Chewy Dental Alignment Tool with Handle for Safe Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental alignment devices, such as braces, are unsightly, expensive, and require frequent adjustments, while newer devices like Invisalign can be difficult to maintain in place due to their non-permanent attachment, posing a choking hazard, especially in children.
Innovation Solution
A dental alignment device positioning tool with an elongate shaft and a soft, compressible chewy extension, integrated with a handle end portion to enhance control and prevent choking, forming a single monolithic structure for safe and effective repositioning of dental alignment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional braces are used to align teeth, then teeth alignment is achieved, but the device is unsightly, expensive, and requires frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the dental alignment system into separate components: removable aligner devices that can be taken out and inserted by the patient, and a separate positioning tool with a chewy extension. This segmentation allows the aligners to be simple and aesthetic while the positioning tool handles the complex repositioning function, reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for frequent professional adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The chewy extension acts as an intermediary between the positioning tool handle and the dental aligners. It provides a soft, safe interface that can be bitten down on to reposition aligners without risking damage to the aligners or injury to the patient, while the rigid handle provides the necessary leverage and control.
2Device complexity
If newer dental alignment devices like Invisalign are used, then aesthetics and cost are improved, but the devices tend to move off the teeth due to non-permanent attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the patient to independently reposition their own aligners using the positioning tool with chewy extension, eliminating the need for professional adjustments. The patient can bite down on the chewy extension to push the aligners back into correct position whenever they become misaligned, making the system self-correcting and maintaining reliability without complex attachment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a separate positioning tool without handle is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user control is reduced and choking hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tool is segmented into two distinct parts: a rigid handle for user control and a soft chewy extension for oral use. This segmentation allows the handle to provide leverage and control while the chewy portion provides safety by being soft and unlikely to cause choking, even if accidentally swallowed.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning tool combines two materials with different properties: a rigid material for the handle that provides structural integrity and control, and a soft, flexible material for the chewy extension that provides safety and comfort. This composite construction resolves the contradiction between control and safety.
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 tool securely positions dental alignment devices without the risk of choking, maintaining them in place effectively and enhancing user control, thus addressing the issues of cost, aesthetics, and safety associated with existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate and compressible chewy, extending from and integrally formed with the first end of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A dental alignment device positioning tool for use in safely and effectively positioning or repositioning dental alignment devices on teeth is provided. The positioning tool generally includes a handle having an elongate shaft and a soft chewy formed on and extending from a first end of the elongate shaft. A handle end portion is formed on a second end of the elongate shaft to enhance the user's control of the chewy to prevent choking. The handle, including the shaft and the handle end portion, and the chewy are integrally formed as a single monolithic structure. The chewy may be flavored to enhance the enjoyment of the user.