Disposable Dental Suction-Mirror Tool
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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 divert the dentist's attention and time away from the patient's mouth.
Innovation Solution
A disposable dental suction-mirror tool with a mirror frame and cylindrical suction tube base, allowing the mirror to be angled at 50-60° for efficient fluid evacuation, combining the functions of a mirror and suction tool in one hand-held instrument, using a clear, anti-fog thermoplastic polymer mirror and integrated suction mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional dental mirror is used, then the mirror can be sterilized and reused, but the reflective surface becomes fogged or non-reflective due to moisture and debris during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable mirror that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the problem of fogging and debris accumulation on reusable mirrors. The disposable nature ensures the mirror surface remains clean and reflective throughout the procedure without requiring sterilization or cleaning interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mirror with a suction tube into a single integrated tool. The suction tube is positioned to simultaneously evacuate debris from the patient's mouth and prevent it from reaching the mirror surface, while also managing moisture that causes fogging. This merging allows the mirror to maintain its reflective properties without separate cleaning equipment.
2Productivity
If a suction tube is used to clean debris, then debris can be removed from the mouth, but the dentist must use another hand or assistant to operate the suction tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the suction tube and mirror into a single combined tool that can be operated with one hand. The suction tube is attached to the mirror handle at a specific angle, allowing the dentist to simultaneously view the oral cavity through the mirror and evacuate debris through the suction tube without requiring a second hand or assistant.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined tool serves multiple functions: the mirror provides visual inspection of the oral cavity, the suction tube removes debris and excess moisture, and the integrated design allows both functions to be performed simultaneously with a single instrument, increasing operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If cloth or water spray is used to clean the mirror, then the reflective surface can be restored, but time and effort are wasted and the procedure becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is integrated with the mirror and positioned to continuously evacuate debris and moisture away from the mirror surface during the procedure. This prevents accumulation rather than requiring periodic cleaning interruptions, maintaining mirror reflectivity without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube operates continuously throughout the dental procedure, constantly removing debris and moisture before they can compromise the mirror's reflective surface. This continuous action eliminates the need for periodic stopping to clean the mirror with cloth or water spray.
4Reliability
If the mirror is removed from the patient's mouth for cleaning, then the mirror surface can be restored, but the procedure is interrupted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated suction tube and mirror design allows debris and moisture to be evacuated at the source, preventing mirror contamination without requiring removal of the mirror from the patient's mouth. The suction tube is positioned to protect the mirror surface while it remains in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube serves the mirror by automatically evacuating debris and moisture away from it through the integrated design. The system is self-maintaining during the procedure, with the suction function continuously protecting the mirror surface without external intervention or procedure interruption.
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 the dentist to maintain a clear view of the patient's mouth while simultaneously cleaning debris and fog without removing the mirror, streamlining dental procedures and reducing the need for assistants, by effectively removing fluids and debris during dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical suction tube base (3) for inserting into a standard dental suction tube, the tube serving as a handle and connecting said dental tool with a vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
a planar anti-fog mirror (2) to be attached on said frame bottom in said circular section
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a disposable dental mirror tool combined with a disposable suction means, enabling simultaneously viewing the patient's mouth and cleaning liquids and debris formed during dental procedures.