Intrabuccal Device Connecting Rods with Elastic and Radial Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intrabuccal devices with bite trays and connecting rods made of plastic face issues with disengagement during mouth-opening movements, particularly in cases of snoring and sleep apnea, and are uncomfortable due to the need for the mouth to remain closed, limiting jaw movement and treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a combination of elastic snap-fastening and open-ring radial locking mechanisms, with anterior fixings using elastic clip-fastening orthogonal to the median sagittal plane and posterior fixings using open-ring radial locking in a parallel plane, allowing for adjustable lateral travel and secure engagement of connecting rods, suitable for molded plastic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transverse elastic clip-fastening is used for connecting rods, then the connecting rods can be made of molded plastic, but the connecting rods may disengage during mouth-opening movements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two distinct types: transverse elastic clip-fastening for anterior fixings and radial locking for posterior fixings. This segmentation allows each type to perform its specialized function optimally - the elastic clip-fastening provides easy assembly for plastic rods while the radial locking provides secure retention against disengagement during mouth-opening movements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different locking mechanisms are applied at different locations along the connecting rod. The anterior fixings use elastic clip-fastening while the posterior fixings use radial locking. This local differentiation ensures that each end of the connecting rod has the appropriate retention characteristics for its specific functional requirements.
2Ease of operation
If transverse elastic clip-fastening is used, then assembly is simplified, but the system does not allow for adjustable lateral travel
Solution Approach 1:
The radial locking mechanism incorporates adjustability that allows the lateral travel of the connecting rod to be modified. The system can be adjusted to eliminate lateral play or permit controlled lateral movement, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining secure engagement. This resolves the contradiction by making the system both easy to assemble and adaptable to different lateral travel requirements.
3Ease of operation
If propulsion system with lower jaw forward movement is used, then the mouth can be opened, but the connecting rods are subjected to compression that may cause disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric locking mechanisms at different ends of the connecting rod. The radial locking at the posterior fixing is specifically designed to resist compressive forces generated during propulsion, while the elastic clip-fastening at the anterior fixing handles tensile forces. This asymmetric arrangement ensures reliable engagement retention under the specific compression loads experienced during mouth-opening movements.
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 configuration ensures robust and comfortable securing of the mandible during forward movement, preventing disengagement during various movements like yawning and maintaining engagement during compression, thus enhancing treatment effectiveness and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of bite trays and associated connecting rods, the bite trays defining a median sagittal plane, each bite tray comprising at least two anterior or posterior transverse lateral fixings intended to articulate the ends of two substantially rigid connecting rods
Implementation Method 2
two of the anterior or posterior fixings and the associated connecting rod ends comprising first means of fitting by elastic snap-fastening in a direction orthogonal to the median sagittal plane, characterized in that the other two fixings and the associated connecting rod ends comprise second means of fitting by open-ring radial locking in a plane parallel to the median sagittal plane
Data Source
AI summary
Bite trays (10, 11) having lateral cylindrical pivots (30) articulating two connecting rods (20) in propulsion, the front fastening elements (30a) operate according to a transverse elastic click-lock system and the rear connecting-rod fastening elements (30b) operate according to an open-ring radial locking system, in order to increase the operating safety under all circumstances.