Fixed-Fin Mandibular Advancement Splints for Precise Titration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices face limitations in consistent and precise titration due to manual fabrication, higher residual monomer levels, decreased durability and reliability, and size constraints, leading to reduced patient comfort and compliance.
Innovation Solution
A digitally designed and milled mandibular advancement device comprising upper and lower splints with fixed fins, allowing for accurate increments of mandible advancement without adjustment screws or straps, using CAD processes and materials like PEEK, polystyrene, and acrylate polymers, ensuring precise fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual artisanal fabrication method is used, then device can be custom designed for each patient, but manufacturing precision and consistency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual artisanal fabrication with a digital design and automated manufacturing system. CAD software enables precise digital modeling of the device geometry, while automated milling or 3D printing processes manufacture the device with high precision. This substitution eliminates human skill variability while maintaining custom design capability through digital patient-specific modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from manual processes to digital-controlled processes. The digital design allows precise control of geometric parameters such as fin position, screw block dimensions, and strap routing. Automated manufacturing processes maintain these parameters with high precision, enabling consistent titration settings across multiple devices while still allowing customization through digital model modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment screw mechanism is used, then titration can be performed, but device complexity increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from a separate mechanical mechanism and integrates it directly into the device structure. The fin is positioned at a fixed distance from the back of the splint, and the screw block is integrated with the fin structure. This integration eliminates separate adjustment components while maintaining titration capability through direct manipulation of the fin position during device fabrication or assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism with the structural components of the device. The fin serves both as a structural element and as the titration adjustment element. The screw block is combined with the fin assembly, eliminating the need for separate adjustment screws and straps. This merging reduces the number of components while preserving the ability to perform titration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and straps are used, then adjustment flexibility is provided, but reliability and ease of use decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into integrated structures. The fin, screw block, and strap routing are merged into a unified assembly that reduces the number of separate parts. This integration eliminates potential failure points from multiple components while maintaining adjustment flexibility through the preserved titration mechanism. The simplified structure improves reliability by reducing the number of elements that could fail or require maintenance.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual layering of monomers is used, then device can be fabricated, but residual monomer levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical process of manual monomer layering and curing with a mechanical manufacturing process. Digital design and automated milling or 3D printing directly create the device from solid material or cured resin, eliminating the need for layering liquid monomers. This substitution eliminates the source of residual monomer exposure while maintaining fabrication capability through digital-controlled manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs manufacturing processes that produce devices with minimal residual harmful substances. The digital design and automated manufacturing approach creates devices that are complete and finished, without requiring subsequent chemical processing that could leave residual monomers. This approach prioritizes patient safety by eliminating the harmful chemical process while maintaining the ability to fabricate custom devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.