Mouthguard Retention via Acute Internal Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mouthguards, particularly stock and boil-and-bite types, often fail to provide a secure fit, leading to potential mouth injuries during sports due to poor retention, and custom mouthguards are either time-consuming or costly to obtain.
Innovation Solution
A stock mouthguard design featuring a U-shaped configuration with resiliently deformable inner and outer walls that grip the natural undercuts of molar and pre-molar teeth, allowing for improved retention without customization, using data from multiple teeth sets to determine average dimensions for a better fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stock mouthguards are used, then cost and ease of purchase are improved, but fit and retention are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard incorporates specific geometric features (internal angles less than 90 degrees between base portion and walls) at critical locations to create gripping engagement with tooth undercuts. This localized geometric optimization provides enhanced retention at key contact points while maintaining the overall simplicity of a stock mouthguard design.
2Manufacturing precision
If boil and bite mouthguards are customized, then fit is improved, but time consumption and effort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard is pre-formed with optimized geometric features (internal angles less than 90 degrees) that automatically engage with tooth undercuts upon insertion. This preliminary design eliminates the need for time-consuming customization steps while maintaining accurate fit and proper retention.
3Reliability
If custom mouthguards are fabricated, then fit and retention are improved, but cost and time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard incorporates geometric features that replicate the gripping function of custom-fitted mouthguards by modeling the internal angle configuration after natural tooth undercut geometries. This allows a stock mouthguard to achieve custom-like retention without requiring individual fabrication.
4Manufacturing precision
If boil and bite mouthguards are bitten into shape, then fit is improved, but wall thickness and protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard arrives pre-formed with the correct geometry (internal angles less than 90 degrees) that provides both accurate fit and adequate wall thickness. This eliminates the need for biting customization that would otherwise thin the material and compromise protective strength.
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 provides enhanced retention and fit, accommodating various tooth arch widths, reducing the need for adjustments and custom fitting, thus enhancing safety and convenience for athletes.
Implementation Method 1
A stock mouthguard design featuring a U-shaped configuration with resiliently deformable inner and outer walls that grip the natural undercuts of molar and pre-molar teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A mouthguard (200) comprising: a base portion (210); an inner wall (212) extending from an inner edge (214) of the base portion; and an outer wall (216) extending from an outer edge (218) of the base portion, wherein an internal angle (234a-e) between the base portion and at least a portion of the outer wall is less than 90 degrees and an internal angle (232a-e) between the base portion and at least a portion of the inner wall is less than 90 degrees for gripping teeth of a wearer.