Dual Expanding Mandibular Distractor with Twin Screw
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic appliances are inadequate in addressing lower jaw constriction and dental arch issues, particularly in nonparallel configurations, which can lead to skeletal growth problems, airway constriction, and dental damage, and fail to effectively expand or contract jaws and dental arches to accommodate the upper pharyngeal airway.
Innovation Solution
The development of expander devices that allow for differential nonparallel expansion or contraction of the jaws and dental arches, incorporating a twin screw assembly with opposite-handed threads to exert independent transverse forces, and adjustable coupling assemblies to fit various anatomical configurations, enabling expansion or constriction of the mandibular arch, oral cavity, and upper pharyngeal airway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional orthodontic appliances are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot achieve differential nonparallel expansion or contraction of the jaws and dental arches
Solution Approach 1:
The expander device is divided into multiple independent expansion units, each capable of nonparallel expansion in different directions. The device includes first and second expansion units that can expand independently, allowing differential movement of various segments of the dental arch. This segmentation enables complex nonparallel expansion patterns while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces nonparallel expansion capability by adding rotational degrees of freedom to the traditional linear expansion mechanism. The expansion units can move not only laterally but also rotate around attachment points, creating expansion in multiple dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional enhancement allows the device to achieve complex arch form corrections that conventional single-axis expanders cannot provide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed expansion pattern is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various anatomical configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assemblies incorporate adjustable and movable components that allow the device to adapt to different anatomical configurations. The coupling mechanisms can be adjusted in position, angle, and attachment points to match the specific geometry of each patient's dental arch and jaw structure. This dynamic adjustability enables a single device design to accommodate diverse anatomical variations without requiring custom fabrication for each case.
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
These devices effectively address jaw and dental arch issues by allowing for nonparallel expansion or contraction, reshaping the oral cavity, and enlarging the upper airway, providing a more efficient treatment for conditions like Class I and II malocclusions, reducing the risk of skeletal growth problems and airway constriction.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a twin screw assembly with opposite-handed threads to exert independent transverse forces
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic screw system includes two rods connected to rotatable head members. The two rods are couplable to one or more of lower teeth or mandibular bones of a patient. The rotatable head members have threaded holes and pairs of the rotatable head members have opposite hand threads. The screw system also includes two twin screws that have threaded ends of opposite hand threads. Each of the two twin screws is engaged to threads of a pair of the rotatable head members. Rotation of one of the twin screws causes the pair of rotatable head members and the ends of the rods to either move together or move apart. The two twin screws are independently rotatable to cause independent expansion or contraction of different portions of the screw system.