Dental Vibration Device With Elastic Support And Mechanical Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration devices for dental use, such as bite plates and vibrating sticks, face issues with unstable force delivery due to patient muscle fatigue and variable force application, which can hinder effective orthodontic tooth movement and bone remodeling.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device comprising a support member with an elastic layer and a vibration transmission member that fits between the upper and lower teeth, allowing for stable vibration energy transmission without the need for continuous biting, using a shape-matched insertion end and protrusions for secure retention, and a hinge mechanism for easy assembly, simulating natural masticatory patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If bite plates are used to transfer vibration energy, then vibration can be delivered to teeth, but the force of the bite is unstable and leads to muscle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be self-retaining through the interaction between protrusions on its outer surface and corresponding grooves in the vibration transmission member, eliminating the need for continuous patient biting to maintain device positioning and force delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical biting system (requiring patient muscle activation) with a passive mechanical retention system using protrusions and grooves that automatically secure the vibration transmission member to the support member
2Adaptability or versatility
If vibrating sticks are used held between teeth, then vibration can be applied to specific teeth, but the device relies on gravity and variable patient clenching forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary component that provides a stable, pre-positioned platform between the teeth, eliminating the need for patients to manually position and hold the vibrating element while still enabling targeted vibration delivery to specific teeth
3Reliability
If the support member includes protrusions and grooves for secure retention, then the vibration transmission member is firmly held, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into discrete protrusions on the support member and corresponding grooves on the vibration transmission member, creating simple, localized mechanical interlocks that provide reliable retention without requiring complex overall device architecture
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 efficiently transmits vibration energy to enhance orthodontic correction by providing consistent mechanical stimulation to the teeth and alveolar bone, reducing muscle fatigue and improving bone remodeling and tooth movement without requiring continuous biting.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer (21) covering surfaces of the frame (22)
Implementation Method 2
a vibration source (10) configured to generate a vibration force
Implementation Method 3
The vibration force delivered by the vibration source (10) can simulate the force patterns generated during mastication
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration device for dental use is provided, including a support member and a vibration transmission member. The support member is adapted to fit in the space between the upper and lower teeth on one side of the mouth, and includes a frame and an elastic layer. The frame is configured to maintain a shape defining an inner cavity having a first opening formed on the first side of the support member and a second opening formed on the second side of the support member. The elastic layer covers the surfaces of the frame. The vibration transmission member has a connector end for coupling to a vibration source and an insertion end configured to be inserted into the inner cavity of the support member so as to transmit the vibration energy generated by the vibration source to the upper and lower teeth of the patient.