Thermoplastic Mask Bite Piece Immobilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient immobilization methods using thermoplastic masks fail to securely attach to patients, particularly due to excessive play between the mask and the patient, and do not account for changes in physical dimensions over time.

Innovation Solution

A head and mouth immobilization device that includes a low melting temperature thermoplastic mask and a bite piece with a mouth receiving end, where the bite piece pushes a portion of the thermoplastic mask into the patient's mouth, securing it with the teeth and jaw, and allows the mask to harden for improved immobilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thermoplastic mask is used to immobilize the patient, then the patient's head movement is restricted, but the mask does not securely attach to the patient due to excessive play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask attachment securityVSAvoidpatient movement restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The immobilization system is divided into separate functional components: a thermoplastic mask for head immobilization and a bite piece for mouth immobilization. The bite piece is a separate segment that inserts through the mask and engages with the patient's teeth, allowing independent optimization of each component's function while achieving secure overall attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bite piece acts as an intermediary element between the thermoplastic mask and the patient's mouth. It inserts through the mask material and engages with the teeth, serving as a mediator that transfers and secures the immobilization force from the mask to the patient's jaw and teeth, eliminating excessive play while maintaining mask integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the thermoplastic mask is hardened to restrict movement, then immobilization is achieved, but the mask does not account for patient's change in physical dimensions over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization precisionVSAvoiddimensional change accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bite piece is designed with adjustable features that allow it to adapt to changes in the patient's dental anatomy and jaw dimensions over time. The insertable and removable nature of the bite piece enables reconfiguration to accommodate dimensional changes while maintaining precise immobilization during each use period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in the bite piece configuration to accommodate patient dimensional changes. The bite piece can be adjusted in position and engagement depth to match the patient's current anatomical dimensions, while the thermoplastic mask maintains its hardened immobilization state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a complex arrangement of attachment pieces and plates is used to secure the mask, then attachment security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask attachment securityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex attachment mechanism is simplified by extracting and eliminating unnecessary intermediate attachment pieces and plates. The bite piece directly inserts through the thermoplastic mask and engages with the patient's teeth, removing the need for separate fastener plates and connection mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple attachment functions are merged into a single integrated bite piece component. The bite piece combines the functions of mask anchoring, mouth immobilization, and jaw restriction in one element, eliminating the need for separate attachment pieces and plates while improving overall attachment security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides precise and reproducible patient immobilization by securely attaching the thermoplastic mask, addressing the issues of play and dimensional changes, and ensuring effective immobilization of the head and mouth.

Implementation Method 1

heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS11707375B2Head and jaw immobilization device

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 QFIX SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.