Suction Tongue Maneuvering Apparatus for Throat Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tongue depressors induce a gag reflex, limit control for healthcare providers, and require both hands for use, making procedures less effective and potentially increasing contamination and procedure time.
Innovation Solution
A tongue maneuvering apparatus with a suction mechanism and illumination device, allowing secure attachment to the tongue and freeing the healthcare provider's hands, while providing control over tongue movement and illumination of the throat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional tongue depressor is used to examine the throat, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but it induces gag reflex and limits control over tongue movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tongue depressor with a suction-based system. The bulb creates negative pressure to hold the tongue in place, substituting mechanical depression with atmospheric pressure differential. This eliminates the gag reflex caused by direct contact while maintaining control over tongue position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles through the bulb-suction mechanism. By creating a vacuum or negative pressure environment within the device, the tongue is held securely without direct mechanical pressure, thereby preventing gag reflex while maintaining positional control.
2Productivity
If a tongue depressor is used to hold the tongue in place, then some control is achieved, but both hands are occupied limiting procedure efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single device: the tongue-holding function is integrated with the illumination device. The bulb-suction mechanism and light source work together in one unit, allowing the provider to perform examinations with one hand while the other hand remains free for other procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it holds the tongue in place through suction, provides illumination for visualization, and allows hands-free operation. This multi-functionality increases procedure efficiency by eliminating the need for separate tools.
3Illumination intensity
If a separate light is used to illuminate the throat, then visualization is improved, but an additional device and hand are required
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is integrated directly into the tongue-holding apparatus. The light source is positioned within or attached to the bulb-suction device, combining two separate tools into one unified instrument. This reduces the number of devices needed while maintaining effective throat illumination.
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 apparatus reduces gag reflexes, enhances control over the tongue, and allows for more efficient procedures by enabling one-handed operation and improved visualization of the throat.
Implementation Method 1
The body may be a thin, pliable plastic, such as silicone, so as to create proper suction with the tongue.
Data Source
AI summary
A tongue maneuvering apparatus has a body, a first attachment site, and a second attachment site. The body includes a bulb, a tongue receiving portion, a tongue aperture, and a slot. The body may be a thin, pliable plastic, such as silicone, so as to create proper suction with the tongue when inserted into the tongue receiving portion. A healthcare provider is able to extend and manipulate a patient's tongue so as to clearly view the mouth and throat without activating the gag reflex and maintaining control of the tongue by the provider.