Elastic Bite Guard with Inclined Ramps for Palate Enlargement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biofunctional balancing devices for the temporomandibular joint, such as bite guards, are invasive, neglect soft tissue interaction, and lack efficacy in palate enlargement, particularly for children, as they require frequent adjustments and can be uncomfortable to wear.
Innovation Solution
A biofunctional balancing device with inclined surfaces forming ramps on a U-shaped bite guard made of elastic material, designed to be clamped between teeth, which exercises thrust on cusps during biting, promoting symmetrical distancing and guiding the tongue into biofunctional balance, while respecting soft tissues and allowing for easy wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bite guard with inclined surfaces is used to enlarge the palate, then the efficacy in palate enlargement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite guard incorporates inclined surfaces only in specific zones (two specular areas forming ramps for canines and/or molars) rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized modification provides the necessary thrust for palate enlargement while maintaining simplicity in other areas of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The biting surface is divided into distinct functional zones: inclined ramps in specific areas for palate enlargement and flat or differently inclined areas in other zones. This segmentation allows different parts of the device to perform different functions simultaneously, improving efficacy without requiring a completely complex redesign.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a bite guard with adjustment mechanisms is used to maintain pressure during palate enlargement, then the duration of action is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring continuous adjustment, the device allows periodic relaxation of pressure as the palate enlarges. The inclined surfaces naturally accommodate changing dimensions over time, reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments while maintaining effective action throughout the treatment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite guard design allows the user to simply insert and wear the device without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The inclined surfaces automatically adapt to palate changes, making the device self-adjusting to some extent and eliminating the need for delicate metal adjustment mechanisms that are difficult for users to manage.
3Force
If a bite guard with direct pressure on soft tissues is used to enlarge the palate, then the force applied is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bite guard is made of elastic material that can deform and adapt to the oral cavity's soft tissues. This flexibility allows the device to apply force to the teeth and bones for palate enlargement while conforming to and protecting the soft tissues, reducing irritation and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material of the bite guard acts as a cushioning element that distributes pressure evenly. Before pressure can be applied to soft tissues, the material deforms to accommodate them, preventing direct concentrated pressure and reducing harmful effects on the oral mucosa and other soft tissues.
4Reliability
If a bite guard with inclined surfaces is used to guide tongue placement, then the biofunctional balance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces of the bite guard serve multiple functions: they provide thrust for palate enlargement, guide the tongue into proper biofunctional placement, and maintain occlusal balance. By integrating these functions into a single structural feature, the device achieves multi-functionality without significantly increasing complexity.
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 effectively enlarges or narrows the palate, maintains comfort, and stimulates chewing, enhancing biofunctional balance by interacting with both the teeth and tongue, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing annoyance during wear.
Implementation Method 1
a bite guard with at least one resting surface for the cusps of the teeth of a dental arch, wherein the resting surface is inclined in two specular areas forming two opening or nearing ramps for the canines and/or molars
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biofunctional balancing device (1) for the temporomandibular joint where the device is a bite guard with at least one support surface (6, 7) for supporting the cusps of the teeth of a dental arch inclined in two specular zones to form two opening ramps (10) of the canines and/or molars.