Crimpable Retraction Loop for Orthodontic Archwires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic archwires often do not provide sufficient force for efficient tooth movement, making the bracket-actuated tooth alignment process slow.
Innovation Solution
A crimpable retraction loop that can be retrofitted to existing archwires, comprising elongated coupling members and an elastically deformable bridge, which creates tension to realign teeth by being secured through crimping, allowing for adjustable force and orientation for faster tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional archwires are used for tooth alignment, then the system is simple and compatible with existing brackets, but the force provided is insufficient resulting in slow tooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The archwire system is segmented by introducing a separate loop component that can be attached to the archwire. This loop component contains the elastic element that provides additional force, while the archwire itself maintains its original function of connecting brackets. The segmentation allows the force-providing function to be enhanced independently from the structural archwire.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop component acts as an intermediary between the archwire and the brackets. It attaches to the archwire and transmits enhanced forces to the brackets, which then apply these forces to the teeth. This intermediary structure allows for increased force delivery without modifying the existing archwire or bracket design.
2Force
If existing archwires are used, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility, but additional force mechanisms require complex modifications to brackets or individual teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The loop component is designed with universal attachment features that can be applied to any standard archwire regardless of the specific bracket system being used. The crimping mechanism and archwire engagement features are standardized, allowing the same loop design to work across different orthodontic systems without requiring custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop component is designed to be self-contained with all necessary force-generation elements integrated into the loop structure itself. The elastic element is housed within the loop, and the attachment mechanisms are built into the loop component, eliminating the need for external force application systems or complex modifications to existing orthodontic appliances.
3Force
If custom force application devices are designed for each patient, then force can be optimized for individual cases, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The loop component incorporates adjustable features that allow the orthodontist to modify the force characteristics after installation. The elastic element can be selected in different strengths, and the loop position on the archwire can be adjusted to change the mechanical advantage and force direction. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple manual manipulation rather than complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The force parameters can be changed by selecting different elastic element specifications (material, diameter, length) and by adjusting the loop's position and orientation on the archwire. These parameter changes allow customization of the force applied to each patient without requiring custom device fabrication or complex installation procedures. The crimping process enables quick adjustment of these parameters chairside.
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
Enables faster tooth movement by providing adjustable and increased force for repositioning teeth, compatible with existing archwires and ligated systems, allowing for both retraction and protraction, and can be easily installed chairside by an orthodontic assistant.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable bridge (3) having a first end (31) and a second end (32)
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory allows for straight archwires to be converted to looped archwires. The accessory has an archwire receiving channel which is defined between a first elongated coupling member and a second elongated coupling member. The archwire receiving channel is used for crimping the accessory to an existing archwire. An elastically deformable bridge, connected between the first elongated coupling member and the second elongated coupling member, imparts retraction or protraction once activated. The elastically deformable bridge is formed from one or more segments. Curved segments and linear segments are possible, which can be combined to form various shapes, for example omega loops and mushroom shapes. The first coupling member and the second coupling member have an angled lower portion and upper portion to facilitate engagement with existing archwires. Anchoring notches can also be used in conjunction with elastic bands for enhanced orthodontic corrections.