptor to be positioned at different locations along the flow path. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimal positioning for accurate measurement while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process based on modular components.
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 design prevents saliva obstruction and ensures accurate gas measurement by creating a wide flow path and using a slope to direct gas flow, while the adjustable adaptor ensures optimal positioning for reliable respiration data collection.
Implementation Method 1
The flow path may include a slope connected from the sample port to peripheral edges of the first and second walls
Implementation Method 2
A gas in the oral cavity may be directed to the sample port through the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A bite block includes: a first wall defining a hole into which a conduit pipe is to be inserted; a second wall surrounding the first wall to define a flow path with the first wall; and a sample port communicating with the flow path.