Dental Aerosol Protection Ring With Source-Level Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental professionals are at risk of exposure to aerosol and splatter particles during procedures, which can carry infectious pathogens, as existing protective equipment does not effectively contain these particles before they disperse into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A dental aerosol protection system comprising a ring assembly with a collar and suction ports, and optionally a support mask, that traps and collects aerosols and splatter using high-velocity suction, forming a barrier between the patient and dental professional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personal protective equipment such as masks, face shields, gloves, and gowns are used, then protection for dental professionals is improved, but aerosol particles remain airborne and can still cause contamination after the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by containing and removing aerosol particles at the source (patient's mouth) before they can disperse into the operatory environment. The suction device is positioned to capture particles as they are generated, preventing their spread rather than relying on protective equipment worn after exposure risk has already occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful aerosol particles are extracted from the air stream using high-volume suction. The system actively removes particles from the vicinity of the patient's mouth and extracts them through the suction device, separating the harmful factors from the environment before they can contaminate the operatory.
2Productivity
If high speed handpieces or ultrasonic equipment are used, then dental procedures can be performed, but high levels of aerosols and splatter are generated which are potentially harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device acts as an intermediary between the aerosol-generating equipment and the operatory environment. It intercepts particles generated by handpieces or ultrasonic equipment before they can spread, serving as a mediator that allows procedure productivity while protecting against harmful byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles through high-volume suction to control and remove aerosol particles. The vacuum pressure created by the suction device counteracts the dispersion forces of generated particles, using fluid dynamics to manage the harmful aerosol cloud.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a rubber dam is used, then aerosol volume is reduced by acting as a barrier, but aerosol particles are not removed and can still escape
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than relying solely on the rubber dam to contain particles, the system actively extracts particles that escape the dam barrier. The suction device removes particles from the air stream, providing a second line of defense that complements the physical barrier of the rubber dam.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device provides continuous action throughout the procedure, constantly removing particles as they are generated. This continuous removal action maintains reliability of containment throughout the entire procedure, whereas the rubber dam is a static barrier that cannot adapt to changing aerosol generation rates.
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 system effectively contains aerosols and splatter at the source, reducing the risk of infection for dental professionals and patients by preventing dispersion into the operatory.
Implementation Method 1
high-velocity suction to collect the trapped aerosol and splatter particles
Implementation Method 2
creates a circumferential negative pressure in close proximity to the patient's mouth
Data Source
AI summary
A dental aerosol protection system for controlling dispersion of aerosol and splatter particles produced during dental procedures, the system including a ring assembly, a support mask for supporting the ring assembly on a patient, and a suction generating device, the ring assembly and support mask having suction ports which are connectable to the suction generating device to provide a negative suction force around the oral cavity, wherein the ring assembly and support mask can be connected or used separately to control dispersion of aerosols depending upon the requirements of the dental procedure, and one or more flexible extensions connectable to the ring assembly and support mask extending superiorly away from the patient around and over the oral cavity, the flexible extensions forming an adjustable physical barrier between the dental professional and the patient's oral cavity.