Dental Retainer Casing with Airtight Interlocking Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental retainers are frequently lost or misplaced due to their frequent removal for cleaning and storage, and fixed retainers are difficult to clean and maintain, leading to issues with damage and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A dental retainer casing that securely houses the retainer in an airtight manner and can be affixed to a wearer's possession, such as a mobile device, using interlocking casing portions and attachment mechanisms to ensure safe and sanitary storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If removable retainers are frequently removed for cleaning and storage, then hygiene is improved, but the risk of loss or misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is nested within a dedicated case that has a specific shape conforming to the retainer. The case is further nested within or attached to a larger container or wearable item, creating multiple levels of containment that reduce the risk of loss while maintaining access for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary case or container is introduced between the retainer and the external environment. This intermediary structure provides a designated place for the retainer, making it easier to track and less likely to be lost during removal for cleaning or storage.
2Ease of operation
If retainers are placed in napkins for temporary storage, then convenience is improved, but the risk of accidental discarding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is nested within a dedicated case with a shape that conforms to the retainer, providing secure containment. This case can be further nested within or attached to a larger container, creating multiple levels of protection against accidental discarding while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer case incorporates visual indicators such as color changes, lights, or displays that indicate the presence or status of the retainer. This makes it easier to locate the case and reduces the risk of accidental discarding by providing clear visual feedback about the retainer's location and status.
3Reliability
If fixed retainers are used to eliminate loss risk, then retainer location reliability is improved, but cleaning and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is segmented into a removable retainer component and a separate case or container. This allows the retainer to be easily removed for cleaning while providing a designated place for storage, combining the reliability of a fixed location with the cleaning accessibility of a removable design.
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable dental retainer casing is provided including a plurality of receptacles configured to house a dental retainer within an interior space defined by the cooperation of the plurality of receptacles along with an affixed panel mechanism configured to securely attach and remain attached to exterior surfaces. The dental retainer casing provides attachment or integration between the panel and the surface of the component in the wearer's possession in an airtight manner. The dental retainer casing allows a wearer to carry their component with the dental retainer casing safely attached while participating in various activities, without requiring the wearer to dedicate attention to the whereabouts of the dental retainer casing.