Cellular Intraoral Appliance Stiffness for Nonlinear Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraoral appliances with homogeneous materials lack the ability to generate sufficient force and control for effective tooth repositioning, often resulting in inadequate force distribution and patient discomfort due to their linear strain profiles and limited Young's modulus and elongation rates.
Innovation Solution
The development of intraoral appliances with adaptive cellular materials and structures that utilize interconnected unit cells with varying elongation characteristics and Young's moduli, allowing for customized force application and non-linear force/strain profiles, enhancing mechanical properties and orthodontic functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous materials are used in intraoral appliances, then manufacturing is simple, but force control and mechanical properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different cellular structures within the appliance. Specifically, it uses a first cellular structure in a first region and a second cellular structure in a second region, where each structure has different mechanical properties (Young's modulus, elongation rate). This allows different parts of the appliance to provide different force characteristics, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and force control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple cellular structures with different material compositions or structural configurations within a single appliance. The first and second cellular structures may differ in polymer composition, cell geometry, or density, creating a composite system that achieves superior force generation and control compared to homogeneous materials, while remaining manufacturable through additive processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional materials are used, then elongation rate is limited, but sufficient force for tooth repositioning cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying key material and structural parameters including Young's modulus, elongation rate, and cellular structure geometry. By adjusting these parameters across different regions (first and second cellular structures), the appliance achieves both high elongation rate for adaptability and sufficient force magnitude for effective tooth repositioning, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Strength
If cellular materials are used to enhance mechanical properties, then force control is improved, but fabrication becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the appliance into distinct regions (first region with first cellular structure, second region with second cellular structure) that can be manufactured separately or in modular fashion. This segmentation allows for optimized fabrication of each region while maintaining overall appliance functionality, reducing the complexity and cost associated with manufacturing complex cellular structures compared to creating a single monolithic cellular structure with varying properties.
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
These appliances provide improved control over force distribution, increased customization for individual patients, longer appliance lifetimes, and reduced discomfort by generating a wider range of force systems and maintaining effectiveness over conventional materials.
Implementation Method 1
The first network of interconnected unit cells having a first elongation characteristic, the first elongation characteristic being characterized by a first elongation value; and a second one or more areas... having a second elongation characteristic, the second elongation characteristic being characterized by a second elongation value
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are intraoral appliances with adaptive cellular materials and structures to provide enhanced mechanical properties and orthodontic functionality, and related methods. The described appliances may have higher Young's modulus and elongation rate than appliances made from conventional materials. Further, the described appliances may have desirable non-linear force/strain profiles. Additionally, the control provided by using cellular structures allow for increased customization for individual patients. Thus, the described appliances may be more effective, have longer appliance lifetimes and/or provide less discomfort to patients.