Derivative works — US Patent 11826217

Defensive Disclosure: US Patent 11826217 - Dental Mouthpiece

This document outlines derivative variations of the dental mouthpiece described in US Patent 11826217, intended as defensive disclosures to establish prior art and limit future patentability of incremental improvements by competitors. These disclosures expand upon the core inventive concepts related to the main body, anterior and posterior walls, interior space, connectors, intervening walls with alternating crests and troughs, suction connector, and cheek retractor.

Derivative 1: Material & Component Substitution - Bio-Resorbable Polymer Mouthpiece with Integrated Piezoelectric Suction

Enabling Description:
This derivative proposes a dental mouthpiece (referencing the structures of Claim 1 and Claim 17) constructed entirely from a bio-resorbable polymer, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or polycaprolactone (PCL), with specific degradation rates tailored for short-term clinical use (e.g., 24-72 hours). The main body portion, anterior and posterior walls, intervening walls, connectors, suction connector portion, and cheek retractor portion are fabricated as a single injection-molded unit. The alternating crests and troughs of the intervening walls (as described in Claim 1) are maintained to ensure structural integrity during suction.
Instead of an external vacuum source, the suction connector portion incorporates an array of micro-piezoelectric diaphragms embedded within its internal channels. These diaphragms are actuated by a low-voltage DC pulse generator, creating localized negative pressure gradients that draw fluids and debris from the interior space. The pulse frequency and amplitude are adjustable, varying the suction strength. The piezoelectric components are hermetically sealed within the bio-resorbable polymer matrix using a co-injection molding process, ensuring biocompatibility and preventing direct contact with oral fluids. The system includes a small, integrated, disposable battery for power. The entire unit is designed for single-use and complete dissolution within the biological environment post-treatment, eliminating biohazard waste.

classDiagram
    class Mouthpiece {
        +BioResorbablePolymer material
        +MainBodyComponent
        +AnteriorWallComponent
        +PosteriorWallComponent
        +InterveningWallComponent
        +ConnectorComponent
        +SuctionConnectorComponent
        +CheekRetractorComponent
    }
    class PiezoelectricDiaphragm {
        +Material: PZT
        +Actuation: DC Pulse Generator
        +Function: Localized Negative Pressure
    }
    class MicroVacuumArray {
        +Contains: PiezoelectricDiaphragm[]
        +Interface: SuctionConnectorComponent
    }
    class ControlUnit {
        +LowVoltageDCGenerator
        +IntegratedBattery
        +AdjustablePulseSettings
    }

    Mouthpiece "1" -- "1" MainBodyComponent
    MainBodyComponent "1" -- "1" AnteriorWallComponent
    MainBodyComponent "1" -- "1" PosteriorWallComponent
    MainBodyComponent "1" -- "N" InterveningWallComponent
    MainBodyComponent "1" -- "N" ConnectorComponent
    Mouthpiece "1" -- "1" SuctionConnectorComponent
    Mouthpiece "1" -- "1" CheekRetractorComponent
    SuctionConnectorComponent "1" -- "1" MicroVacuumArray
    MicroVacuumArray "1" -- "1" ControlUnit
    PiezoelectricDiaphragm --|> MicroVacuumArray : Contains

Derivative 2: Operational Parameter Expansion - High-Pressure Micro-Pulsation Mouthpiece for Abrasive Cleansing

Enabling Description:
This derivative extends the dental mouthpiece (Claims 1 & 17) for operation under precisely controlled high-pressure micro-pulsations, targeting enhanced intraoral cleansing and debridement. The mouthpiece is constructed from a rigid, autoclavable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer, reinforced with carbon fiber where the anterior and posterior walls (Claim 1) define the interior space. The intervening walls with alternating crests and troughs are engineered with micro-channels and orifice arrays.
A suction connector (Claim 1) is adapted to connect to a dual-channel high-pressure peristaltic pump system. One channel supplies a sterile, isotonic saline solution at pressures up to 500 kPa, delivered through fine nozzles integrated within the crests of the anterior intervening walls. These nozzles create targeted micro-pulsating jets (frequencies up to 200 Hz) directed at dental surfaces. The second channel simultaneously provides high-volume vacuum suction (up to -80 kPa relative pressure) through the troughs of the posterior intervening walls, effectively evacuating the pulsed fluid, dislodged debris, and oral contaminants. The precise geometry of the crests and troughs, along with the intervening walls, ensures efficient fluid dynamics, preventing backflow and optimizing debris removal. The system is designed for use in surgical settings requiring aggressive cleansing and rapid fluid management.

