Asymmetric Elastomeric Orthodontic Bracket Covering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Orthodontic brackets often cause painful sores and cuts in patients' cheeks and lips due to sharp edges, with existing solutions like orthodontic wax and comfort lip shields being inconvenient, expensive, and not suitable for daily use, especially during eating and sleeping.

Innovation Solution

A brace cap with an asymmetrical c-shape central body and an expandable section, made of elastomer, designed to surround orthodontic brackets and prevent irritation, offering 24-hour protection without the limitations of existing solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If orthodontic wax is used to cover bracket edges, then protection against irritation is improved, but the solution becomes unreliable during eating and sleeping due to movement and displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirritation from bracket edgesVSAvoidprotection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible elastomeric material formed into a thin film or shell that conforms to the bracket shape. This flexible covering remains in place during eating and sleeping unlike wax, while still providing cushioning protection against sharp edges. The elastomeric material's inherent flexibility allows it to accommodate mouth movements without dislodging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective covering is pre-formed and pre-positioned on the bracket by the orthodontist during treatment appointments. This preliminary placement ensures proper positioning and eliminates the need for patient application, guaranteeing that protection is already in place before eating or sleeping activities begin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If comfort lip shields are used to protect against bracket irritation, then protection effectiveness is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraces sores and cutsVSAvoidshield structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using full-length lip shields that cover the entire mouth, the patent applies protection only locally at the specific bracket locations causing irritation. Each bracket receives its own small elastomeric covering, providing targeted protection without the complexity and cost of comprehensive lip shields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protection system is divided into individual discrete coverings for each bracket rather than a single continuous shield. This segmentation allows for simpler, cheaper, and more manageable protective elements that can be independently applied to problem areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If orthodontic wax is used for bracket coverage, then immediate protection is achieved, but the solution requires frequent reapplication and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheek and lip irritationVSAvoidfrequent adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric coverings are designed to provide excessive or more than sufficient protection, extending beyond the minimum required coverage. This ensures that even during extensive eating and sleeping movements, the protection remains effective without requiring reapplication, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If wax is used to cover brackets, then protection is provided, but the material leaves residue and cannot be worn during eating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracket edge irritationVSAvoidconvenience during eating

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from wax to elastomeric material, which has different properties including resistance to food contact, lack of residue, and maintained structural integrity during eating. This parameter change enables the protective covering to remain effective during eating activities without the limitations of wax.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The brace cap provides effective and convenient protection against braces sores and cuts, allowing patients to eat and sleep comfortably without the need for frequent adjustments or additional costs, maintaining its position and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

made of elastomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11819378B2Orthodontic bracket covering ligature tie

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 SINGHAL SUDIKSHA

AI summary

A brace cap is disclosed, and a method for using such. The brace cap has an annular design with an asymmetric c-shape rotated around a central axis, configured to surround a brace bracket to prevent the brace bracket from irritating adjacent surfaces within a mouth of a user. The asymmetric c-shape has a first arm and a second arm, where the first arm is longer than the second arm.