Maxillary Skeletal Expander Anti-Rotation Plate and Segmented Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional maxillary skeletal expanders face issues with both sides of the gap adjusting member escaping from threaded portions, weak screw fixation to the maxilla, and lack of a dedicated tool for precise rotation, leading to inadequate control over expansion.
Innovation Solution
The maxillary skeletal expander incorporates non-threaded portions at the ends of threaded portions to prevent escape and enhances anti-rotation functionality, along with a dedicated tool allowing precise rotation by a set number of clicks, using an anti-rotation plate with an elastic protrusion and a tool with a hinge mechanism to limit rotation to 60 degrees per click.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded portions are provided on both sides of the gap adjusting member, then the gap adjusting member can be rotated to expand both bodies, but both bodies continue to expand and escape from the threaded portions
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portions are segmented into a threaded section and a non-threaded section. The non-threaded section acts as a stop that prevents the bodies from escaping beyond the threaded portion, while the threaded section allows for the expansion function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining both the rotation capability and the retention reliability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional anti-rotation members are used, then rotation is restricted, but the functionality is relatively inferior
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated tool is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the gap adjusting member. The tool includes a guide member that fits into a guide groove on the gap adjusting member, providing precise rotational control. This intermediary mechanism enhances both the ease of operation (through guided rotation) and the reliability (through precise control of rotation angle).
3Adaptability or versatility
If screws are implanted in the maxilla for fixation, then the expander can be anchored, but the fixing strength is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system uses a composite approach combining screws with a plate structure that distributes the load across multiple attachment points. The plate can be made of biocompatible materials that provide both strength and compatibility with bone tissue. This composite fixation method enhances the overall fixation strength while maintaining the anchoring capability.
4Device complexity
If no dedicated tool is provided, then the device is simpler, but there is no dedicated tool to rotate the gap adjusting member by a desired number of clicks
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated tool incorporates a feedback mechanism through the guide groove and guide member interaction. As the tool rotates the gap adjusting member, the guide member moves along the guide groove, providing tactile feedback that indicates the rotation angle. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of rotation by a desired number of clicks without significantly increasing overall device 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
This solution prevents unintended expansion beyond the maximum range, enhances fixation strength to the maxilla, and allows patients to accurately and reliably expand the expander by a desired number of clicks, ensuring stable and controlled orthodontic treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-rotation member having an elastic protrusion that protrudes toward the main body and fits into an anti-rotation recess provided along an edge of one side of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a maxillary skeletal expander including: a first body coupled to a maxilla; a second body opposing the first body and coupled to the maxilla; a gap adjusting member with a first and second threaded portion provided on both sides of a main body part and respectively screwed to the first body and the second body; and an anti-rotation plate having an anti-rotation member having an elastic protrusion that protrudes toward the main body and fits into an anti-rotation recess provided along an edge of one side of the main body, so that unintentional rotation of the gap adjusting member is prevented.