flowchart TD
    A[Peristaltic Pump System] --> B{High-Pressure Saline Channel}
    A --> C{High-Volume Vacuum Channel}
    B --> D[Nozzles in Anterior Intervening Walls]
    D --> E(Oral Cavity / Dental Surfaces)
    E --> F[Troughs in Posterior Intervening Walls]
    F --> C
    C --> G[Suction Connector Portion]
    G --> H[Waste Reservoir]

    subgraph Mouthpiece (PEEK/Carbon Fiber)
        D
        F
    end

Derivative 3: Cross-Domain Application - Livestock Hydration and Medication Delivery Mouthpiece

Enabling Description:
This derivative adapts the core design of the dental mouthpiece (main body, intervening walls, suction/delivery connector, cheek retractor as per Claims 1 and 17) for controlled hydration and medication delivery in livestock. The device, scaled up for bovine or equine anatomy, is fabricated from FDA-approved, food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The main body portion is robustly designed, with anterior and posterior walls defining a large interior space. The intervening walls feature enlarged, smooth crests and troughs to prevent soft tissue damage while accommodating high flow rates of fluids.
The "suction connector portion" is re-purposed as a multi-channel fluid delivery port, connecting to automated peristaltic pumps. One channel delivers hydration fluids (e.g., electrolyte solutions) at controlled rates. Another channel delivers oral medications (e.g., dewormers, antibiotics) in a precise dosage, dispensed through fine apertures along the crests of the anterior intervening wall. The "cheek retractor portion" is enlarged and reinforced to provide robust cheek and tongue isolation, preventing accidental aspiration and ensuring efficient fluid delivery. The mouthpiece integrates pressure sensors within the interior space to monitor swallowing and prevent overfilling, with real-time data transmitted wirelessly to a central farm management system using a LoRaWAN protocol.

graph TD
    A[Automated Peristaltic Pumps] --> B(Hydration Fluid Channel)
    A --> C(Medication Delivery Channel)
    B --> D[Multi-Channel Delivery Port]
    C --> D
    D --> E{Mouthpiece - Interior Space}
    E --> F[Apertures on Anterior Intervening Wall]
    F --> G(Livestock Oral Cavity)
    G -- "Fluid Flow" --> E
    E -- "Pressure Feedback" --> H[Pressure Sensors]
    H --> I[Wireless Transmitter (LoRaWAN)]
    I --> J[Central Farm Management System]

    subgraph Mouthpiece (HDPE)
        E
        F
        K[Enlarged Cheek Retractor]
    end

Derivative 4: Cross-Domain Application - Industrial Pipe Debridement and Inspection Device

Enabling Description:
This derivative applies the principles of the dental mouthpiece (Claim 1's curved form, main body, intervening walls, suction) to an industrial context: internal pipe debridement and inspection. The device is constructed from a chemically resistant, high-temperature composite (e.g., carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK) and scaled to fit various pipe diameters (e.g., 5 cm to 100 cm). The "main body portion" is a flexible, curved segment conforming to pipe bends. The "anterior" and "posterior" walls act as outer and inner casings, defining an annular interior space.
The "intervening walls" with alternating crests and troughs are designed to guide abrasive fluid flow and mechanically scrape pipe walls. A "suction connector portion" becomes a high-capacity effluent extraction port, connecting to an industrial vacuum system. An array of abrasive fluid injectors (e.g., high-pressure water jets with suspended silica particles) is integrated along the crests of the anterior intervening walls, directed at the pipe surface. The troughs of the posterior intervening walls incorporate effluent collection channels. The "cheek retractor portion" is re-envisioned as an anchoring and steering mechanism with adjustable pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, allowing the device to traverse and stabilize within the pipe while performing cleaning. Integrated ultrasonic transducers and micro-cameras provide real-time inspection data.

sequenceDiagram
    participant O as Operator
    participant I as Industrial Vacuum System
    participant P as Peristaltic Pump (Abrasive Fluid)
    participant D as Debridement Device (Mouthpiece)
    participant Pipe as Pipe Section

    O->>+P: Initiate Abrasive Fluid Supply
    P->>D: Abrasive Fluid In
    O->>+I: Activate Vacuum
    I->>D: Suction Activated
    O->>D: Activate Anchoring/Steering

    loop Debridement Cycle
        D->>Pipe: Abrasive Jets (Crests)
        D->>Pipe: Mechanical Scraping (Crests/Troughs)
        Pipe->>D: Dislodged Debris + Fluid
        D->>I: Effluent Out (Troughs)
        D->>O: Inspection Data (Ultrasonic/Camera)
    end
    O->>-P: Terminate Fluid Supply
    O->>-I: Deactivate Vacuum

