Thermochromic Mouth Shield for Impact Absorption and Heat Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouth shields fail to adequately prevent traumatic mouth and head injuries and overheating in physical sports, with insufficient impact absorption and lack of reliable indicators for overheating, leading to potential concussions and heat-related injuries.
Innovation Solution
A three-layer mouth shield with a thermo-chromic outer layer that changes color to indicate overheating and a softer insert layer for enhanced impact absorption, combined with a modified helmet strap for improved fit and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional boil-and-bite mouth shields are used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but impact absorption capability is insufficient leading to traumatic mouth and head injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth shield is divided into three distinct layers: an outer layer, a middle insert layer, and an inner layer. Each layer serves a specific function - the outer layer provides structural integrity, the middle insert layer absorbs impact forces, and the inner layer contacts the teeth. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose, improving overall impact absorption while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouth shield combines different materials with complementary properties: the outer layer uses a harder material for structural strength, the middle insert layer uses a softer shock-absorbing material, and the inner layer uses a material that contacts teeth comfortably. This composite structure enables the device to simultaneously provide protection, absorption, and comfort that single-material shields cannot achieve.
2Reliability
If conventional mouth shields are used, then the device structure is simple, but no reliable indicator exists for monitoring athlete overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer incorporates a thermo-chromic material that changes color in response to temperature changes. When the athlete's body temperature rises above a certain threshold, the material undergoes a visible color transformation, providing an immediate and reliable visual indicator of overheating. This eliminates the need for complex electronic sensors or multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouth shield performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects teeth and mouth from impact, absorbs shock forces, and monitors body temperature through color change. By integrating these functions into a single device, the solution avoids the complexity of using separate protection devices while maintaining high reliability in each function.
3Strength
If thicker shock absorbing material is added to the mouth shield, then impact absorption improves, but the device becomes bulkier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mouth shield have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The middle insert layer uses thicker, softer material where impact absorption is most needed, while the outer and inner layers use thinner, more compliant materials that conform to the mouth anatomy. This local differentiation provides maximum protection without unnecessary bulk in areas where it would compromise comfort.
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 mouth shield effectively reduces the severity of concussions by better absorbing impacts and provides a visible warning for overheating, enhancing safety in sports by minimizing traumatic injuries and heat-related risks.
Implementation Method 1
an outer layer that forms a lowermost layer and side walls defining a U-shape; the outer layer includes a thermo-chromic material configured to change color in response to the outer layer reaching a temperature in excess of 100 degrees F.
Implementation Method 2
an insert layer formed of a shock absorbing foam disposed on an upper surface of the outer layer
Implementation Method 3
the insert layer is formed of a material softer than the outer layer and the inner layer to absorb forces exerted on the outer layer and the inner layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mouth guard having an outer layer and inner layer and a foam insert layer configured to absorb impact forces. The insert layer is softer than and thicker than the outer layer and inner layer to provide increased force absorption. The outer layer includes a thermos-chromic material that changes color and transparency to provide indication of temperature inside of a user's mouth.