Mouthguard Assembly With Embedded Rigid Protective Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouthguards are uncomfortable to wear and offer inadequate protection for individuals with dental braces, as they do not fit properly due to the protruding components of the braces, and they lack the necessary balance between flexibility and rigidity to effectively distribute impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A mouthguard assembly with a U-shaped body featuring a protective member and a cushioning member, where the protective member is embedded within the body and includes a rigid material composition, and the cushioning member is designed to absorb impact, with a brace member that accommodates dental arches and includes slots for dental brace components, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft (flexible) mouthguard is used, then comfort is improved, but protection against impact is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard is constructed as a composite structure with a rigid protective member (acrylic or other rigid material) embedded within a flexible body material (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer). This composite design allows the rigid portion to provide impact protection while the flexible material maintains comfort and fit.
2Strength
If a hard (rigid) mouthguard is used, then protection against impact is improved, but comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard combines rigid acrylic protective members with flexible ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer body material, creating a composite structure that delivers both impact protection and wearer comfort simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional smooth mouthguard is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but fit for dental braces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard features localized adaptation zones with roughened or textured surfaces specifically at the bite surfaces and contact areas where dental braces interact with the mouthguard. This allows the majority of the mouthguard to remain smooth for ease of manufacture while providing enhanced fit and comfort in critical areas.
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 mouthguard assembly provides enhanced protection and comfort by distributing impact forces effectively, accommodating dental braces, and allowing for customizable fitment, thereby improving user safety and experience during contact sports.
Implementation Method 1
the cushioning member is designed to absorb impact
Implementation Method 2
the cushioning member is designed to absorb impact
Implementation Method 3
the protective member is embedded within the body and includes a rigid material composition
Data Source
AI summary
A mouthguard assembly that includes a U-shaped body, a protective member, and a protective layer. The body includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, and a middle bite portion disposed between the posterior wall and the anterior wall. The posterior wall and the anterior wall extend from the middle bite portion to define a groove. The protective member is at least partially embedded within the body, if not completely embedded within the body. The protective layer covers the teeth-side surface of the protective member. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating the mouthguard assembly.