Intelligent Dental Dam Systems with Integrated Technologies
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The invention integrates a dental dam with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and nanomaterials to create a more efficient, patient-centric, and data-driven dental care system.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed limitations in dental dam design, but modern dental care demands more sophisticated solutions. The new inventive concept tackles these limitations by incorporating cutting-edge technologies to enhance the dental dam's functionality, patient comfort, and overall treatment outcomes.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Intelligent Dental Dam System comprises a shape memory polymer membrane and clamp arrangement, which is integrated with an AI-powered oral structure recognition module to optimize dam placement and minimize patient discomfort. The system can also be equipped with IoT sensors to monitor and adjust the dam's position and pressure in real-time, ensuring a more precise and comfortable fit. Additionally, the system features a blockchain-secured digital platform for tracking and verifying the dam's usage and maintenance history, and a nanomaterial-enhanced coating to reduce bacterial adhesion and improve oral health. The system can further incorporate a machine learning algorithm to predict and prevent potential oral structure complications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's integration of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and nanomaterials with the dental dam's shape memory polymer membrane and clamp arrangement provides a non-obvious and novel solution that significantly improves the dental dam's functionality, patient comfort, and overall treatment outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the Intelligent Dental Dam System could include variations in the AI-powered oral structure recognition module, such as using different machine learning algorithms or integrating with other oral health data sources. Other variations could include different types of sensors or coatings, or integrating the system with other dental care technologies such as 3D printing or robotic assistants.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Intelligent Dental Dam System has significant commercial potential in the dental care industry, particularly in the areas of restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. The system's ability to improve patient comfort, reduce treatment time, and enhance overall treatment outcomes could make it an attractive solution for dental clinics and hospitals.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61C5/82 |
| A | A61 | A61C2201/007 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Dental technology and medical device design, specifically dental dam systems with focus on membrane materials, structural configurations, and patient interface technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or dental device designer with expertise in polymer materials, medical device ergonomics, advanced manufacturing techniques, and familiarity with emerging medical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating contemporary digital technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain with existing dental dam designs represents a predictable evolution of medical device innovation. The fundamental shape memory polymer membrane and clamp arrangement from the source patent provide a clear technological foundation for incremental improvements using well-established digital health approaches. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of existing dental technology design principles, utilizing known interdisciplinary integration strategies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,387 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dental dam and method of use |