Interchangeable Spring Jaw Therapy Device for Trismus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trismus, a condition restricting oral cavity motion in radiation therapy patients, is not effectively addressed by existing devices, which fail to provide adequate resistance and versatility in exercise protocols.
Innovation Solution
A therapy device with arch-shaped arms and elastomeric spring members that provide resistance when biting pads are pressed, allowing for jaw stretching and muscle exercise, featuring interchangeable springs for varying resistance levels and a compact, easy-to-clean design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are used for trismus treatment, then basic jaw opening function is provided, but adequate resistance and versatility in exercise protocols are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs interchangeable spring members with different spring rates (k values) that can be selected based on patient needs and treatment progression. This dynamic configuration allows the resistance force to be adjusted without changing the basic device structure, enabling versatile exercise protocols from low-resistance stretching to high-resistance strengthening exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of spring stiffness by providing multiple spring members with different spring rates. Users can select appropriate springs based on treatment stage, patient strength, and exercise goals, thereby adjusting the resistance parameter to achieve both stretching and strengthening objectives.
2Ease of operation
If spring members are made from elastomeric material, then comfort and grip are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members are constructed from elastomeric material that provides flexibility and comfort while maintaining sufficient elastic properties for resistance generation. The elastomeric nature allows the springs to conform to the recess geometry while providing comfortable contact surfaces for the patient's teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spring members are color-coded to indicate their spring rates, providing a visual guide for selection. This color-coding system simplifies the choice of appropriate resistance levels without requiring precise measurement or technical knowledge from the user.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed with arch-shaped arms and recesses for springs, then compactness and ease of cleaning are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the arch-shaped arms provide structural support, the recesses house the spring members, and the bite pads deliver resistance. The spring members are press-fit directly into the recesses, eliminating separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch-shaped arms serve multiple purposes: providing structural integrity, defining the device compactness, and incorporating recesses for spring retention. The same structural elements that provide shape and compactness also facilitate easy cleaning by minimizing crevices and complex joints.
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 device effectively prevents and treats trismus by increasing jaw range of motion and providing a versatile exercise protocol, suitable for patients with or without teeth, and is easy to use and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member is received in the first and second recesses and provides resistance when a patient presses against each of the bite pads with their upper and lower teeth. The spring member is made from an elastomeric material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A therapy device is provided for trismus prevention and treatment, and includes a first arm hingedly connected to a second arm, and a spring device disposed therebetween to press the first and second arms apart. A pair of bite pads are provided at the ends of each of the first and second arms and are designed to be engaged by a user's teeth or gums in order to bite down on the device to exercise the user's jaw, and more specifically, the muscles of mastication.