Magnetic Dental Bite Block for Unobstructed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental procedures face challenges due to restricted physical access and limited ambient light, with existing solutions often requiring assistance and obstructing access, being limited to one side of the mouth, and difficult to install or sterilize.
Innovation Solution
A dental bite block assembly featuring a U-shaped mounting base with embedded magnetically energetic materials for secure, one-handed attachment and removal of dental accessories, allowing for unobstructed access and easy sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If prior attempts to alleviate fatigue are used, then patient comfort is improved, but physical access to the interior of the mouth is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a bite block for fatigue relief and a separate accessory mounting system. This segmentation allows the bite block to provide comfort without obstructing access, as accessories can be mounted separately on the bite block structure rather than requiring large overhead structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory mounting system utilizes the vertical dimension by extending accessories downward from the bite block, rather than requiring horizontal extension that would obstruct access. This dimensional change allows fatigue relief functionality to coexist with unobstructed access to the mouth interior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior dental accessories are attached, then functional requirements are met, but installation requires two hands or a dental assistant
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical attachment system is replaced with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetically energetic material provides automatic attachment when the accessory is brought near the bite block, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations with two hands or assistant assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system enables self-service installation where the accessory automatically attaches to the bite block when brought into proximity, without requiring manual fastening operations with two hands or assistant assistance.
3Productivity
If prior saliva ejection tube holders are used, then saliva evacuation is achieved, but the device can only hold one type or size of tube
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mounting system is designed with universal compatibility through the magnetic attachment mechanism, which can securely hold accessories of various sizes and types. The magnetic field strength and distribution can accommodate different tube diameters, making the system versatile for multiple tube configurations while maintaining effective saliva evacuation.
4Device complexity
If prior designs with cracks and crevices are used, then structural complexity is achieved, but sterilization and reuse become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetically energetic material is embedded within the bite block structure rather than being surface-mounted, eliminating external crevices and cracks where debris could accumulate. This extraction of the magnetic component into the bulk material simplifies the surface geometry for effective sterilization while maintaining the magnetic attachment functionality.
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
Enables independent operation during dental procedures by securely holding saliva ejection tubes and other accessories, providing unobstructed access and facilitating easy sterilization, thus improving patient comfort and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first coupler half includes a first magnetically energetic material... the second coupler half includes a second magnetically energetic material... When the first magnetically energetic material is proximate the second magnetically energetic material, the first fiber optic element may be longitudinally aligned with the second fiber optic element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber coupling system may include a first coupler half fixed to a first fiber optic element. The first coupler half may include a first magnetically energetic material. The first magnetically energetic material may include a first aperture extending through the first magnetically energetic material. The first fiber optic element may extend within the first aperture. The optical fiber coupling system may include a second coupler half fixed to a second fiber optic element. The second coupler half may include a second magnetically energetic material. The second magnetically energetic material may include a second aperture extending through the second magnetically energetic material. The second fiber optic element may extend within the second aperture. When the first magnetically energetic material is proximate the second magnetically energetic material, the first fiber optic element may be longitudinally aligned with the second fiber optic element. An optical fiber coupler may include a coupler half fixed to a fiber optic element. The coupler half may include a magnetically energetic material. The magnetically energetic material includes an aperture extending through the magnetically energetic material. The fiber optic element may extend within the aperture. The optical fiber coupler may include a circumferentially extending material, at least partially around a perimeter of the magnetically energetic material. The circumferentially extending material may define a receptacle.