Shape Memory Polymer Dental Dam with Sliding Clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental dam and clamp arrangements are painful due to intense metallic clamping forces, require multiple clamp sizes, and are costly, with existing solutions failing to provide a comfortable and efficient isolation of oral structures during dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dental dam and clamp arrangement formed from shape memory polymer, featuring a clamp with a handle and pocket region, and a membrane with locating portions and guide formations, allowing for slidable engagement and reduced clamping force, which reverts to its original shape for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic clamps with intense clamping force are used to secure the dental dam, then the dam is held firmly in place, but the patient experiences pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to shape memory polymer, which fundamentally alters the clamping characteristics. The shape memory polymer provides sufficient holding force while being compliant to tissue, eliminating the intense metallic clamping force that causes patient pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses shape memory polymer as a composite material that combines the benefits of memory effect for automatic positioning with flexible, tissue-compliant properties. This material replaces traditional metallic clamps, providing both secure holding and patient comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamp sizes are used to fit different patient oral structures, then the clamp can be properly fitted, but the complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory polymer clamp is designed to be dynamically adaptable through temperature-induced shape changes. When exposed to body temperature, the polymer automatically transforms to engage with the oral structure, providing a custom fit without requiring multiple predetermined sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as a control parameter to change the clamp's shape and configuration. By controlling the temperature parameter, the single clamp design can adapt to different oral structures, eliminating the need for multiple clamp sizes.
3Force
If metallic clamps requiring separate tools for placement and removal are used, then the clamping effect is achieved, but the procedure time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory polymer clamp is designed to be self-positioning and self-releasing. When placed in the mouth, the polymer automatically transforms to engage the oral structure without requiring separate placement tools. Similarly, removal is facilitated by temperature changes that cause the polymer to revert to its original shape, eliminating the need for separate removal tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of separate placement and removal tools with a temperature-driven shape memory system. The clamp's positioning and release are achieved through thermal transformation of the polymer, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tooling.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate tools such as punch, forceps and frame are used for mounting the dam, then the dam can be properly positioned, but the equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate tools (punch, forceps, frame) into a single integrated clamp arrangement made of shape memory polymer. The clamp incorporates the positioning, securing, and positioning functions previously requiring separate tools, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory polymer clamp is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: positioning the dam, securing it to the oral structure, and maintaining proper alignment. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized tools.
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 a comfortable and efficient isolation of oral structures during dental procedures, reducing patient discomfort and the need for multiple clamp sizes, while being cost-effective by using a single material for both the dam and clamp.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane and the clamp arrangement are formed of a shape memory polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an improved dental dam (10) for use in dental restoration processes. The dam (10) includes a substantially planar membrane (12), having location portions (14) disposed on the membrane (12) and a guide formation (16) which runs along a major surface of the membrane (12). Additionally the dam (10) includes a clamp arrangement (20), which is engageable with and slidably movable along the guide formation (16). Both the membrane (12) and the clamp arrangement (20) are formed of a shape memory polymer.