Dental Coil Spring Extension Device for Orthodontic Pitch Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental coil spring replacement methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, and pose risks of patient injury or aspiration due to the need for precise length adjustment and frequent arch wire removal and reinsertion, which complicates the application of optimal orthodontic force.
Innovation Solution
A dental coil spring extension device with a first grip part, a second grip part, and an extension part that separates to expand the coil spring pitch, allowing for adjustable gap settings using a thumb grip, residual finger grip, and a gap adjusting mechanism, eliminating the need for additional crimpable stops or arch wire replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a new open coil spring is replaced with appropriate length after removing arch wire at every visit, then precise orthodontic force can be applied, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the coil spring modification process into two independent operations: gripping the spring at specific locations and extending the pitch. This allows the spring to be modified in-situ without removal, eliminating the time-consuming replacement procedure while maintaining precise force control through controlled pitch extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip parts are designed with pre-configured geometries that automatically position themselves at optimal locations on the coil spring when engaged. This preliminary positioning ensures precise force application without requiring manual measurement or calculation, and enables immediate extension action without time-consuming setup.
2Ease of manufacture
If coil spring length is calculated by eye and cut to appropriate length, then space can be secured, but precise force application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the manual eye-based calculation and cutting method with a mechanical extension system. The grip parts and extension part provide controlled mechanical separation that precisely adjusts the pitch based on physical constraints rather than visual estimation, ensuring accurate force application while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arch wire is removed and reinserted during coil spring replacement, then new spring can be installed, but patient may be stabbed by arch wire
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the dangerous step of arch wire removal from the procedure. By enabling direct modification of the coil spring while the arch wire remains in place, the design eliminates the extraction and reinsertion of the arch wire, thereby removing the source of patient injury risk while maintaining the ability to install and adjust springs.
4Productivity
If small-sized coil spring is missed during replacement, then replacement can be completed, but patient may aspirate the missed coil spring
Solution Approach 1:
The grip parts are designed with self-aligning features that automatically locate and grip the coil spring at the correct positions without requiring manual search or selection. This self-service mechanism ensures that the entire spring is engaged and modified uniformly, eliminating the risk of leaving small sections behind while maintaining efficient operation.
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 device enables efficient extension of the coil spring pitch, increasing the load deflection rate, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing patient risk, while shortening the procedure time and eliminating the need for additional instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring instead of inserting an arch wire into a corresponding tooth bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A dental coil spring extension device capable of extending a pitch of the dental coil spring is disclosed. The dental coil spring extension device includes a first grip part, a second grip part, and an extension part. The first grip part grips one coil of a coil spring. The second grip part grips the other coil of the coil spring. The extension part separates the first grip part and the second grip part to expand a distance between the one coil and the other coil. Each of the first grip part and the second grip part includes a recessed portion formed to surround a periphery of each of the one coil and the other coil of the coil spring. Thus, the load deflection rate of the dental coil spring itself may be increased, and the need for additional crimpable stops or arch wire replacement may be eliminated.