Saliva Ejector Appliance with Rigid Stabilizing Scoop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saliva ejectors used in dental procedures lack rigidity, leading to frequent repositioning and interruptions due to inadequate suction and tissue retraction, causing practitioner and patient discomfort and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing device/appliance is attached to the saliva ejector, featuring a rigid structure with 'S' shaped curves and scoop-like protrusions to maintain shape, retract tissue, and improve suction efficiency, allowing continuous use during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible plastic saliva ejector with embedded metal wire is used, then the device can be easily molded into desired shapes, but it lacks rigidity to retain the shape for a substantial period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flexible plastic material with an embedded rigid metal wire structure to create a composite saliva ejector. The metal wire provides structural rigidity and shape memory, while the plastic material provides flexibility for molding and comfort. This composite construction allows the ejector to be easily molded into desired shapes while maintaining those shapes rigidly over time without requiring frequent repositioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the saliva ejector is made rigid to maintain shape, then shape retention improves, but the device cannot be easily manipulated and repositioned in the patient's mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the saliva ejector. The embedded metal wire structure provides rigidity in the body portion to maintain shape, while the tip and certain sections retain flexibility to allow easy manipulation and repositioning by the practitioner. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous achievement of shape retention and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ejector is used sporadically with other tools for tissue retraction, then the ejector can be used when needed, but the procedure is interrupted and saliva pools in the patient's mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the saliva ejector with multiple integrated functions: it maintains its shape rigidly for prolonged periods, actively retracts soft tissue through its structured design, and provides continuous suction capability. By combining these functions in a single device, the ejector eliminates the need to switch between multiple tools during the procedure, thereby improving procedural efficiency and preventing saliva pooling while maintaining adaptability for various dental procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A saliva injector appliance that includes an elongate member having a scoop with channels at its distal end. Clamps or the like hold the appliance against and to a saliva ejector such that the end of the injector is spaced a small distance rearward from the end of the scoop, and the scoop and the channels direct fluid into the injector and push tissue out of the way during a dental procedure. The elongate member has a rigid or semi-rigid construction and holds the saliva ejector at the desired position and angle as directed by a practitioner grasping the rear handle portion of the elongate member.