Adjustable Dowel Pin Assembly for Orthodontic Tooth Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign, are time-consuming, costly, and limited by the thickness of vacuum forming materials, resulting in a prolonged treatment period due to incremental changes that are not easily customizable, and require expensive computer-based systems for tooth movement planning.
Innovation Solution
A system using a physical 3-D model with adjustable tooth dies and a dowel pin assembly that allows for incremental tooth movement, enabling orthodontists to manually adjust tooth positions and create thicker aligners for more aggressive repositioning, reducing treatment duration and cost, while allowing for real-time customization of treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional Invisalign system uses laser-formed thin aligners with incremental changes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but treatment duration becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the aligner material from thin (conventional) to thick (up to 6 inches), enabling more aggressive tooth movement while maintaining manufacturing precision through manual forming processes rather than laser processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable dowel pins with living hinges that allow dynamic modification of tooth positions during treatment planning, enabling customization of movement increments without being constrained by pre-programmed computer algorithms
2Measurement precision
If computer-based systems with algorithms are used for virtual correction steps, then treatment planning precision is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses physical 3-D models as tangible copies of patient dentition, allowing orthodontists to manipulate and visualize treatment plans physically rather than through complex computer interfaces, maintaining planning precision while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces computer-based algorithmic systems with a manual mechanical system using adjustable dowel pins and physical models, eliminating the need for expensive software while maintaining treatment planning capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed treatment plans with multiple pre-made aligners are used, then manufacturing consistency is maintained, but adaptability during treatment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the treatment plan dynamic by allowing orthodontists to adjust dowel pin positions on physical models during the planning process, enabling customization of each patient's treatment path while maintaining consistency through the structured model-based approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary treatment planning on physical models before manufacturing aligners, allowing adjustments to be made in advance based on patient-specific needs, thereby maintaining consistency while incorporating adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A dowel pin and sleeve combination for use with a tooth die that is part of a dental model includes a dowel pin and a sleeve that receives the pin. The dowel pin includes a tooth anchor section that is configured to be fixedly attached to the tooth die and a main body section having a bore formed therein. The main body section has a living hinge formed therein that partitions the main body section into an upper pivotable portion that pivots about the hinge and a lower portion. A section of the bore is threaded and the main body section includes an urging member that travels along the threaded bore section and can be driven into contact with the pivotable portion of the main body section.