Ball Joint Orthodontic Device for Mandibular Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement orthoses, such as Herbst orthosis and ball joint systems, fail to provide sufficient freedom of articulation in both antero-posterior and lateral planes, leading to cumbersome operation and limited movement, which is not satisfactory for stimulating mandibular growth and addressing sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
An articulation device with a ball joint system that allows approximately 360° movement in a horizontal plane and 90° movement in a vertical plane, featuring a hemispherical cage and offset support element to prevent tilting, enabling controlled mandibular propulsion and laterality movements while maintaining a reduced bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a horizontal axis articulation system is used to connect the upper and lower gutters, then the structure is simplified, but the freedom of lateral movement is limited and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional horizontal axis articulation with a ball joint system featuring a spherical head that rotates within a hemispherical cage. This spherical geometry enables multi-directional movement including lateral, antero-posterior, and vertical planes, providing complete freedom of articulation while maintaining structural simplicity. The spherical configuration allows the connecting rods to move freely in all required directions without mechanical constraints.
2Ease of operation
If a ball joint system is used to couple the connecting rods with the gutters, then freedom of articulation is improved, but the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact ball joint design where the spherical head is received within a hemispherical cage, and the entire articulation mechanism is integrated into the existing gutter and connecting rod structure. The support element is offset laterally and secured to the frame, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the overall volume occupied by the articulation system while maintaining full range of motion in all planes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting rods are arranged with limited displacement in a postero-anterior direction, then the vertical plane articulation is controlled, but the lateral movement freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static horizontal axis articulation that restricts movement to a dynamic ball joint system. The spherical head within the hemispherical cage allows the connecting rods to adapt their orientation dynamically, moving freely in lateral, antero-posterior, and vertical planes. This dynamic configuration enables the mandible to achieve complete freedom of movement while the support element maintains proper positioning and control.
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 solution provides complete freedom of articulation, ensuring precise control over mandibular movements, ease of assembly, and comfort, while preventing tilting and lateral limitations, thus effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
coupling means of the ball joint type, capable of allowing, in a horizontal plane, an articulation of approximately 360° of the corresponding connecting rod
Implementation Method 2
in a vertical plane, an articulation of approximately 90° at least of the corresponding connecting rod
Implementation Method 3
a hemispherical cage (7a) capable of receiving the ball joint (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~3
Figure 6
AI summary
The device has a patella integrated to an axis that is oriented perpendicular to a support element (6). The axis is introduced in a hemisphere cage of an end (7) fixed to links (3, 4) for being screwed in the support. The cage is in communication with a determined opening for permitting articulation of links at 90 degree in vertical plane and at 360 degree in horizontal plane. The end has a holding coaxially fixed to one of the links.