Disposable Dental Suction-Mirror Tool for Anti-Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental mirrors become fogged or non-reflective due to moisture and debris during procedures, requiring cumbersome cleaning methods that disrupt the dental surgeon's workflow and require assistance for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A disposable dental suction-mirror tool with a thermoplastic polymer mirror head and a suction tube inserted at a 50° angle, allowing simultaneous viewing and debris removal without tool exchange, utilizing a standard dental suction tube for efficient liquid flow and debris clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional dental mirror is used, then the mirror can provide reflection for viewing, but the reflective surface becomes fogged or non-reflective due to moisture and debris during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dental mirror and suction tube into a single integrated tool. The suction tube is inserted through the mirror frame, allowing simultaneous viewing and debris removal functions in one instrument, eliminating the need to switch between separate mirror and suction tools
Solution Approach 2:
The suction function is extracted and integrated into the mirror tool itself. The suction tube passes through the mirror frame, enabling active removal of moisture and debris from the mirror surface during the procedure, preventing fogging and maintaining reflective quality
2Ease of operation
If a suction tube is used to clean debris, then debris removal is achieved, but the dentist must use another hand or assistant to hold the suction tube, making the procedure cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The dental mirror and suction tube are merged into a single integrated instrument. The suction tube is inserted through the mirror frame and secured in place, allowing the dentist to perform both viewing and cleaning functions with one hand, eliminating the need for assistants or tool exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool performs multiple functions simultaneously: the mirror provides reflection for viewing while the suction tube removes debris and moisture. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tools and simplifies the procedural workflow
3Productivity
If cloth or water spraying is used to clean the mirror, then the mirror surface can be cleaned, but time and effort are wasted and the procedure is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube enables continuous removal of debris and moisture from the mirror surface throughout the dental procedure. This continuous cleaning action maintains reflective quality without interrupting the procedure, allowing the dentist to work continuously without stopping for mirror cleaning or replacement
4Reliability
If the mirror is removed from the patient's mouth for cleaning or replacement, then the mirror can be cleaned, but the procedure is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated suction tube allows continuous cleaning of the mirror surface while it remains in the patient's mouth. The suction actively removes moisture and debris during the procedure, maintaining reflective quality without requiring removal or replacement of the mirror, thus ensuring uninterrupted operation
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
Enables one-handed operation, reducing procedural time and enhancing ergonomics by integrating suction and mirror functions into a single instrument, allowing continuous, effective cleaning and reflection without interrupting dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
dental suction tube inserted and passed through the handle attached onto said mirror frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a disposable dental mirror tool combined with a dental suction device which can be an integral part of the tool or may be inserted into the tool, enabling simultaneously viewing the patient's mouth and cleaning debris formed during dental procedures.