Oral Debris Removal Device With Flexible Tube And Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing tonsil stones are either ineffective, risky, or require medical intervention, as they can cause lacerations, infections, or fail to address the root issue of tonsil stones, and existing devices are not portable or safe for self-use.
Innovation Solution
A portable oral debris removal device with a suction unit, flexible tube tip, and integrated light source that allows for adjustable suction power and safe removal of tonsil stones without the need for medical assistance, featuring a debris collector chamber and battery compartment for independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cotton-swabs, cotton-buds or q-tips are used to push tonsil stones out, then the tonsil stones can be removed from visible positions, but the tonsil stones are pushed deeper into crevices or folds making them more difficult to remove, or pushed to the back of the throat requiring washing down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a suction unit that creates negative pressure to draw tonsil stones out of the tonsils through a flexible tube. This pneumatic approach allows safe removal without physical contact that could push stones deeper, and the suction force can be controlled to effectively retrieve stones from crevices and folds without causing injury.
2Ease of operation
If toothpicks or dental picks are used to dig tonsil stones out, then the tonsil stones can be removed from the tonsil surface, but the sharp end may pierce the tonsils causing lacerations and bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The suction-based removal mechanism eliminates the need for sharp mechanical instruments. The flexible tube with controlled suction force removes tonsil stones without piercing or lacerating the tonsil tissue, thereby eliminating the risk of bleeding and infection associated with toothpicks and dental picks.
3Ease of operation
If mouth wash or oral gargles are used, then bad breath is masked, but the actual tonsil stones remain in the tonsil and are not removed
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit directly removes tonsil stones from the tonsils through the flexible tube, providing effective removal rather than merely masking symptoms. The pneumatic suction force physically extracts the stones, ensuring complete removal and preventing recurrence of bad breath and associated problems.
4Device complexity
If a device with fixed tube angle is used, then the structure is simple, but the tube cannot be inserted at different angles into the mouth to reach tonsils with crevices and holes on any face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible tube that can be maneuvered and positioned at various angles by the user to access different areas of the tonsils. This dynamic flexibility allows the tube to adapt to the three-dimensional structure of the tonsils, reaching crevices and holes on any face without requiring a complex articulated mechanism.
5Ease of operation
If a portable device without power mains is used, then the device can be used independently, but the device must be self-contained with battery compartment for portable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a battery compartment that provides self-contained power, allowing the suction unit and light source to operate independently without external power mains. This self-service capability enables portable use anywhere, eliminating the need for power outlets while maintaining full functionality.
6Stability of the object's composition
If the tube is made rigid for structural stability, then the tube maintains its shape, but the tip cannot be maneuvered to reach different angles and positions in the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is designed with a flexible structure that allows the tip to be maneuvered independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. The flexible material enables the tube to bend and adapt to different angles and positions in the mouth without compromising the stability of the main tube body or the connection to the suction unit.
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 safe and effective removal of tonsil stones, reducing the risk of lacerations and infections, and providing adjustable suction power for self-use, while being portable and not requiring a power source, thus addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit; a tube in fluid communication with the suction unit
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an oral debris removal device including: a suction unit; a tube in fluid communication with the suction unit, the tube having a tip portion adapted to allow introduction of oral debris into the tube via the tip portion; and a light source positioned to illuminate the tip portion of the tube and a region adjacent to the tip portion of the tube. The oral debris removal device may further include a debris collector chamber coupled between an end section of the suction unit and an end section of the tube. The debris collector chamber may include an internal protruding element disposed along an air flow path across a space between the end section of the suction unit and the end section of the tube, the internal protruding element adapted to prevent oral debris and liquid exiting the tube from entering the suction unit.