Ergonomic Tongue Elevator with Measuring Indicia for Frenulum Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for preventing reattachment of the lingual frenulum after frenulotomy are cumbersome for caregivers to use, lacking clear guidance on optimal pressure and extension, and pose risks of damage or infection due to finger manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld tongue elevator device with an ergonomic handle, measuring indicia for visual extension guidance, and a manipulator end with a concave edge and frenulum recess, designed for secure grip and easy cleaning, providing a safer alternative to finger insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caregivers insert fingers or simple tools to spread tissue after frenulotomy, then the severed tissues can be separated and tongue can be elevated, but there is risk of damage or infection from fingernails and caregivers are hesitant due to lack of guidance on proper pressure and extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tongue elevator device as an intermediary tool between the caregiver and the infant's tissue. This device includes a finger rest portion that protects the caregiver's finger from accidental injury, a shaft portion for precise control, and a tissue engagement portion with specific geometric features (concave surface, ledge, apex) designed to safely elevate and spread the frenulum tissue without causing damage. The device mediates the interaction by providing both physical protection and guided mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates measuring indicia (markings) on the shaft portion that indicate the extent of tongue elevation. This allows caregivers to control the parameter of extension distance, ensuring optimal separation of tissue without over-extension. The specific geometric parameters of the tissue engagement portion (concave surface angle, ledge position, apex curvature) are designed to apply pressure at the correct magnitude and distribution to separate tissue effectively while minimizing damage risk.
2Reliability
If a tongue elevator device is provided to replace finger insertion, then safety is improved by avoiding fingernail damage, but the device complexity increases compared to simple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue elevator device is segmented into three distinct functional portions: a finger rest portion (providing ergonomic grip and finger protection), a shaft portion (providing leverage and control with measuring indicia), and a tissue engagement portion (with concave surface, ledge, and apex for specific tissue manipulation). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If measuring indicia are added to indicate extension amount, then precision of tongue elevation is improved, but the device manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring indicia on the shaft portion can be implemented as color-coded markings or contrasting visual indicators that are easily applied during manufacturing. These indicia provide clear visual feedback to caregivers about the extent of tongue elevation without requiring complex mechanical measurement systems. The markings can be applied as simple painted lines, stickers, or molded features, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving precise measurement indication.
Data Source
AI summary
A tongue elevator device having a handle portion, an elongated neck portion and a manipulator end portion. The handle preferably has an oblong main body having a relatively thin flat portion and a relatively thick transversely-extending end portion for secure and comfortable gripping between the fingers and thumb of the user. The elongated neck portion extends distally from the flat portion of the handle portion, and may be provided with measuring indicia to visually illustrate distances from the manipulator end portion of the device. The manipulator end portion has a concave distal edge, which may be formed angularly or arcuately, and a central recess or slot is provided in the concave distal edge to receive the frenulum tissue. A concave thumb recess may be disposed on the handle portion.