Removable Light Assembly for Dental Bite Block Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental props with integrated light sources are not easily removable for sterilization or replacement, and external light sources are ineffective in enhancing visibility during dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A selectively removable light assembly is integrated with the dental prop, allowing for easy detachment and sterilization of the light source, and the prop is designed to fit entirely within the mouth to provide internal illumination without external wires, using a housing with a light source, battery, and activation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is permanently fixed to the bite block, then the structure is simple and robust, but the light assembly cannot be removed for sterilization or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a reusable light assembly and a disposable bite block. The light assembly contains the light source, battery, and control mechanism, while the bite block contains only the retaining structure. This segmentation allows the light assembly to be sterilized and reused, while the bite block can be discarded after single use, resolving the contradiction between sterilization capability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source and control mechanisms are extracted from the disposable bite block and placed in a separate reusable assembly. The bite block retains only the essential function of holding the light assembly in position through a retaining structure. This extraction enables the light assembly to be removed for sterilization while maintaining the simplicity of the disposable bite block.
2Illumination intensity
If external light sources are used to illuminate the oral cavity, then the lighting can be provided, but the visibility is insufficient and the light does not reach the target area effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is merged with the bite block structure through the retaining mechanism, creating an integrated illumination system. The light assembly is held firmly in position within the oral cavity, ensuring that the light is directed precisely at the target area. This merging eliminates the need for separate light placement operations while providing effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly is nested within the oral cavity and held in position by the bite block's retaining structure. The compact design allows the entire light assembly to be contained within the mouth without wires extending outward, providing internal illumination that reaches the target area effectively while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the entire dental prop is sterilized for reuse, then the light source can be reused, but the complex sterilization process is required and the light source may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable light assembly and a disposable bite block. The light assembly can be sterilized using standard dental sterilization protocols, while the bite block is designed for single use only. This segmentation allows the light source to be reused without requiring the entire assembly to undergo complex sterilization processes, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite block is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, while the expensive light assembly is reused. This approach eliminates the need to sterilize the entire device, including the light source, and instead requires only that the light assembly be sterilized according to standard protocols, simplifying the overall process and reducing the risk of damage to sensitive components.
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 solution provides effective illumination within the oral cavity, enabling better access for dental procedures while allowing for the reuse of the light assembly and disposable props, ensuring proper sterilization and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a light assembly (16) selectively removable from the body (12) of the bite block. The light assembly (16) generally includes a housing (18) and a light source (40)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illuminated dental prop for holding a patient's mouth open during dental procedures. The illuminated dental prop is completely disposed within the patient's mouth during use and includes a body portion and a lighting assembly that is selectively detachable from the body to allow for intense sterilization of the components after use. Under certain embodiments of the invention, the body portion and/or the lighting assembly will be disposable after a single use.