Evacuation Dam Frame Pneumatic Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental and medical procedures generate aerosolized particles and droplets that can contaminate the procedure site, exposing patients and professionals to potential pathogens and bodily fluids, necessitating effective containment and evacuation.
Innovation Solution
An evacuation dam apparatus with a frame having top, bottom, and side members, featuring positive and negative flow ports that create a fluid flow path to capture and remove particles, including a saliva suction holder and eye protection coupler, designed to be adjustable and customizable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rubber dam is used to isolate the procedure area, then contamination of the procedure site is reduced, but aerosolized particles and droplets can still be introduced into the immediate atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation dam is divided into multiple functional components: a frame structure, positive flow outlets, negative flow inlets, and a flexible barrier. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of particle containment and evacuation, improving overall effectiveness in reducing harmful aerosolized particles while maintaining isolation of the procedure area
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by incorporating positive flow outlets that deliver pressurized air and negative flow inlets that create suction. This pneumatic system actively manages aerosolized particles through controlled air flows, effectively removing them from the procedure area while the rubber dam maintains physical isolation
2Productivity
If particles are introduced into the immediate atmosphere during dental procedures, then the procedure can be performed, but patients and dental professionals are exposed to pathogens and bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation dam acts as an intermediary system between the procedure area and the surrounding environment. It includes a frame that positions the barrier, positive flow outlets that create protective air curtains, and negative flow inlets that actively evacuate particles. This intermediary system allows procedures to be performed while preventing direct exposure to pathogens and bodily fluids through controlled particle management
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes harmful aerosolized particles and droplets from the procedure atmosphere through negative flow inlets that create suction. By actively extracting these harmful particles before they can be inhaled or contacted by patients and professionals, the system maintains procedure performance while eliminating exposure risks
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
Effectively reduces particulate distribution and maintains a sanitary environment by creating a controlled fluid flow path across the working area, enhancing cleanliness and safety during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A positive flow outlet port adjacent the working area and fluidly coupled with the positive flow inlet port
Implementation Method 2
A negative flow inlet port adjacent the working area; a negative flow outlet port configured to receive negative pressure airflow therein
Implementation Method 3
The evacuation dam is adapted to provide a fluid flow from at least a portion of the plurality of ports to the outlet to form a fluid flow path across the working area
Data Source
AI summary
An evacuation dam apparatus including a frame having a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and two side frame members. A working area formed by the frame, a plurality of ports adjacent the working area, an outlet fluidly coupled with the plurality of ports. A fluid flow from at least a portion of the plurality of ports to the outlet forms a fluid flow path across the working area and at least a portion of the fluid flow path is formed within the frame.