Oral Tool Flow Stopper Curvature Saliva Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral tools that measure parameters in the mouth, such as moisture, face hygienic issues due to saliva adherence, which can flow to the operator's hand when the device is removed, posing unhygienic conditions.

Innovation Solution

An oral tool design featuring a flow stopper with a surface curvature different from the measurement unit, positioned between the measurement unit and the body, effectively prevents saliva from flowing to the operator's hand by using materials like natural rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane, which are durable and less prone to hydrolysis, and can deform to further prevent saliva transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the measurement unit is inserted into the mouth for measurement, then measurement function is achieved, but saliva adheres to the measurement unit and flows to the operator's hand when removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement functionVSAvoidsaliva contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flow stopper is introduced as an intermediary component between the measurement unit and the body. This flow stopper with its specific curvature configuration acts as a barrier that prevents saliva from the measurement unit from flowing onto the operator's hand during removal, while not interfering with the measurement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow stopper is designed with a specific curvature that differs from the curvature of the measurement unit surface. This curvature configuration is crucial in directing saliva flow away from the operator's hand, utilizing surface geometry to control fluid flow patterns and prevent contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a flow stopper with different curvature surface is added, then saliva flow is prevented, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaliva flow preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow stopper is designed as a separate, segmented component that can be independently positioned between the measurement unit and the body. This segmentation allows the curvature feature to be added without redesigning the entire device structure, thereby preventing saliva flow while minimizing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If materials like natural rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane are used for the flow stopper, then durability and resistance to hydrolysis are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability and hydrolysis resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow stopper can be manufactured from composite materials or selected from specific material classes such as natural rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane. These materials provide enhanced durability and resistance to hydrolysis, ensuring the component maintains its functional properties over time despite exposure to oral environment conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12114999B2Oral tool

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An oral tool is provided that includes a body, a measurement unit, and a flow stopper. The measurement unit is moveable relative to the body, and includes a sensor unit at an end opposite to an end where the body is disposed. The sensor unit is constructed to be insertable into a mouth. Moreover, the flow stopper is disposed between the measurement unit and the body, and has a surface with a curvature different from a curvature of a surface of the measurement unit.