Combination Tongue and Flap Retractor with Integrated Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dental procedures face challenges due to the use of multiple instruments in a restricted oral cavity, leading to increased difficulty, prolonged operation time, and musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals, as well as patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A combination tongue and surgical flap retractor with an operational unit, neck region, and handle region, featuring a concave tongue retractor, tapered flap retractor, and suction mechanism, designed for improved ergonomics and reduced instrument complexity, allowing for single-device operation and enhanced posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are used in the oral cavity, then each specific function (tongue retraction, flap retraction, suction) can be performed, but the device complexity and number of instruments increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines tongue retraction, flap retraction, and suction functions into a single integrated instrument. The device features a handle region, neck region, and operational unit that integrates multiple functional elements (tongue retractor blade, flap retractor blade, and suction port) into one cohesive tool, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments in the oral cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed as a multi-functional tool that can simultaneously perform tongue retraction, flap retraction, and fluid suction. The operational unit includes both retraction blades and an integrated suction mechanism, allowing a single instrument to fulfill multiple roles that previously required separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are placed in the oral cavity, then various functions can be performed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted space and limited range of motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple functions into one instrument, the patent eliminates the need to maneuver multiple separate tools within the confined oral space. The single integrated device reduces clutter and improves accessibility, allowing the practitioner to operate more freely without the physical constraints of multiple instrument handles and shafts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are used, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but the loss of time increases due to the need to switch between instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple functions into a single instrument eliminates the time-consuming process of switching between separate tools during the procedure. The practitioner can continuously perform tongue retraction, flap retraction, and suction without removing or replacing instruments, thereby reducing overall operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables continuous uninterrupted performance of all required functions. The integrated suction mechanism operates simultaneously with the retraction blades, allowing the practitioner to maintain constant useful action without pauses for instrument changes or repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are used, then various functions can be performed, but the productivity decreases due to increased procedure complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidprocedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves productivity by consolidating multiple functions into one instrument, which simplifies the procedure and reduces the time required to complete the treatment. This integration eliminates the inefficiencies associated with managing multiple separate instruments, thereby enhancing overall procedural efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9198738B2Combination tongue and flap retractor

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 GORDON MANUEL BARRY

AI summary

A combination refractor includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region. The operational unit further includes a tongue retractor and a flap retractor. The tongue retractor may be concave to provide for a natural area to encapsulate the tongue. The tongue and flap refractors may also be provided as part of a continuous planar extension of the operational unit or may be disposed on different planes. The flap retractor may be formed of a tapered extended edge or tab, which can be made in various lengths and include a beveled edge. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may contain an S-shaped bend or lateral bends for better operative functionality and ergonomics. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.