Dynamic Mandibular Advancement Devices Using Oxygen-Saturation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnea are static, causing discomfort and tooth movement, and require manual adjustment before sleep, while CPAP machines are cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
Dynamically adjustable mandibular advancement systems with actuator assemblies that advance the lower jaw based on oxygen saturation levels, allowing for minimal automatic adjustment and manual further movement, using sensors and motor control processors to manage jaw position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mandibular advancement devices are made static to maintain jaw position, then the device structure is simple, but the device causes discomfort and tooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mandibular advancement device into a dynamic one by incorporating actuators that can automatically adjust the jaw position during sleep. The device includes motors, extending shafts, and control systems that enable real-time modification of the mandible position based on monitored physiological parameters, thereby eliminating discomfort and tooth movement caused by fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors oxygen saturation levels and other physiological parameters during sleep. When apnea events are detected through sensor data, the system automatically triggers jaw advancement through actuators, and when normal breathing is detected, the jaw returns to its original position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes treatment effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mandibular advancement devices are made dynamically adjustable to reduce discomfort, then the device complexity increases, but the device can automatically adapt to treat obstructive sleep apnea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mandibular advancement device into a dynamic one by incorporating actuators that can automatically adjust the jaw position during sleep. The device includes motors, extending shafts, and control systems that enable real-time modification of the mandible position based on monitored physiological parameters, thereby eliminating discomfort and tooth movement caused by fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the device to self-adjust jaw position automatically based on integrated sensors and control algorithms. The system monitors the user's breathing and oxygen levels, then autonomously activates actuators to advance or retract the mandible without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment, making the device self-regulating and adaptive.
3Reliability
If CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, then the airway is kept open effectively, but the device is cumbersome and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core function of airway patency maintenance from the cumbersome CPAP machine by using mandibular advancement to mechanically open the airway through jaw positioning. This eliminates the need for pressurized air delivery systems, face masks, and complex gas flow control mechanisms, resulting in a simpler, more comfortable device that achieves the same therapeutic goal through anatomical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system of CPAP machines with a mechanical mandibular advancement system. Instead of using pressurized air to keep the airway open, the device uses motors and extending shafts to physically move the mandible forward, creating a mechanical solution that substitutes complex pneumatic infrastructure with a more compact and comfortable mechanical actuation system.
4Ease of manufacture
If static mandibular advancement devices are used to advance the jaw, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the device requires manual adjustment before sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to self-adjust jaw position automatically based on integrated sensors and control algorithms. The system monitors the user's breathing and oxygen levels, then autonomously activates actuators to advance or retract the mandible without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment, making the device self-regulating and adaptive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors oxygen saturation levels and other physiological parameters during sleep. When apnea events are detected through sensor data, the system automatically triggers jaw advancement through actuators, and when normal breathing is detected, the jaw returns to its original position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes treatment effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects.
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
Reduces discomfort, minimizes tooth movement, and improves compliance by automatically adjusting to treat obstructive sleep apnea without the need for manual calibration, while providing monitoring and tracking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen saturation measuring sensor linked to a motor control processor that: i) advances extending shafts forward when the oxygen saturation measuring sensor detects significant changes to oxygen saturation levels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, devices, and systems for dynamically adjusting mandibular advancement. In certain embodiments, the devices and systems employ actuator assemblies configured to allow a subject's lower jaw to be advanced by a minimum amount (e.g., trigged by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or associated significant oxygen saturations), but still allow the subject to move their jaw further forward, laterally, and open/close on their own. In some embodiments, the devices and systems employ an oxygen saturation measuring sensor linked to a motor control processor that: i) advances extending shafts forward when the oxygen saturation measuring sensor detects significant changes to oxygen saturation levels or other conditions that may signal OSA (e.g. a signal from another sleep monitoring device), and ii) retract the extending shafts backwards when the oxygen saturation measuring sensor detect normal oxygen saturation levels or other condition is met (e.g. elapsed time, head position, etc.).