Clamshell Oral Appliance Container with Retaining Cord

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a secure and convenient method to protect and carry oral appliances such as mouth guards, retainers, and dentures when not in use, while ensuring easy access when needed, to prevent loss and damage.

Innovation Solution

A protective container with a zip-able clamshell design, a strap for attachment, and a retaining cord to secure the appliance, along with an optional hard inner liner for additional protection, and a mesh net pouch for dental supplies, allowing for secure storage and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective container is designed with secure closure mechanisms and retention features, then the appliance is protected from loss and damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from loss and damageVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two separate halves that can be opened and closed independently, allowing the appliance to be securely held while enabling easy access. The retention cord is also segmented into multiple attachment points around the container interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention cord is nested within the container structure, with attachment points integrated into the container walls. The cord itself is stored within the container when not in use, creating a compact integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the container is designed with easy access features for quick retrieval, then the ease of operation improves, but the protection and security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to applianceVSAvoidsecurity of appliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention cord is pre-positioned within the container with attachment points ready before the appliance is inserted. The cord automatically engages with the appliance upon insertion, providing immediate retention without requiring additional user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The container transitions from a closed secure state to an open accessible state through simple hinge motion. The retention cord dynamically adjusts its tension as the container opens and closes, maintaining security during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If additional protective features such as hard inner liner are added, then the protection against crushing and breakage improves, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against crushingVSAvoidcontainer components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hard inner liner is nested within the flexible container, creating a layered protection system. The liner fits precisely within the container interior, with the retention cord passing through both the liner and container walls to secure both components simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9204951B2Protective container for oral appliances

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 BROOKS PATRICIA M

AI summary

A closeable clam shell type container with a retaining cord provides a protective enclosure for the storage and transport of oral appliances. A strap and clip allow the container to be attached to clothing and packs. Material choices allow versions that are machine washable. Some versions include a removable hard inner liner to provide further protection of oral appliances.