Pathogen Containment System for Dental Procedures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal protective equipment (PPE) for dental and oral procedures fails to effectively contain pathogens like COVID-19 and influenza, as masks must be removed during procedures, exposing healthcare professionals to airborne contaminants, and existing environmental sterilization methods like UV lights and suction devices are inefficient in preventing direct contact with pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A disposable pathogen containment system comprising flexible tubing with intake ports and a vacuum suction unit that captures airborne contaminants close to the source, using a strap and adhesive pad for secure fit, and a saliva ejection port to direct droplets into the device, preventing the spread of pathogens during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If masks are used to block the mouth and nose, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but the mask must be removed during dental procedures, exposing the healthcare professional to direct bombardment of pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clear plastic barrier device as an intermediary between the patient's mouth and the healthcare professional. This barrier allows the professional to perform procedures while maintaining pathogen containment, eliminating the need to remove protective masking during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier to pathogens, allows visual observation of the procedure area, permits insertion of dental instruments, and maintains patient comfort. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and procedural access.
2Reliability
If UV light units are mounted on ceilings or walls to sterilize the environment, then environmental sterilization is achieved, but pathogens can still circulate in the air and contact non-infected individuals before neutralization
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is placed in position before the procedure begins, creating a protective barrier in advance. This preliminary action prevents pathogen circulation from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to sterilize the air after pathogens have already dispersed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the potentially harmful aerosolized pathogens into contained droplets that fall directly into the patient's mouth or onto the barrier surface, where they are captured and prevented from circulating in the environment.
3Productivity
If remote suction devices are placed at a distance from the infected individual, then the suction can draw airborne contaminants from circulation, but the suction may actually draw pathogens towards potential recipients, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device extracts and isolates the pathogen source by creating a physical separation between the patient's respiratory tract and the surrounding environment. This extraction prevents the need for remote suction that might inadvertently spread pathogens.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using suction to pull pathogens away from the source (which may spread them), the device inverts the approach by allowing gravity and pressure differential to cause droplets to fall naturally into the mouth, thereby containing them at the source.
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 system effectively captures pathogens at their origin, reducing the risk of infection for healthcare professionals by actively removing airborne contaminants, thereby minimizing the transmission of respiratory diseases during dental and oral procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction unit. The air intake ports capture a contaminant emitted from the user's mouth or the user's nose
Implementation Method 2
adhesive material to adhere the flexible tubing to the user's face
Data Source
AI summary
A pathogen containment system for use during healthcare procedures is disclosed, comprising a flexible tubing dimensioned to extend around a user's mouth, the flexible tubing including a first end and a second end. A connector includes a central portion including a first side fittingly engaged with the first end of the flexible tubing and a second side fittingly engaged with the second end of the flexible tubing. An attachment port is positioned perpendicular to the central portion, the attachment port is in fluid communication via a vacuum tubing to a vacuum suction unit. A plurality of intake ports are provided on the flexible tubing to permit air to be drawn therethrough via the vacuum suction unit. The air intake ports capture a contaminant emitted from the user's mouth or the user's nose.