Flexible Dental Suction Support with Conformable Gripper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dental suction devices are often not conveniently positioned during procedures, leading to inefficiencies due to the need for frequent retrieval from tool cradles, and existing holders do not adapt well to different tool cradle shapes or sizes, nor provide a secure and flexible support mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A flexible support system with a conformable member and displaceable members that can adapt to various tool cradle shapes, featuring a quick release mechanism for secure attachment and detachment, allowing the suction device to be positioned flexibly and securely adjacent to the work area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional tool cradle is used to hold the dental suction device, then the device can be stored in an upright position, but the hygienist must frequently return to the cradle to retrieve the tool, causing loss of time and reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidtime for tool retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support arm movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The support arm can be positioned at different locations along the dental tool handle, allowing the suction device to be held at various distances and angles from the work area. This dynamic positioning enables the hygienist to optimize the tool's position for each procedure, keeping it within easy reach without needing to return to a fixed cradle location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary flexible support arm with conformable member that mediates between the tool cradle and the suction device. This intermediary component allows the device to be securely held while remaining accessible, eliminating the need for direct interaction with the fixed cradle during procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the tool cradle is positioned within reach of the work area, then access is improved, but the cradle may obstruct the hygienist's movement or access to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to toolVSAvoidobstruction of access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the support system into multiple independent components: a fixed base, a movable support arm, and a conformable gripping member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the support arm and conformable member being movable to avoid obstructions while the base remains stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm is designed to be movable and repositionable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to avoid obstructing the hygienist's access to the patient while maintaining tool availability. The conformable member can also adjust its grip position along the handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a fixed rigid holder is used to secure the suction device, then the device is firmly held, but it cannot adapt to different tool cradle shapes or sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcompatibility with different cradles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by making the conformable member's physical properties variable. The conformable member can change its shape, size, and grip position to adapt to different tool cradle geometries. The flexibility and conformability parameters are specifically designed to match various cradle shapes while maintaining secure attachment through friction and geometric interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the support structure is made flexible and movable, then adaptability and access are improved, but the secure attachment and immobilization of the device may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of supportVSAvoidfirm grip

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the support structure have different properties. The support arm is flexible and movable for adaptability, while the conformable gripping member at the distal end is designed with high friction surfaces and conformable geometry to provide firm, reliable attachment. Each location has the quality needed for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The conformable member can change its physical parameters (shape, contact area, friction) to optimize both flexibility and secure attachment. When gripping the tool handle, it deforms to match the handle's geometry, increasing contact area and friction for reliable attachment while the support arm remains flexible for positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10792135B1Dental tool support

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 CREW COURTNEY

AI summary

A flexible support for a dental tool includes a distal holder configured to securely hold the dental tool which may be quickly released, the flexible support includes an anchoring member configured to fit within a tool recess of a tool cradle, the anchoring member includes a diameter that may decrease or increase depending on movement of a central member within the anchoring member that actuates displaceable members such that the anchoring member quickly conforms to grip sides of the tool cradle and quickly releases therefrom.