The Focus
A mouthguard that makes it easier for boxers to breathe, speak, and compete fairly while in the ring, using metamaterials and embedded sensors.
Metamaterials
FLOAT has a lattice-based metamaterial structure for permeability leading to increased airflow, reduced volume, and thus an ability to drink and speak whilst wearing the mouthguard. With three separate layers FLOAT maximizes efficiency but putting protection where it's needed, and maximising airflow where it's not.
+ Customization and Design Flexibility
+ Energy Absorption and Dissipation
+ Lightweight and Comfort
+ Breathability and Hygiene
Intelligent Information Analytics
Float has a built-in smart microprocessor that can identify and analyze impacts to the athlete's head in real-time. This technology can help prevent serious injuries, and it can provide a more accurate assessment of an athlete's condition during a match. This intelligence helps keep boxers safe and referees informed. All data can be downloaded in real-time via a Bluetooth connection with the microprocessor.
+ Impact Recognition
+ Power Estimation
+ Emergency Medical Support
Molded Form
Once molded FLOAT looks similar to other mouthguards you may be familiar with. The one exception is that it retains all of its phenomenal mechanical properties, enabling you to perform at your best.
Molding FLOAT
1. Place in boiling water for 60s
2. Align with teeth and pinch shut with jaw
3. Fold the flat FLOAT up towards your gums, ensuring you cover all of your teeth
4. Massage the mouthguard until a comfortable and tight fit is formed
5. Leave FLOAT in your mouth, taking routine sips of cold water if necessary
What's in the Box?
1 x FLOAT Mouth Guard
1 x Electromagnetic Charging Dock
1 x Holding Case
Colorways
Grey
Salcombe Mud - Light Blue - Moss Green - Lavender
Sand Dune Yellow - Violet - Raspberry
Technical Specifications
Power
Run time: 1000 minutes
Battery Type: Li-Ion
Charging: Wireless Charging Pad
Full charge: 80 minutes
Design Color
Grey
Salcombe Mud
Light Blue
Moss Green
Lavender
Sand Dune Yellow
Violet
Raspberry
Service
Replacement: Replace every 100 hours of use
2-year Warranty: Yes
Performance
Impact Recognition
Power Estimation
Emergency Medical Support
Waterproof
Cleaning
Fully washable using a toothbrush and toothpaste
Literature Review
A literature review of relevant topics demonstrated that mouthguards have the following roles and advantages:
+ Evenly dissipates forces
+ Reduces jaw movement
+ Lowers tooth impact
+ Decreases risk of jaw fractures
Additionally, the following insights were drawn about mouth guard design:
+ EVA mouthguards are more protective than Polyurethane ones
+ Most vulnerable teeth: cervical region of upper central incisors
+ Microchips shouldn't be placed here due to risk
+ Recommended chip placement: under the molars
Tribst, J.P.M., Dal Piva, A.M. de O., Borges, A.L.S. and Bottino, M.A. (2018). Simulation of mouthguard use in preventing dental injuries caused by different impacts in sports activities. Sport Sciences for Health, 15(1), pp.85–90. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-018-0488-4.
Sketching Ideation
Morphological Analysis and Eight Point design methods were the initial steps; providing a structured method of analyzing multiple aspects of a proposed solution, these methods helped brainstorm the concept of a mouthguard
Sketching ideation was done next, and users were consulted to choose ideas that would be considered and developed going forward.
Sketching ideation was done next, and users were consulted to choose ideas that would be considered and developed going forward.
Extended Ideation and Low Fidelity Prototyping
Those ideas that were explored were experimented with in CAD using a range of software and techniques, creating a strong mix between divergent and focused exploration and analysis.
CAD Modelling
Leveraging CAD enabled the creation of meticulous and adaptable design parameters tailored to diverse jaw structures and dental configurations.
Before investing in physical prototypes, virtual testing, iterating, and refining of the design was done, ensuring its efficacy and user comfort.
Finite element analysis was also carried out in Solidworks, determining reactions to real-world impacts.
High Fidelity Prototyping
Looks Like Prototype
A looks-like prototype was created to allow for a physical investigation of the size, shape, and aesthetic of the design.
Lattice Modelling
Lattice properties vary with size, structure, and solidarity. These features were investigated and the results were recorded.
Lattice Demonstration
Once lattice structures were finalized and allocated, they were prototyped in a scaled version of the mouthguard to enable a clear demonstration of the different layers within the design.
Exploded View
To demonstrate effectively the difference in lattice structures between layers, and within layers, an exploded perspective view was prototyped, for a visual representation used during presentations.
CMF Exploration
Once CAD and testing were concluded, and a design was finalized, colors, materials, and variants of these parameters were finalized. This produced the final CAD models shown below.
Awards
Nomination for the Design Intelligence Award from the China Academy of Art.
