Customized Intraoral Jaw Distractor with Worm Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jaw distractors used in distraction osteogenesis lack continuity in effort and speed, are cumbersome, and cannot reconstruct bone along a patient-specific, potentially curved trajectory, as they operate in a discontinuous fashion and are not adaptable to individual anatomical needs.
Innovation Solution
A customized intraoral jaw distractor featuring a threaded cylindrical rail, a mobile carriage with a worm screw, and a resilient element that allows near continuous distraction by storing and releasing elastic energy, enabling precise, continuous bone reconstruction along customized trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional jaw distractors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the distraction is discontinuous and cannot achieve near continuous bone reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements near continuous distraction by having the resilient element (spring) constantly engaged with the worm screw mechanism. The spring maintains continuous contact and applies constant force, eliminating the periodic discontinuity of traditional distractors. This is achieved through the specific design where the resilient element is positioned to constantly push against the worm screw, ensuring uninterrupted bone reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resilient element (spring) that provides dynamic, adaptive force to the distraction mechanism. The spring can compress and expand, allowing the system to maintain continuous distraction force while accommodating variations in bone resistance and healing stages. This dynamic element transforms the static, periodic action of traditional distractors into a continuous, adaptive process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional jaw distractors are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it is bulky and cannot be customized to patient-specific trajectories
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor is divided into modular components: anchoring means, threaded cylindrical rail, mobile carriage, worm screw, and resilient element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled to create customized configurations. The modular design enables adaptation to different patient anatomies without requiring complete custom manufacturing of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded cylindrical rail is pre-configured with specific thread patterns and geometries that determine the distraction trajectory. By pre-designing the rail geometry according to patient-specific requirements (obtained through imaging and planning), the customized trajectory is built into the component before assembly, simplifying the overall customization process while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Measurement precision
If traditional jaw distractors are used, then the activation process is simple, but the device lacks compactness and cannot achieve precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The worm screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the simple rotational activation (by a tool) and the linear distraction motion. This worm screw mechanism provides precise control by converting small rotational movements into controlled linear displacement, enabling accurate distraction control while maintaining a compact overall device structure. The mechanical advantage of the worm screw allows fine adjustment with minimal input motion.
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 distractor provides continuous bone distraction, is compact, and can be tailored to individual anatomy, enhancing treatment success and reducing treatment time by allowing gradual, controlled bone reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient part (15) which is traversed by said pin (12) and which rests on the one hand against one end (16) of said worm screw (11) and on the other hand against the inner wall (18) of the bearing (14) that faces said end (16), wherein the distance separating the inner walls (17, 18) of the two bearings (13, 14) of the mobile carriage (10) is equal to the length of the worm screw (11) increased by the height of the resilient part (15) when this latter is resting, i.e. is slack.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a customized intraoral jaw distractor, of the type that comprises two anchoring means (1, 2) fastened to the mandibular body at two fixed anchor points, located on either side of the osseous callus. Such a distractor is characterized in that it includes: a) a threaded cylindrical rail (6) connecting the two anchoring means (1, 2); b) a mobile carriage (10) guided to slide on the rail (6) and attached to the osseous segment to be distracted, said mobile carriage being provided with a worm screw (11) with a thread that complements that of the rail and engages with the latter; c) a pin (12) integral to the worm screw (11) and controlling the rotation thereof, said pin, which is parallel to the rail (6), being supported by two bearings (13, 14) arranged on the mobile carriage (10), on either side of the worm screw; d) at least one resilient part (15) through which said pin (12) passes and which rests against one end (16) of the worm screw (11) and against the inner wall (18) of the bearing (14) that faces said end (16). The invention can be used for reconstruction of a missing or deficient osseous segment by means of osteogenic distraction.