Dual-Material Dental Suction Device for Secure Hose Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saliva ejectors face issues with sponges detaching due to loss of elasticity, requiring frequent replacement, and using hard suction tubes that are uncomfortable for patients, while also being costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component injection-molded saliva ejector with a hard and soft plastic components, where the soft component forms a suction area with pores and the hard component ensures secure attachment to the suction hose, allowing easy detachment and disinfection, and a tongue retractor for patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sponge is used as the suction element, then it provides comfort by being soft, but it loses elasticity over time and detaches from the suction hose
Solution Approach 1:
The suction element is divided into two separate components: a soft suction area (sponge) for patient comfort and a hard coupling element for secure attachment. These two components are manufactured as a single integrated piece through multi-component injection molding, combining the benefits of both materials while eliminating the reliability issues of detached sponges.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction element uses a composite structure combining a soft porous material (sponge) for the suction area and a hard plastic material for the coupling element. This multi-material construction allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the soft sponge provides comfort and suction, while the hard coupling provides durable, secure attachment to the hose.
2Reliability
If a hard suction tube is used, then it provides secure attachment and durability, but it is perceived as unpleasant by the patient
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the suction element have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The suction area contacting the patient's tissue is made of soft porous material for comfort, while the coupling element connecting to the hose is made of hard plastic for secure attachment. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between comfort and security.
3Reliability
If the sponge is glued onto the suction hose, then it prevents detachment, but it cannot be removed for disinfection or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the suction element and hose is designed to be dynamically adjustable - firmly attached during use to prevent detachment, but easily separable when needed for disinfection or replacement. The coupling element's design allows for simple connection and disconnection without requiring tools or excessive force, enabling frequent cleaning and replacement while maintaining security during 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
The solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and comfortable saliva ejector that maintains secure attachment, efficient suction, and reduces patient discomfort by using a soft component that adapts to tissue and a hard component for secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
The suction tube is preferably curved and is inserted into the patient's mouth with its curved section... to exert the desired suction
Implementation Method 2
the molded part is manufactured as a multi-component injection-molded part... a hard component and a soft component can be manufactured in one piece
Data Source
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AI summary
It is a saliva ejector with an injection-molded plastic component that forms a coupling for connection to a suction hose, optionally via an adapter. The plastic component is manufactured as a multi-component injection-molded part and comprises a harder plastic component (the hard component), the coupling, and optionally the adapter. The other plastic component (the soft component) forms a suction area with at least one suction opening (or pore) for saliva and an outlet opening towards the suction hose. This soft component is made of an open-pored, preferably thermoplastic, elastomer.