Derivative 5: Cross-Domain Application - Controlled Nutrient Delivery for Hydroponic Systems

Enabling Description:
This derivative adapts the controlled fluid dynamics of the mouthpiece (particularly the interior space, intervening walls with crests/troughs, and connectors from Claims 1 & 17) for targeted nutrient delivery and root zone aeration in advanced hydroponic systems. The device is fabricated from inert, algae-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene (PP). It is designed as an elongated, curved sleeve ("main body portion") that fits around plant root structures (e.g., in a nutrient film technique (NFT) channel).
The "anterior wall" and "posterior wall" form an outer sheath around the roots, defining an interior space for nutrient solution circulation. The "intervening walls" with alternating crests and troughs are re-engineered as a precisely spaced mesh, where the crests act as nutrient delivery manifolds with micro-perforations, ensuring even distribution to the root surface. The troughs function as aeration channels, delivering oxygenated air bubbles directly to the root zone from a "suction connector portion" repurposed as an air pump inlet. Integrated sensors within the crests monitor root health indicators (pH, EC, dissolved oxygen), with data transmitted wirelessly to an automated hydroponic control system. The "cheek retractor portion" is re-imagined as a sealing flange, ensuring a closed system around the root mass to prevent nutrient leakage and maintain sterility.

erDiagram
    "Hydroponic System" ||--o{ "Nutrient Channel" : contains
    "Nutrient Channel" ||--o{ "Plant" : houses
    "Plant" ||--o{ "Root Structure" : has
    "Controlled Nutrient Delivery Device" ||--|{ "Root Structure" : encases
    "Controlled Nutrient Delivery Device" {
        PVC/PP Material
        Curved Main Body
        Anterior Wall
        Posterior Wall
        Interior Space
        Intervening Walls {Alternating Crests, Troughs}
        Nutrient Delivery Manifolds (Crests)
        Aeration Channels (Troughs)
        Air Pump Inlet (Suction Connector)
        Sealing Flange (Cheek Retractor)
        Integrated Sensors {pH, EC, DO}
        Wireless Transmitter
    }
    "Automated Hydroponic Control System" ||--o{ "Controlled Nutrient Delivery Device" : monitors/controls

Derivative 6: Integration with Emerging Tech - AI-Optimized, IoT-Enabled Dental Mouthpiece with Blockchain Supply Chain

Enabling Description:
This advanced dental mouthpiece (Claims 1 & 17) integrates AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies for optimized performance and verifiable supply chain. The mouthpiece incorporates micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors along the interior surfaces of the anterior and posterior walls, and within the crests and troughs of the intervening walls, to monitor real-time fluid dynamics and tissue contact pressure during suction. These IoT sensors (e.g., compliant capacitive sensors) wirelessly transmit data via a low-power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module embedded in the suction connector portion to a local gateway.
An AI algorithm, running on a networked edge device, analyzes this real-time data to dynamically adjust suction strength (via control signals to the vacuum source) and alert the dental professional to sub-optimal placement or potential tissue impingement. The AI model is trained on a vast dataset of intraoral fluid dynamics profiles to predict and prevent suction-induced soft tissue damage while maximizing fluid evacuation efficiency.
Furthermore, each mouthpiece is manufactured with a unique, cryptographically signed QR code (or RFID tag) linked to a blockchain-based supply chain ledger. This ledger records the raw material provenance, manufacturing batch details, sterilization cycles, and distribution history, ensuring product authenticity, compliance, and traceability. The material itself is a medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with embedded radiopaque markers for verifiable identification via standard dental imaging.

flowchart LR
    A[Dental Mouthpiece] --> B{IoT Sensors: Pressure, Fluid Flow}
    B -- Wireless (BLE) --> C[Edge Gateway Device]
    C --> D{AI Module: Suction Optimization}
    D --> E[Vacuum Source Controller]
    E --> F[Vacuum Suction Source]
    D --> G[Dental Professional Alert]

    subgraph Blockchain Supply Chain
        H[Manufacturing Plant] -- Serialized Product (QR/RFID) --> I[Distribution Center]
        I -- Transaction Data --> J[Blockchain Ledger]
        J -- Verification --> K[End-User/Clinic]
        A -- Contains --> L(Radiopaque Markers & Cryptographic ID)
    end

Derivative 7: The "Inverse" / Failure Mode - Self-Ventilating, Low-Suction Safety Mouthpiece

