Tapered Ovate Saliva Ejector with Dual-Sided Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saliva ejectors can cause discomfort and render them ineffective if they contact the patient's mouth tissue, requiring constant assistance from dental professionals, and fail to accommodate patients with lingual gum sensitivity or TMJ issues due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A saliva ejector with a tapered, ovate shape and adjustable suction orifices is placed along the buccal mucosa, providing gentle suction and secure positioning without contacting sensitive areas, allowing patients to adjust their bite and relieve saliva/water without constant assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the suction tube tip contacts the patient's mouth tissue to secure positioning, then the ejector can be held in place, but the tissue is sucked into contact with the tip rendering the ejector useless and causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube features different sized suction orifices on two opposing faces: larger orifices for strong suction field and smaller orifices for gentle suction force on sensitive buccal mucosa. This local differentiation allows effective suction while preventing tissue contact and discomfort at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector utilizes three-dimensional placement along the buccal mucosa with a tapered, ovate shape that distributes contact points across multiple dimensions, preventing concentrated tissue suction at a single tip location while maintaining stable positioning through overall geometric engagement.
2Productivity
If the ejector is designed to provide strong suction field, then saliva and debris removal is effective, but it may cause discomfort to the patient's buccal mucosa
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube features different sized suction orifices on two opposing faces: larger orifices for strong suction field and smaller orifices for gentle suction force on sensitive buccal mucosa. This local differentiation allows effective suction while preventing tissue contact and discomfort at specific locations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ejector contacts the patient's mouth tissue to maintain position, then positioning is secured, but it interferes with patient's natural gag reflex and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube features different sized suction orifices on two opposing faces: larger orifices for strong suction field and smaller orifices for gentle suction force on sensitive buccal mucosa. This local differentiation allows effective suction while preventing tissue contact and discomfort at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector utilizes three-dimensional placement along the buccal mucosa with a tapered, ovate shape that distributes contact points across multiple dimensions, preventing concentrated tissue suction at a single tip location while maintaining stable positioning through overall geometric engagement.
4Ease of manufacture
If the ejector is designed with conventional geometry, then it can be manufactured simply, but it cannot accommodate patients with lingual gum sensitivity or TMJ issues
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered, ovate geometry with dual-sided suction orifices creates a universal design that adapts to various patient conditions including lingual gum sensitivity, TMJ issues, and mandibular or maxillary tori by providing multiple contact surfaces and distributed pressure points that can accommodate different anatomical variations without requiring custom manufacturing.
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 saliva ejector effectively removes saliva and debris while maximizing patient comfort, reducing discomfort and the need for constant monitoring, even for patients with lingual gum sensitivity or TMJ issues, by avoiding sensitive regions and utilizing a gentle suction field.
Implementation Method 1
Saliva ejectors are narrow tubes that dental health professionals employ for removing saliva, water, and debris during a dental procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable saliva ejector for connection with a slow-speed suction device has a suction end and a discharge end. The tapered ejector has an ovate shape. A retention orifice helps secure the ejector within the patient's mount, while a larger extraction orifice removes fluid and debris. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions. The discharge end connects to a discharge tube, wrapping around the oral commissure then hooking onto the patient's outer cheek. Once properly placed within the patient's mouth the dental assistant is relieved from providing suction during various procedures.