Ceramic Self-Ligating Bracket With Sliding Door Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic ligatures, such as elastomeric ligatures and metal ligature wires, face issues like loss of elasticity, aesthetic concerns, and increased chair time for installation and removal, while also trapping food and plaque, leading to inconsistent archwire sliding mechanics and hygiene problems.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligating orthodontic appliance with a door mechanism that slidably engages in a channel, featuring a strut with a rail and a concave recess, allowing for secure archwire retention without external ligatures, reducing friction, and simplifying installation and removal, while maintaining hygiene and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric ligatures are used to secure the archwire, then the archwire is retained in the bracket slot, but the ligatures lose elasticity over time causing inconsistent sliding mechanics and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the elastomeric ligature component from the system, replacing it with a self-ligating door mechanism that is an integral part of the bracket. This removes the source of the problem (elasticity loss) while maintaining the archwire retention function through a different mechanism (door closure over the slot).
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism is designed to be self-ligating, where the door itself provides the retention force without requiring external elastomeric ligatures. The door's inherent structure and closure mechanism provide consistent retention over time without degrading, as it relies on mechanical engagement rather than elastic material properties.
2Strength
If metal ligature wire is used to secure the archwire, then strong retention is achieved, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and non-aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the ligature function with the bracket structure itself by incorporating a door mechanism that is integral to the bracket body. This eliminates the need for separate ligature wires and their associated installation/removal procedures, reducing chair time while maintaining strong retention through the door's mechanical engagement with the slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-ligating door mechanism allows for rapid engagement and disengagement of the archwire without requiring complex manipulation of ligature wires. The door can be simply opened to insert the wire and closed to secure it, significantly reducing the time required for ligation while providing comparable or superior retention strength.
3Reliability
If elastomeric ligatures are used to retain the archwire, then the archwire is secured in the slot, but food and plaque are trapped leading to hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the elastomeric ligature component that creates the trapping problem, replacing it with a self-ligating door mechanism. The door's design allows for easier cleaning access and does not create the same food and plaque trapping issues as elastomeric ligatures, while maintaining reliable archwire retention through its mechanical closure over the slot.
4Shape
If elastomeric ligatures are used for aesthetic treatment, then translucent appearance is achieved, but they stain easily compromising aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the elastomeric ligature material that is prone to staining, replacing it with a self-ligating door mechanism that is either metal or ceramic. These alternative materials do not stain easily, maintaining aesthetic appearance over time while still providing the necessary archwire retention function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6A
AI summary
A high-strength, self-ligating appliances with orthodontically desirable dimensions. The appliances incorporate a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body; one that can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of an integral protrusion on the door. Cooperating grooves and rails on the body and the door can guide the door between the open and closed positions, and mitigate against unintentional detachment. Appliances including rails that result in improved labial pull strength are disclosed.