Removable Oral Device for Weight Management via Palatal Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling weight do not provide long-term weight loss or health benefits.
Innovation Solution
The development of removable oral devices using molding, digital scanning, and on-demand printing techniques, which include a palatal element and an optional clasping element, are designed to be customized and configured to reduce the oral volume by contacting the roof of the mouth, assisting in food intake reduction and weight management through mindful eating practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a removable oral device is designed to reduce oral volume by contacting the roof of the mouth, then food intake is reduced and weight management is improved, but the device must be precisely customized to fit individual oral cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs 3D printing technology to create removable oral devices with customized geometries that precisely fit individual oral cavities. By varying parameters such as thickness, shape, and contact surface area in the printed structure, the device reduces oral volume effectively while maintaining precision through digital modeling and additive manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital scanning to create a virtual copy of the user's oral cavity, then generates a 3D printed device that replicates the precise geometry of the oral structure. This copying process enables accurate customization without requiring manual molding, achieving both precision and efficiency in device production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the palatal element is made with variable hardness to improve comfort and fit, then the device is more adaptable to individual users, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material hardness levels to different regions of the removable oral device. The palatal element uses softer materials in contact areas for comfort and adaptability, while other regions may use harder materials for structural integrity. This local quality variation is achieved through selective 3D printing with different materials or post-processing treatments, creating a customized fit without requiring complex assembly processes.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed to be removable and customizable, then ease of operation and user comfort are improved, but production time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a clasping element with a spring mechanism that is pre-loaded during manufacturing to provide automatic retention and easy removal. The spring is pre-compressed or configured during 3D printing to exert force that secures the device in the oral cavity during use, while allowing simple manual removal when needed. This preliminary configuration of the retention mechanism eliminates the need for complex user manipulation during insertion and removal.
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 removable oral devices effectively reduce overall food intake, promote mindful eating, and facilitate weight loss and management by decreasing the oral volume, thereby aiding in long-term weight control and health benefits.
Implementation Method 1
three-dimensionally printing the palatal element using a photo-curable material
Data Source
AI summary
Certain configurations of methods which can be used to produce removable oral devices are described. In some instances, the removable oral devices can be produced using molding, digital scanning, on demand printing and/or other processes. In certain examples, the produced removable oral device can be used in weight management, athletic performance or in other applications.