Mouth Guard Case With Integrated Cleaning Solution Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mouth guards used in contact sports and other applications can harbor bacteria and microorganisms due to inadequate cleaning, which can lead to health issues if not properly maintained.

Innovation Solution

A mouth guard case with integrated compartments for storing and dispensing cleaning solution, featuring a storage compartment, a dispensing compartment with a deformable reservoir and nozzle, and a rigid squeeze guard to control solution dispensing, ensuring effective cleaning of the mouth guard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mouth guard case includes integrated cleaning solution storage and dispensing, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mouth guard case with integrated cleaning solution storage and dispensing functions into a single unit. The dispensing compartment with nozzle is incorporated directly into the case structure, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment and ensuring cleaning solution is always available when the mouth guard is stored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mouth guard case serves multiple functions: it stores the mouth guard, contains cleaning solution reservoir, provides dispensing capability through nozzle, and protects the mouth guard. This multi-functional design improves cleaning effectiveness without requiring additional separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a deformable reservoir is used for cleaning solution, then ease of dispensing is improved, but risk of accidental dispensing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolution dispensing easeVSAvoidaccidental dispensing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reservoir is designed as deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to be compressed manually for controlled dispensing. The dynamic nature of the deformable reservoir enables easy dispensing when needed while the protective guard provides static protection against accidental compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A protective guard is provided that can be positioned over the deformable reservoir to prevent accidental compression and dispensing. The guard acts as a protective barrier before accidental dispensing can occur, allowing the reservoir to remain deformable for easy intentional dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If one-way valve is positioned in aperture of storage base, then contamination prevention is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidvalve positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The one-way valve is extracted as a separate component that can be positioned in the aperture of the storage base. By positioning it specifically in the aperture where the dispensing compartment connects, the valve prevents contamination from entering the storage compartment while allowing controlled dispensing flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If cleaning solution is dispensed directly into storage compartment, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but risk of over-saturation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning solution quantity control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The one-way valve provides feedback control for cleaning solution dispensing. It allows solution to flow from the dispensing compartment to the storage compartment but prevents backflow, enabling efficient direct dispensing while controlling the quantity of solution to prevent over-saturation of the storage compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 mouth guard case allows for easy and effective cleaning of mouth guards, preventing bacterial growth and ensuring hygiene by directly dispensing cleaning solution into the storage compartment, thus protecting the user from potential health risks.

Implementation Method 1

a one-way valve positioned in the aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a reservoir formed from a first material that is deformable under manual compression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectManual compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS12384607B2Mouth guard case including compartment for storing and dispensing cleaning solution

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 PAPER STREET HLDG INC

AI summary

A mouth guard case including a compartment for storing and dispensing a cleaning solution is disclosed. In one example, an apparatus includes a storage compartment sized and shaped to house a mouth guard and a dispensing compartment reversibly coupled to the storage compartment. The dispensing compartment may include a reservoir to hold a quantity of a cleaning solution and a nozzle to dispense the cleaning solution directly into the storage compartment when the storage compartment is coupled to the dispensing compartment.