Enabling Description:
This derivative focuses on a "fail-safe" mode for the dental mouthpiece (Claims 1 & 17), specifically designed to prevent over-suctioning or accidental airway obstruction while maintaining minimal functionality. The main body portion, anterior and posterior walls, intervening walls with crests and troughs, suction connector, and cheek retractor are molded from a soft, compliant silicone elastomer (e.g., Shore A hardness 20-30).
The "intervening walls" are designed with deliberately weaker structural connectors (e.g., thinner attachment points or stress concentration features) such that under excessive suction pressure (e.g., above -15 kPa relative pressure), predetermined sections of the crests or troughs will deform or collapse locally. This deformation creates controlled bypass vents into the interior space or directly to the atmosphere (e.g., through micro-perforations in the posterior wall), thus preventing continuous high suction and reducing the risk of tissue aspiration.
The "suction connector portion" incorporates a spring-loaded pressure relief valve calibrated to open at a specific negative pressure threshold, diverting excessive vacuum away from the oral cavity. In a "low-power" mode, the mouthpiece operates with a minimal, gravity-assisted drainage channel integrated into the inferior wall of the main body, completely bypassing the active suction system, providing basic saliva management without any powered components. The system prioritizes patient safety and passive fluid evacuation over aggressive suction capabilities.

stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Idle
    Idle --> PlacedInMouth : Patient/Dental Professional
    PlacedInMouth --> LowSuctionActive : Initiate Low Suction
    LowSuctionActive --> HighSuctionAttempted : System attempts high suction
    HighSuctionAttempted --> SafetyVentilation : Excessive negative pressure detected
    SafetyVentilation --> LowSuctionActive : Pressure normalized via vents
    LowSuctionActive --> GravityDrainageOnly : Power loss or deliberate "low-power" mode
    GravityDrainageOnly --> [*] : Procedure End

    state SafetyVentilation {
        SelfDeformInterveningWalls --> BypassVents
        PressureReliefValveOpen
    }

    state LowSuctionActive {
        MinimalVacuum
        CompliantSilicone
    }

    state GravityDrainageOnly {
        PassiveFluidEvacuation
        NoPoweredComponents
    }

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

US11826217 + IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread) Standard:
- Description: The integration of IoT sensors (as in Derivative 6) within the dental mouthpiece, specifically for monitoring real-time pressure and fluid dynamics, can leverage the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for low-power, low-data-rate wireless communication. This open-source standard provides the physical and MAC layer specifications for mesh networking protocols like Zigbee and Thread. Implementing the sensor data transmission over an 802.15.4 network allows for robust, energy-efficient communication within a dental operatory environment, enabling AI-driven optimization of suction without high energy consumption or complex wiring. The data packets containing pressure readings and flow rates would adhere to the 802.15.4 frame structure.
- Inventive Aspect of US11826217: The specific geometry of the interior space, intervening walls with crests and troughs, and connectors that facilitate fluid flow and prevent collapse during suction (Claims 1 & 17) provides the functional environment for these sensors.
US11826217 + HL7 FHIR Standard (Health Level Seven Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources):
- Description: The mouthpiece's application, particularly with integrated sensing and AI (as in Derivative 6), can produce valuable patient-specific procedural data (e.g., suction duration, average pressure, fluid evacuated volume). This data, relevant to patient care and procedure documentation, can be formatted and exchanged using the HL7 FHIR open-source standard. FHIR defines standard "Resources" (e.g., Observation, Procedure, Device) that can encapsulate this clinical data, allowing for seamless integration with electronic health record (EHR) systems, dental practice management software, or research databases. This standard ensures semantic interoperability and secure data sharing, critical for modern healthcare.
- Inventive Aspect of US11826217: The design elements, such as the efficient evacuation system via the suction connector and the tissue retraction capabilities (Claims 1 & 17), contribute to the quality and consistency of dental procedures, making the generated data meaningful for FHIR integration.
US11826217 + Open Dental (open-source practice management software):
- Description: For dental practices utilizing open-source practice management software like Open Dental, a derivative mouthpiece with embedded usage tracking (e.g., number of sterilization cycles for reusable versions, or time in use for disposable versions, potentially via passive RFID tags read by an external reader in the dental unit) can directly integrate with the software. The software can automatically record mouthpiece usage per patient or procedure, manage inventory, trigger re-ordering, and track sterilization compliance. The open-source nature of Open Dental allows for custom plugin development to interpret and log data from the mouthpiece, enhancing operational efficiency and patient safety.
- Inventive Aspect of US11826217: The structural integrity and reusability potential (Claim 10), or the single-piece molded design (Claims 9 & 20), make it suitable for consistent use and tracking within a digital practice management workflow. The ability to monitor its operational lifecycle enhances the value derived from its robust design.