Mirrored Saliva Ejector Segmented Body Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror suction devices for medical use suffer from poor-quality reflective coatings, leading to fuzzy or distorted images, and the challenge of securely integrating a mirror within the device without compromising suction efficiency or increasing manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mirror suction device design featuring two base body parts with a mirror mounting groove that securely holds the mirror in place around its circumference, allowing for a firm and adhesive-free connection, ensuring a clear reflective surface and improved suction performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective coating is applied to the inner surface of the base body, then the mirror function is achieved, but the image quality becomes fuzzy or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate base body parts with a mirror mounting groove between them, allowing a separate mirror element to be inserted and held in place, rather than attempting to create a perfect reflective coating on the base body surface itself
Solution Approach 2:
A separate mirror serves as an intermediary element that provides the reflective function, while the base body parts provide structural support and suction function, separating the optical requirement from the structural requirement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate mirror is connected to the base body, then the mirror function is achieved, but permanent and captive connection cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is segmented into two parts with a groove between them, creating a mechanical interlocking structure that permanently holds the mirror in place without requiring adhesives
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror mounting groove is designed with specific curvature and shape to match the mirror element, ensuring secure mechanical retention through geometric interlocking rather than chemical bonding
3Ease of manufacture
If the base body is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simpler, but the mirror cannot be securely integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is intentionally divided into two parts that are assembled together, creating a built-in mirror mounting groove that enables secure mirror integration while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing of each individual part
Solution Approach 2:
The two base body parts are assembled and fastened together to form the complete suction device with the mirror permanently integrated, combining the structural function with the optical function in a unified device
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 provides a high-quality, securely attached mirror surface that enhances visibility during medical procedures while maintaining efficient suction and simplifying cleaning and sterilization processes, reducing noise and improving space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface has a mirror that can be seen through the suction opening
Implementation Method 2
Since the permanent airflow prevents the mirror from fogging up
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dental mirrored saliva ejector (10) for suctioning liquids and particles from an oral cavity of a patient, said mirror saliva ejector having a hollow main body (12) which has an exterior surface (16), an interior surface (14), a longitudinal axis (X-X) and a suction opening (20), wherein the interior surface (14) has a mirror (22) that can be viewed through the suction opening (20) and the main body (12) is formed from a first main body part (32) and a second main body part (34) which are permanently connected to each other by means of connection surfaces (36). The two main body parts (32, 34) each have a recess that, in the assembled state of the two main body parts (32, 34), forms a mirror holding groove (50) around the entire outer circumference of the mirror (22), wherein the mirror (22) is undetachably held between the two main body parts (32, 34). The invention further relates to an advantageous method for producing a mirrored saliva ejector (10).