Elastomeric U-Shaped Dental Device for Jaw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The majority of the population experiences jaw imbalance due to musculature disorders and bad occlusion, leading to asymmetrical tensions and posture disorders, necessitating a simple and effective rehabilitation method.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic dental device made of elastically deformable material in the shape of a 'U' with tapering branches, featuring gutters for the upper and lower jaws, bosses for elastic deformation, and optional cavities and materials for adaptability, promoting balanced jaw movement and muscle work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid occlusal splint is used to prevent snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to individual jaw movements and muscle dysfunction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid splint to an elastically deformable material. The splint is made of elastomer that can dynamically change its physical state (rigid vs. flexible) based on applied forces, allowing it to provide structural stability when needed while adapting to individual jaw movements and muscle dysfunction through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining elastically deformable elastomer material with specific structural features (bosses, cavities, gutters). This composite approach allows the splint to exhibit both rigid structural characteristics for stability and flexible characteristics for adaptability, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability to jaw movements.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple occlusal splint is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the effectiveness for re-educating jaw muscle function is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the splint into functional zones with distinct features: bosses for specific contact points, cavities for elastic deformation, and gutters for tooth reception. This segmentation allows the simple splint structure to achieve complex re-education functions by creating specific zones that guide jaw movement and stimulate muscle re-education during chewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the elastic deformability of the material and the self-adjusting nature of the boss-cavity system. The splint automatically adapts to the patient's specific jaw movements and muscle patterns during chewing, providing self-regulating re-education forces without requiring complex external control mechanisms or multiple custom-made devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an elastically deformable splint is used, then the adaptability to muscle dysfunction is improved, but the force transmission for effective chewing re-education is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning through the elastic deformable material and cavity structure. The cavities act as pre-designed cushioning elements that compress under chewing forces, providing controlled resistance and force transmission. This allows the splint to adapt to muscle dysfunction while maintaining sufficient force transmission for effective re-education by cushioning and gradually transmitting forces through the elastic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the elastomer material properties to balance adaptability and force transmission. The material's elastic modulus and deformation characteristics are selected to provide both adaptability to various muscle dysfunction patterns and sufficient force transmission during chewing, allowing the same material to serve dual purposes of adaptation and force delivery.
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 allows for conscious mastication, balanced muscular work, relaxation of temporomandibular joints, and rehabilitation of jaw alignment through dynamic chewing exercises, while being modular and adaptable for individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
The block of material 2 is made of a material such that it can deform elastically under forces induced by movements of the patient's jaw
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The dental device, intended to be inserted into the mouth of a patient between the upper and lower jaws, comprises a block of elastically deformable material, in the shape of a "U" and in the shape of a wedge tapering towards the ends of the arms of the "U" shape, comprising: - on an upper face, a first gutter extending along the "U" shape, shaped to receive the teeth of the upper jaw in support - on an lower face, a second gutter extending along the "U" shape, shaped to receive the teeth of the lower jaw in support one of the first and second gutters comprising a first boss extending in projection from a bottom of said gutter and located in one of the arms of the "U" shape.