Removable Light Assembly for Dental Bite Prop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental props with integrated light sources are not easily removable for sterilization and often require disposal after a single use, as the light source is either permanently fixed or difficult to detach, leading to inefficiencies in dental procedures due to inadequate illumination within the oral cavity.
Innovation Solution
A selectively removable light assembly with a housing, battery, and light source is integrated into a dental prop, allowing for easy detachment and sterilization, with a design that fits entirely within the mouth to provide enhanced illumination and accommodate various prop sizes, using features like offset flanges and truncated walls for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is permanently fixed with the bite block, then the illumination is stable and reliable, but the bite block cannot be sterilized or discarded after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a reusable bite block and a removable light assembly. The light assembly can be detached from the bite block, allowing the bite block to be sterilized or discarded after single use while the light assembly can be reused. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the sterilization requirement from the illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is extracted from the bite block and placed in a separate removable light assembly. This extraction allows the bite block to be independently sterilized or disposed of, while the light assembly remains separate for reuse. The extraction principle directly addresses the contradiction by removing the light source from the bite block structure.
2Device complexity
If the light assembly is integral with the bite block, then the structure is simple, but the light source cannot be readily removed for sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a bite block and a removable light assembly connected by a coupling mechanism. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling easy removal of the light assembly for sterilization. The coupling mechanism provides a simple yet effective connection that can be easily detached.
3Ease of operation
If external light sources are used to illuminate the oral cavity, then the light source can be positioned outside the mouth, but the illumination effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is merged with the bite block to form an integrated unit that can be positioned inside the mouth. This merging allows the light source to be directly within the oral cavity, providing more effective illumination compared to external light sources. The combined design enables the light to be positioned optimally for illumination while maintaining ease of operation.
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 enables effective illumination of the oral cavity during dental procedures, facilitates sterilization and reuse of the dental prop, and allows for easy replacement of the light assembly, improving access and hygiene in dental practices.
Implementation Method 1
A selectively removable light assembly with a housing, battery, and light source
Implementation Method 2
A selectively removable light assembly with a housing, battery, and light source
Data Source
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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.