Adjustable Orthodontic Bracket Archwire Slot Orientation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthodontic treatments face challenges in efficiently adjusting the forces applied to teeth through archwire slots, requiring trial-and-error processes and time-consuming adjustments, especially in accurately determining and achieving desired archwire slot positions according to treatment plans.

Innovation Solution

The development of electromechanical systems and tools that allow for the adjustment of orthodontic brackets with adjustable archwire passages, enabling electronic determination and display of the archwire slot orientation, and adjustment thereof while attached to a patient's tooth, using a retention structure and orientation-determining structures to generate orientation indication signals for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual adjustment methods are used to reposition archwire slots, then the bracket can be adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and requires trial-and-error fitting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidtime for trial-and-error fitting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electromechanical system that uses motors to automatically position the archwire slot. The system includes motor-driven mechanisms that can precisely move the slot to predetermined positions without requiring manual trial-and-error fitting, thereby significantly reducing adjustment time and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that detect the actual position of the archwire slot and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust and correct positioning errors, ensuring accurate placement without requiring time-consuming manual verification and adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If adjustable brackets are used to reposition archwire slots, then the bracket remains on the tooth, but accurately determining the current slot position becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to adjust while attachedVSAvoidaccuracy of slot position determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual or manual measurement methods with electronic sensing systems that automatically detect the precise position of the archwire slot. Sensors such as optical encoders, magnetic sensors, or capacitive sensors are integrated into the bracket to electronically measure the slot position relative to the tooth, providing accurate data without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system that acts as a mediator between the mechanical bracket components and the measurement system. This intermediary system processes sensor signals and translates them into precise positional information, enabling accurate determination of the slot position while the bracket remains attached to the tooth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the archwire slot is repositioned by removing and re-locating the bracket, then the slot position can be changed, but the treatment plan accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in slot repositioningVSAvoidaccuracy relative to treatment plan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static bracket into a dynamic system with motor-driven adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time repositioning of the archwire slot. The bracket can be dynamically adjusted to any predetermined position along the tooth while maintaining secure attachment, providing flexibility without compromising precision. The system includes programmable controls that ensure each position corresponds to the treatment plan specifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10653504B2Electromechanical systems, methods, orthodontic brackets, and tools for adjusting orthodontic prescriptions of orthodontic brackets with adjustable archwire passages

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 COSSE CHRISTOPHER C

AI summary

Electromechanical systems, methods, orthodontic brackets, and tools for adjusting orthodontic prescriptions of orthodontic brackets with adjustable archwire passages are disclosed herein. The methods include operatively engaging an orthodontic bracket with an engagement structure of an electronic orthodontic adjustment tool, electronically determining a present orientation of an archwire slot of the orthodontic bracket, displaying a displayed orientation of the archwire slot, and adjusting the orientation of the archwire slot based on the displayed orientation. The orthodontic brackets include a base, a body, a retention structure, an orientation-determining structure, and a transmitter. The tools include an engagement structure, an orientation-determining structure, and an orientation indicator.