Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy Self-Ligating Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-ligating orthodontic brackets require complex manipulation, specialized tools, and training, leading to increased chair time and treatment costs, and can suffer from manufacturing tolerance issues affecting rotational control during orthodontic treatment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy actuator that moves the movable member between opened and closed positions when exposed to a magnetic field, eliminating the need for manual tools and improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing non-contact manipulation and consistent fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation with tools is used to move the movable member, then the bracket can be opened and closed, but the treatment becomes more complex and requires specialized tools and training

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of manipulating movable memberVSAvoidComplexity of treatment procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system with a magnetic field actuation system. The ferromagnetic movable member responds to external magnetic fields (from magnets or electromagnets) to open and close the bracket, eliminating the need for manual tool manipulation and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member is designed with inherent ferromagnetic properties that enable it to respond automatically to magnetic field stimuli. This self-actuating capability eliminates the need for external manual intervention or specialized tools, allowing the bracket to open and close through magnetic field application alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation with tools is used to move the movable member, then the bracket can be opened and closed, but chair time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of manipulating movable memberVSAvoidChair time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing manual mechanical manipulation with magnetic field actuation, the procedure becomes significantly faster. The magnetic field can be applied and removed quickly to open and close the bracket, eliminating the time-consuming manual tool manipulation process and reducing overall chair time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member is pre-configured with ferromagnetic properties during manufacturing, enabling immediate response to magnetic field application. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation steps during treatment, allowing rapid opening and closing actions that reduce chair time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If manufacturing tolerances are relaxed to allow movable member movement, then assembly is easier, but the fit between archwire and bracket becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of assembling bracket componentsVSAvoidConsistency of archwire fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the movable member to ferromagnetic material. This material property change enables the movable member to be precisely positioned and held in the closed position through magnetic field attraction, ensuring consistent archwire fit while still allowing for manufacturable tolerances in the mechanical assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 chair time, simplifies treatment procedures, and enhances rotational control by providing a consistent archwire fit, facilitating more efficient and widespread adoption of orthodontic treatments.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy actuator that moves the movable member between opened and closed positions when exposed to a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetic shape memory alloy phase transformation: Magnetic Shape Memory

Data Source

PatentUS9901420B2Orthodontic appliances including ferromagnetic shape memory alloys and methods of orthodontic treatment using same

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 ORMCO CORP

AI summary

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for ligating an archwire includes a bracket body defining an archwire slot configured to receive the archwire, a movable member movable relative to the archwire slot, and an actuator coupled to at least one of the bracket body and the movable member. The actuator includes a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy and is configured to move the movable member when exposed to a magnetic field. A method of orthodontic treatment using a self-ligating orthodontic bracket having an archwire slot configured to receive an archwire therein and including a ferromagnetic shape memory includes exposing at least a portion of the orthodontic bracket to a magnetic field such that the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy at least partially transforms to a martensitic phase from an austenitic phase, and at least one of inserting an archwire into the archwire slot and removing an archwire from the archwire slot.