Unlike conventional straight needles, this invention is a specially designed dental anesthetic needle. The key feature is a bent (angled) shape between its two straight sections. This angled needle helps dentists (and veterinarians) inject painkillers into hard-to-reach parts of the mouth, such as around back molars or wisdom teeth. By curving the needle away from the syringe hub, it is easier to guide the tip into tight spaces without contorting the hand. This improves injection precision and makes the process more comfortable for patients. Because it fits standard syringe attachments and is made of durable materials, it can be used much like a normal needle but achieves better reach. The primary benefit is smoother, more accurate injections in tight oral areas, reducing patient discomfort and reducing strain on the practitioner. It is a practical improvement for common dental and veterinary procedures involving local anesthesia, aiming to make these injections safer and more comfortable.
Problem
Dentists and veterinarians struggle to inject anesthesia into hard-to-reach parts of the mouth (like around back molars) using standard straight needles, causing patient discomfort and the risk of inaccurate placement.
Target Customers
Primary users are dental professionals (dentists, oral surgeons) and veterinary practitioners who perform oral procedures. The description also suggests possible use in other medical fields needing precise injections in tight spaces.
Existing Solutions
The patent text does not detail specific prior art. Typically, clinicians use standard straight hypodermic needles and adjust the angle of approach manually. Specialized techniques or equipment (like computer-assisted syringes) exist, but an angled syringe needle of this sort seems novel.
Market Context
Mostly relevant to the dental equipment market and veterinary dentistry. Dental anesthesia is a routine part of oral healthcare, so the potential user base is large. The invention appears broadly applicable to common procedures in both dentistry and veterinary care. Exact market size or segments are not given.
Regulatory Context
This device is a medical syringe needle used in healthcare, so it would be regulated as a medical device. It must meet standard safety and sterilization regulations (e.g. FDA, CE) for disposable needles. Veterinary use also implies compliance with animal health regulations.
Trends Impact
The design aligns with trends toward improving patient comfort and procedural ergonomics in healthcare. It emphasizes precise, minimally stressful injections, fitting into broader healthcare priorities of patient-centric care and safety. No specific environmental or digital trends are mentioned.
Limitations Unknowns
The description lacks quantitative data, cost estimates, or user testing results. Adoption barriers are unclear, and it does not mention existing competing products. The effectiveness, durability, and cost of manufactured bowed needles remain unspecified. It's unknown how practitioners will respond.
Rating
The angled-needle concept addresses a widespread practical issue and clearly improves precision and comfort, which are important strengths reflected in the scores. It is straightforward to produce and use, fitting standard syringes, so feasibility and market applicability are solid. However, bending a needle is a relatively modest innovation; the novelty and IP protection are limited by the simplicity of the idea. Competitive defensibility is also low since similar angled designs could be easily introduced. Overall, its real value lies in tangible practitioner and patient benefits, but the idea is incremental and may face rapid imitation.
Problem Significance ( 7/10)
The provided text notes that straight needles make injections in back-mouth areas awkward and uncomfortable. Because dental injections are routine, improving comfort and accuracy addresses a common practitioner and patient need. This is a clear recurring issue, though not life-saving, so its significance is moderate-to-high.
Novelty & Inventive Step ( 5/10)
The core idea is a pre-bent needle. The description highlights the specific curved shape, which is somewhat unusual but likely not a fundamentally new concept in injection devices. Without detailed prior-art comparison given, the inventive step appears modest: essentially an incremental improvement rather than a groundbreaking invention.
IP Strength & Breadth ( 5/10)
Specific claims are not provided, but protecting an angled needle design may be limited. Many potential design variations (angle, length) could avoid infringement. The concept covers a practical feature but it's mechanical and might be easy to work around, implying moderate scope.
Advantage vs Existing Solutions ( 7/10)
The invention offers clearer precision and patient comfort compared to straight needles. It is described as allowing effortless access to hard-to-reach areas, which is a tangible benefit. This seems like a substantial practical improvement over the status quo, providing a solid reason for practitioners to consider it.
Market Size & Adoption Potential ( 7/10)
Every dental practice (and many vet practices) uses local anesthesia daily, so the potential market is large. While exact figures aren't given, the broad applicability to routine procedures suggests strong market scope. Adoption would depend on cost and clinician acceptance, but fitting existing syringes may ease uptake.
Implementation Feasibility & Cost ( 8/10)
The device is a simple stainless steel needle with an extra bend, using mature manufacturing. There are no exotic materials or new technology components implied. It should be straightforward and low-cost to produce with existing techniques, so feasibility is high.
Regulatory & Liability Friction ( 7/10)
This is a medical/dental device (a needle), so it falls under standard medical device regulations (sterility, safety, FDA/CE approval, etc.). These requirements are moderate and typical for disposable needles. The invention introduces no obvious new hazard beyond standard needle use.
Competitive Defensibility (Real-World) ( 4/10)
The concept is relatively simple and mechanical. Competitors could likely produce similar angled needles once the idea is known. Unless there are strong patents in place, the advantage may be short-lived as others design around the specific bend or use similar ergonomics.
Versatility & Licensing Potential ( 7/10)
The description suggests use in both human dentistry and veterinary care, and hints at any tight-space injections. This indicates multiple industries (dental, vet, possibly other medical fields) could benefit. It is not a broad platform, but it has clear applications beyond a single niche.
Strategic & Impact Alignment ( 6/10)
This invention advances patient comfort and procedural accuracy in healthcare, aligning with trends in better, more ergonomic medical tools. While it is positive for health and safety, it does not target a major global challenge like sustainability, so alignment is modest.