Enhanced Dental Dam System with Shape Memory Polymer Technology
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved dental dam system featuring a shape memory polymer membrane with advanced features, such as temperature-controlled stiffening, pre-heating for patient comfort, and real-time monitoring, to enhance oral structure isolation and patient experience during dental procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an improved dental dam and clamp arrangement, but it had limitations in terms of material properties and user comfort. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating shape memory polymer technology, which provides improved stiffness, flexibility, and patient comfort during dental procedures.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced dental dam system comprises a shape memory polymer membrane with a temperature-controlled stiffening mechanism, allowing for improved oral structure isolation and customization to individual patient needs. The system also includes a pre-heatable clamp arrangement for enhanced patient comfort during procedures. Additionally, the system features a real-time temperature sensor for monitoring the membrane's shape and stiffness. The dental dam kit includes the shape memory polymer membrane, a clamp arrangement, and a heating device for reverting the clamp to its initial shape after use.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the use of shape memory polymer technology in dental dams, which provides a novel solution to the limitations of the original patent. The temperature-controlled stiffening mechanism, pre-heating for patient comfort, and real-time monitoring features are non-obvious and innovative advancements in the field of dentistry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of shape memory polymer materials, varying the temperature range for stiffening, or incorporating additional sensors for monitoring oral structure movement. Variations could also include adapting the system for use in other medical procedures, such as ENT or surgical applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced dental dam system has significant commercial potential in the dental industry, with potential applications in general dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. The system's improved patient comfort, customization capabilities, and real-time monitoring features could provide a competitive advantage in the market, with potential for widespread adoption and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61C5/82 |
| A | A61 | A61C2201/007 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Dental medical devices, specifically dental dam systems and shape memory polymer technologies for oral medical applications, requiring expertise in materials science, dental engineering, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering or dental materials science, familiar with shape memory polymers, medical device design principles, and dental procedural requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that incorporating temperature-controlled shape memory polymer technology into dental dam systems represents a predictable extension of existing dental device design principles. The source patent's foundational shape memory polymer clamp design provides a clear technological framework for implementing advanced thermal and monitoring features. These variations represent incremental improvements using known materials science techniques within the dental medical device domain.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,387 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dental dam and method of use |