Rectangular Lumen Bite Block for Multi-Instrument Endoscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bite blocks for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures lack a large enough guiding channel to accommodate multiple surgical devices and simultaneously provide etCO2 monitoring and O2 supply without interfering with inserted instruments, and they do not effectively prevent airway blockage due to tongue collapse.

Innovation Solution

A bite block with a rectangular main body featuring a large, anatomically shaped lumen that serves as both a guidance channel and tongue depressor, incorporating side channels for etCO2 monitoring and O2 supply, and secured with a latex-free rubber band, designed to withstand significant biting forces and manufactured for low cost and bulk production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional bite block design is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks sufficient space to accommodate multiple surgical devices and cannot provide etCO2 monitoring and O2 supply simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to accommodate multiple surgical devices and provide monitoringVSAvoidstructural complexity of the bite block

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bite block is designed with multiple integrated functions: a central lumen for surgical instruments, side channels for etCO2 monitoring and O2 supply, and a curved configuration that acts as both a mouth block and tongue depressor. This multi-functional design allows a single device to accommodate multiple surgical devices while providing simultaneous monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bite block incorporates separate channels for different functions: a main central lumen for surgical instruments and distinct side channels for etCO2 monitoring and O2 supply. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with others, enabling multiple surgical devices to be accommodated simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of moving object

If the lumen is made large enough to accommodate multiple devices, then instrument access is improved, but the structural strength to withstand biting forces may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelumen area for instrument passageVSAvoidstrength to withstand biting forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bite block is constructed from a composite material consisting of a rigid outer shell and a softer inner lining. The rigid outer shell provides structural strength to withstand biting forces, while the softer inner lining reduces trauma to oral tissues and allows for a larger lumen area without compromising overall strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the bite block have different material properties: the outer surface and structural framework use harder materials for strength, while the inner surfaces contacting oral tissues use softer materials. This local variation in material quality allows the lumen to be sufficiently large while maintaining the ability to withstand biting forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the bite block includes integrated monitoring and oxygen supply channels, then patient safety is enhanced, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safety through monitoring and oxygen supplyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The etCO2 monitoring channel and O2 supply channel are merged into the bite block structure as integrated side channels. This combining of functions into a single device eliminates the need for separate monitoring and oxygen delivery apparatus, enhancing patient safety while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through unified construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the curved configuration is used to act as tongue depressor, then airway blockage is prevented, but the device geometry becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway blockage preventionVSAvoiddevice geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bite block features a curved configuration that follows the natural anatomy of the oral cavity. This curvature allows the device to act as an effective tongue depressor, preventing the tongue from collapsing into the airway and blocking breathing, while the smooth curved shape is actually simpler to manufacture than angular alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20240075232A1Bite block device

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 PETERSON DONALD RUSSELL

AI summary

A bite block to assist with upper Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures. A main body of the bite block employs a rectangular shaped lumen to provide a large access port for insertion of variety of endoscopes and endoscopy equipment, individually or multiple instruments at the same time, and to guide them more precisely into the esophagus. The main body having a lumen shaped with respect to the anatomy of the oral cavity, where a curvature of the body is designed to act as a tongue depressor preventing airway blockage due to tongue collapse. Assigned channels run along the entire length of the device and are used to secure tubing in place for oxygen and monitor maximal concentration of carbon dioxide.