Wraparound Eye Shield Assembly for Gap-Sealed Dental Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye shields do not adequately prevent unwanted particles or substances from contacting a patient's eyes during dental examinations, and there is a need for enhanced protection, particularly from splatter and light exposure.
Innovation Solution
Wraparound eye shield systems with unique configurations, including upper and lower flaps, adhesive materials, and compressible foam, providing comprehensive eye protection by minimizing gaps and allowing customizable attachment for secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional eye shields are used, then basic eye protection is provided, but gaps exist that allow particles and substances to contact the eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The eye shield is divided into multiple segments including a main panel, upper flaps (first and second upper flaps), and lower flaps (first and second lower flaps). This segmentation allows the shield to wrap around the eyes more comprehensively, covering areas that traditional single-panel shields miss, thereby eliminating gaps and improving protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a flat, two-dimensional shield design to a three-dimensional wraparound structure that extends vertically with upper and lower flaps. This dimensional change enables the shield to conform to the contours of the face and eyes, providing coverage in multiple directions and preventing particle contact from angles that traditional shields cannot block.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wraparound configuration with multiple flaps is implemented, then comprehensive eye protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated shield structure. The main panel, upper flaps, lower flaps, adhesive materials, and compressible foam are combined into one cohesive device that provides comprehensive protection without requiring multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining extensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides particle protection, light blocking, and secure attachment. The same structure serves multiple purposes: the flaps provide coverage, the adhesive materials provide attachment, and the compressible foam provides both sealing and comfort, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
3Reliability
If adhesive materials and compressible foam are added, then secure fit and gap minimization are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive materials and compressible foam are applied locally at specific positions where attachment and sealing are needed, rather than uniformly across the entire shield. This localized application provides secure fit and gap minimization at critical areas while keeping the manufacturing process simpler by avoiding complex uniform coating operations across the whole surface.
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 wraparound eye shield systems effectively prevent splatter and unwanted substances from entering the eyes, while also offering protection from light, including UV and laser radiation, enhancing patient safety during dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an upper compressible material, an upper front adhesive material disposed between the upper panel and the upper compressible material
Implementation Method 2
an upper compressible material comprising a polyurethane foam material
Implementation Method 3
an upper front adhesive material disposed between the upper panel and the upper compressible material, an upper rear adhesive material disposed between the upper compressible material and the upper cover
Implementation Method 4
The wraparound eye shield systems effectively prevent splatter and unwanted substances from entering the eyes, while also offering protection from light, including UV and laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Wraparound eye shield systems and methods for providing protection to a wearer such as a dental patient. Exemplary eye shield devices include a main panel, an upper panel extending above the main panel, a left lower panel extending below the main panel, a right lower panel extending below the main panel, an upper attachment assembly coupled with the upper panel, a left lower attachment assembly coupled with the left lower panel, and a right lower attachment assembly coupled with the right lower panel. An attachment assembly can include a compressible material, a front adhesive material disposed between a panel and the compressible material, a cover having a plurality of slits, and a rear adhesive material disposed between the compressible material and the cover.