Integrated Lip Retractor and Suction Head for Aerosol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental lip retractors and suction devices are ineffective in preventing the spread of aerosols during dental procedures, as they require separate attachments, are uncomfortable for patients, and often fail to securely attach to HVE systems, leading to increased exposure risks for dental professionals to airborne pathogens like COVID-19.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, extraoral aerosol suction device with an integrated lip retractor mouthpiece and HVE valve stem that securely attaches to all HVE and high-speed suction systems, using internal and external retentive wings with comfort notches for hands-free operation, effectively reducing aerosol escape by retracting only one lip at a time and providing stable suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional full-mouth lip/cheek retractors are used to open the mouth widely, then mouth access is improved, but aerosol escape increases and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the mouth opening function into two separate components: a lip retractor that holds the lips apart and a tongue blade that depresses the tongue. This segmentation allows the lips to remain closer to the mouthpiece while the tongue is controlled separately, reducing aerosol escape while maintaining mouth access.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary aerosol suction source positioned between the patient's mouth and the dental provider. The HVE system creates a negative pressure zone that actively removes aerosols before they can escape into the operatory, mediating the harmful effect of aerosol generation during procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate lip retractors and suction devices are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and attachment reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the lip retractor and tongue blade into a single integrated unit that attaches to one HVE system. This combination eliminates the need for separate attachments, reducing the number of connection points where failure could occur while maintaining both lip retraction and tongue control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal compatibility to attach to all standard HVE and high-speed suction systems through a standardized interface. The single-piece construction with integrated functions provides versatility across different dental procedures and equipment while ensuring reliable attachment through standardized connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suction tips require adjustment to fit HVE systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a universal attachment mechanism that is compatible with all standard HVE and high-speed suction systems without requiring adjustment or specialized components. The standardized interface allows direct connection to existing equipment, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or size adjustments while maintaining broad adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If hands-free operation is implemented with integrated mouthpiece, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the mouthpiece, lip retractor, and tongue blade into a single integrated structure that can be attached to the HVE system without requiring manual manipulation during procedures. This integration enables hands-free operation while the unified design minimizes the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions into one component.
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 significantly enhances patient comfort and reduces aerosol exposure risks for dental professionals by securely attaching to existing suction systems, minimizing aerosol escape, and allowing for hands-free operation during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
High-Volume Evacuators (HVEs), which are suction devices which draw a large volume of air and fluids over a period of time
Data Source
AI summary
A system for lip retraction and aerosol reduction, including a mouthpiece with an integrated single-lip retractor and aerosol suction head, single-lip internal retentive wings and external retentive wings configured to support and secure the mouthpiece in a mouth of a patient, and comfort retention notches formed between the internal retentive wings and external retentive wings to enhance comfort of the patient and to secure the mouthpiece in the mouth of the patient. The system includes a High-Volume Evacuator (HVE) valve stem configured for attachment to an HVE suction tube to provide suction for the aerosol reduction.