Dental Prosthesis Removal Tool Hook Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly and patients with cognitive difficulties face challenges in removing implant-supported dentures due to increased retention forces, which also complicates removal for caregivers, highlighting a need for an efficient and safe method to dislodge dental appliances from the mouth.
Innovation Solution
A dental prosthesis removal tool featuring a small hook with a rubber cover attached to a bar and handle, made of stainless steel and hard plastic, designed to fit comfortably in the hand, allowing easy engagement under the denture for pulling it out, with optional spring-loading for enhanced ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implant-supported dentures use surface tensions and holding forces to secure the appliance, then retention and stability are improved, but ease of removal deteriorates for elderly patients and those with cognitive difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
A removal tool with a hook mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the patient's hand and the denture. The hook engages with the denture's retention mechanism, allowing caregivers or patients to safely remove the appliance without directly overcoming the strong surface tension and holding forces that make direct removal difficult or dangerous.
2Ease of operation
If fingers are placed on the edge of dentures and push to overcome surface tensions, then removal is achieved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate for patients with weakness or cognitive difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool acts as a mediator that transforms the unsafe direct finger-pushing technique into a safe controlled removal process. The tool's hook mechanism distributes the force safely and provides a mechanical advantage, eliminating the risk of injury from direct manual manipulation while maintaining effective removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the inadequate mechanical system of direct finger pushing with a purpose-designed mechanical tool that provides leverage and controlled force application. This substitution enables safe and effective removal for patients who lack the strength, dexterity, or cognitive ability to perform the original manual technique.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient removal of dental appliances by providing a straightforward technique for patients and caregivers, reducing the force required to dislodge dentures and aligners, addressing the difficulty in existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The hook is preferably attached to a bar and a handle... The apparatus can also come as part of a kit... featuring a small hook with a rubber cover
Data Source
AI summary
A device for to aid or help patients remove dental prostheses. The dental prosthesis removal tool preferably includes a small hook, which has a rubber cover. The hook is preferably attached to a bar and a handle, which could easily fit into a patient's hand. The tool is preferably made of a strong, rust free metal, e.g. stainless steel. The handle is preferably made of a hard, processed plastic, and is strongly secured to the bar. A kit of the components is also envisioned.