Dental Operatory Protection Table With Vacuum Aerosol Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental and medical protective devices fail to provide comprehensive protection against airborne infectious materials, particularly aerosols, due to limitations in size, adaptability, visibility, and vacuum coverage, posing a risk to healthcare workers during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A portable, adjustable apparatus combining a transparent physical barrier with a vacuum system to capture and remove aerosols, ensuring unobstructed access and visibility for healthcare providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective barrier is introduced between the operator and patient, then protection from aerosol droplets is improved, but operator movement and field of vision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent thin film barrier that provides protection against aerosol droplets while maintaining operator visibility and movement. The thin film design allows the operator to see through the barrier clearly, and its flexible nature permits adjustment to accommodate various operator positions and movements without compromising protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent barrier acts as an intermediary element between the operator and patient, providing protection while allowing interaction. The barrier mediates the interaction by blocking harmful aerosols while permitting visual contact and controlled access, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and operational ease.
2Reliability
If existing protective devices are used, then some protection is provided, but comprehensive protection against airborne infectious materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is designed with multi-functionality to provide comprehensive protection. It combines aerosol barrier, droplet shield, and vacuum integration into a single universal device that addresses multiple protection needs simultaneously, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective barrier with an integrated vacuum system into a unified device. This combination allows the barrier to not only block aerosols and droplets but also actively remove them through vacuum suction, providing comprehensive protection that exceeds what either component could achieve alone.
3Reliability
If a physical barrier is introduced, then aerosol containment is improved, but adaptability and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective barrier is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be adjusted, repositioned, and adapted to different clinical scenarios. The barrier can be moved to accommodate various patient positions and procedure requirements, maintaining aerosol containment effectiveness while providing the necessary adaptability and portability.
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
The apparatus effectively contains and removes aerosols and liquids, reducing the risk of infection for healthcare workers by providing a comprehensive barrier that is adjustable, portable, and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system to capture and remove aerosols
Data Source
AI summary
A protective apparatus for use in medical and dental procedures to prevent exposure and exchange of harmful substances between an area isolated by the apparatus and the environment of use. The apparatus includes a physical shield, a vacuum barrier, and an adjustable support frame. The apparatus further includes a vacuum connector for connecting the apparatus to a vacuum source, a vacuum conduit for flow communicating with the air around the perimeter of the physical shield such that the vacuum source draws air along with solid and liquid matter entrained in the air into the vacuum conduit, and a plurality of vacuum apertures located along the vacuum conduit for communicating the vacuum source with the air. The apparatus provides protection for persons in proximity to a source of harmful substances such as aerosols derived from patients infected with viruses or the like and more in particular corona viruses.