Sliding Inner Shell Mouthguard Case Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports mouthguard storage and carry cases are often difficult to open with one hand, poorly ventilated, and airtight, leading to the accumulation and spread of oral bacteria due to inadequate drying of the mouthguard.
Innovation Solution
A mouthguard carry case with a sliding inner shell that can be easily opened and closed with one hand, featuring a fully ventilated design with rectangular ventilation apertures to facilitate airflow and prevent bacterial growth, allowing the mouthguard to dry quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-hinged flip-top lid design is used, then the carry case structure is simple, but it requires two hands to open and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The carry case is divided into an outer shell and an inner shell that can slide independently. The inner shell contains the mouthguard cradle and can be separated from the outer shell, allowing one-handed operation by sliding the inner shell out while holding the outer shell stationary.
2Reliability
If an airtight design is used, then the carry case provides good protection, but it prevents ventilation and mouthguard drying
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls of both the inner and outer shells are provided with ventilation apertures at specific locations. These localized openings allow air circulation and moisture evaporation while the remaining structure maintains protection. The apertures are strategically positioned to enable drying without compromising overall case integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If poor ventilation is used, then the carry case structure is simple, but it allows bacterial accumulation and poor oral hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls of the inner and outer shells incorporate ventilation apertures that create a porous structure. This allows air and fluids to pass through, facilitating evaporation and drying of the mouthguard. The apertures are designed to provide sufficient ventilation for hygiene while maintaining structural integrity.
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 safer, simpler use and improved oral hygiene by allowing the mouthguard to dry quickly, reducing the risk of bacterial spread and promoting sanitation through enhanced ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one portion of a side wall of the inner shell is ventilated to permit the flow of air and other fluids into and out of the carry case
Data Source
AI summary
A mouthguard carry case (10) comprising: an outer shell (12) having a hollow interior defined by an open top, an open bottom and a plurality of side walls (14). The mouthguard carry case (10) also comprises an inner shell (18) having a hollow interior defined by a top wall (20), a bottom wall (22) and plurality of side walls (24). The inner shell (18) is slidably received within the hollow interior of the outer shell (12) and is movable between an open position, and a closed position. Advantageously the mouthguard carry case (10) can be opened and closed in one hand, and is fully ventilated to promote drying and inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.