Stretchable Interconnect Absorbent Pads for Dental Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for isolating and managing dental fluids in the mouth, such as rubber dams and cotton rolls, are uncomfortable for patients, difficult to place, and require frequent replacement due to saturation.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article comprising two spaced absorbent pads with a stretchable interconnect member that can be molded to fit the mouth, providing efficient liquid absorption and isolation of the working area, and a dispensing system for easy deployment and replacement of absorbent articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber dams are used to isolate the working area and manage dental fluid, then the dental fluid management is effective, but the patient comfort deteriorates and the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into multiple absorbent pads (first absorbent pad, second absorbent pad, etc.) that can be positioned at different locations in the mouth. Each pad is connected by interconnect members, allowing the system to be segmented into functional units that can be independently adjusted while maintaining overall effectiveness in managing dental fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect members are made of stretchable material that can be stretched and molded to fit the contours of the patient's mouth. This flexibility allows the absorbent article to conform to the oral cavity shape, improving patient comfort and ease of placement while maintaining effective dental fluid management.
2Ease of operation
If cotton rolls are used to manage dental fluid, then the setup is simple, but the duration of action decreases due to rapid saturation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple absorbent pads are combined into a single integrated absorbent article through stretchable interconnect members. This merging of multiple absorbent elements into one unified structure allows the article to be easily placed in a single operation while providing extended duration of action through the cumulative absorption capacity of all pads working together.
3Ease of operation
If cotton rolls are used to manage dental fluid, then the initial comfort is acceptable, but the ease of operation deteriorates when saturated as they become slippery
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect members are designed to be stretchable and adaptable, allowing the absorbent article to dynamically adjust to the oral cavity and maintain its position. The stretchable nature enables the article to accommodate movements and pressure changes during dental procedures, maintaining stability and ease of operation even when the absorbent pads become saturated with dental fluid.
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 absorbent article is comfortable, easy to set up, and effectively manages dental fluids, preventing them from entering the throat while allowing clear visibility and accessibility for dental procedures, with the dispensing system ensuring convenient and continuous use.
Implementation Method 1
Each absorbent pad includes an absorbent material configured to absorb a liquid
Implementation Method 2
Each absorbent pad includes an absorbent material configured to absorb a liquid
Implementation Method 3
The interconnect member is stretchable
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article includes at least two absorbent pads spaced apart from each other. The absorbent article further includes an interconnect member. Each absorbent pad includes an absorbent material configured to absorb a liquid. Each absorbent pad further includes an outer surface. The interconnect member joins the outer surfaces of the at least two absorbent pads. The interconnect member is stretchable.