Integrated Dental Retractor for Dark-Background Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental retractors are difficult to accurately position and require assistance to hold in place, causing discomfort and ergonomic challenges during dental procedures, especially when photographing teeth against a dark background.

Innovation Solution

A dental retractor combining a lip retractor, cheek retractor with arched arms, and optionally a tongue retractor, made from medical grade silicone, that can be easily positioned to control soft tissue and provide a dark background for dental photography, allowing simultaneous imaging of upper and lower teeth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple separate retractors and contrasters are used to control soft tissue and provide dark background, then the teeth can be photographed against black background, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires multiple components to be accurately positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedark background for photographyVSAvoidtime to position multiple components

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the retractor and contraster into a single integrated device. The retractor body itself is made of dark-colored material (black or dark gray) that provides the contrasting background for photography, eliminating the need for separate contraster sheets. The device simultaneously performs tissue retraction and provides photographic background in one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as a retractor to control soft tissue position, provides a dark background for photography, and can accommodate multiple cameras or imaging devices. The single device replaces what previously required separate retractor tools and contraster sheets, reducing the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple retractors are positioned to control soft tissue, then unobstructed access to teeth is achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and requires dental assistant to hold them in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to teeth during procedureVSAvoidnumber of components to position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates lip retractors, cheek retractors, and tongue retractors into a single unified device structure. The retractor body incorporates multiple arms and components that work together as one unit, eliminating the need to position and hold multiple separate retractor tools during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor device includes flexible and adjustable components that can adapt to different patient anatomies and procedure requirements. The device can be positioned and secured by a single operator without requiring assistance to hold multiple separate components in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate dental contrasters are inserted for upper and lower dental arches, then both teeth can be photographed, but it is difficult to position and only one arch can be backed at any one time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing upper and lower teethVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated retractor device is designed to accommodate both upper and lower dental arches simultaneously. The device structure includes provisions for positioning contrasters or imaging surfaces for both arches at the same time, eliminating the need to choose between photographing upper or lower teeth first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device extends in multiple dimensions within the oral cavity to provide support surfaces for both upper and lower teeth. The contraster component is designed to accommodate dual arch photography by extending vertically and horizontally to provide dark backgrounds for both dental arches simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the dentist positions retractor with one hand and photographs with the other, then dental procedure can continue, but ergonomic challenges arise and image quality suffers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuation of dental procedureVSAvoidergonomic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device combines retraction and photographic background functions in one component, allowing the dentist to position the single device and then photograph without needing to simultaneously manage multiple separate tools. This reduces ergonomic strain and improves image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250352301A1Dental device

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 MOORE PAUL

AI summary

A dental retractor for controlling the position of soft tissue within a mouth is disclosed. The dental retractor includes a lip retractor for controlling the position of a lip and a cheek retractor including a pair of arms for controlling the position of a cheek. The dental retractor includes a tongue retractor removably coupled to the dental retractor for controlling the position of a tongue.