Self-ligating Bracket Cantilever Locking Beam Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthodontic brackets require repetitive and prolonged treatment due to the use of elastomeric or steel ligature ties, which increase friction and treatment time, necessitating a more efficient locking mechanism for archwires.

Innovation Solution

A self-ligating bracket system with a ligating sliding member and a resilient cantilever locking blade that moves between open and closed positions to securely retain archwires, utilizing biocompatible materials and manufacturing processes like MIM and 3D printing for robustness and mechanical compatibility with the oral environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastomeric or steel ligature ties are used to secure the archwire, then the archwire can be retained in the bracket slot, but friction increases and treatment time becomes prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchwire retentionVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the elastomeric or steel ligature ties from the system entirely, replacing them with a self-ligating mechanism where the archwire is secured through a sliding member that moves between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for separate ligature ties and reducing treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket system performs the ligating function automatically through its self-ligating mechanism, where the sliding member engages with the archwire and locks it in place without requiring manual ligature application or replacement by the orthodontist, thereby reducing treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If elastomeric or steel ligature ties are used to secure the archwire, then the archwire can be retained in the bracket slot, but repetitive work increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchwire retentionVSAvoidrepetitive work

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the elastomeric or steel ligature ties from the system entirely, replacing them with a self-ligating mechanism where the archwire is secured through a sliding member that moves between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for separate ligature ties and reducing treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding member is designed to be permanently retained in the bracket after the archwire is secured, eliminating the need to discard and replace ligature ties at each adjustment visit, thereby reducing repetitive work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If conventional ligature ties are used, then archwires can be secured, but friction at the slot-archwire interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchwire retentionVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the elastomeric or steel ligature ties from the system entirely, replacing them with a self-ligating mechanism where the archwire is secured through a sliding member that moves between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for separate ligature ties and reducing treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical ligature tie system with a self-ligating mechanism that uses a sliding member and locking beam to secure the archwire, reducing friction at the slot-archwire interface and allowing for more efficient tooth movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system reduces friction at the slot-archwire interface, allowing lower force archwires to move teeth effectively, minimizing iatrogenic potential and reducing the time needed for ligature changes, thus enhancing clinical management and functionality of orthodontic treatments.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient cantilever locking blade that moves between open and closed positions to securely retain archwires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11957537B2Self-ligating bracket with cantilever locking beam mechanism and other locking elements for ligating sliding members, and methods of making and use thereof

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 LOPES ALEXANDRE GALLO

AI summary

A self-ligating bracket system comprising a body, an archwire slot receivable for an archwire, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to allow a ligating sliding member to move between an open position, such that an archwire may be inserted into and/or removed from the archwire slot, and a closed position, such that an archwire is retained within the archwire slot.