Design an improvement upon nylon muzzles and provide mathematical evidence supporting the theory that a nylon muzzle provides superior support over tape muzzles.

Project Overview

Our client is seeking an improvement in current muzzle techniques during pre- and post-surgery stages for mandibular fracture repair in dogs. The muzzle could also be used as a cheaper alternative to the surgery. Canine mandibular fractures most commonly occur at the M1 tooth, as a result of the large volume of the tooth compared to mandible [source]. Existing methods of repair require surgeons and several anesthetic events, resulting in a high-cost to the patient owner. A suggested way to relieve pain before and after surgery, and a possible cheaper solution, is using a muzzle to support the mandible. The bite force of this tooth ranges from 620.33-1,091.1 N [Source], and displaces that force into the jaw. The team is tasked with designing and validating a muzzle that evenly distributes the bite force applied to the mandible away from the fracture site.

Team Picture

Files

• Final Report (December 9, 2020)
• Final Notebook (December 9, 2020)
• Poster (December 9, 2020)
• PDS (December 9, 2020)
• Final Poster Presentation (December 3, 2020)
• Preliminary Report (October 7, 2020)
• Preliminary Presentation (October 1, 2020)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Arrington Polman - Team Leader
• Katherine Konieczka - Communicator
• Jakob Knauss - BSAC
• Matthew Wroblewski - BWIG
• Alexandria Thao - Co-BPAG
• Sydney Appleton - Co-BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Randolph Ashton - Advisor
• Dr. Graham Thatcher - Client