Lingual Splint Locking Mechanism for Jaw Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intermaxillary fixation methods in orthognathic surgery are unstable, bulky, and complicate surgical procedures due to the use of metallic wires and acrylic splints, which can cause tissue irritation and complicate jaw fixation and release, leading to increased operation time and surgeon reluctance in their use.
Innovation Solution
A lingual splint system featuring a locking mechanism with a horizontal locking pin and vertical locking key, allowing for easy and quick fixation and release of the maxillary and mandibular jaws, utilizing a push spring and release ligature wire for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interocclusal acrylic splint and metallic wires are used for jaw fixation, then the jaws can be secured together, but the system becomes bulky and unstable, affecting lip position and causing tissue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is divided into separate upper and lower sections, each with independent attachment members that connect through a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for a more compact design compared to a single bulky acrylic splint, while maintaining stable jaw fixation through the interlocking sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for separate metallic wires and heavy acrylic material by integrating the fixation function into the splint structure itself. The attachment members and locking mechanism replace the traditional wire-acrylic combination, eliminating tissue irritation from sharp wire ends while reducing overall bulk.
2Reliability
If traditional intermaxillary fixation methods are used, then jaw stabilization is achieved, but the placement and removal procedures are complicated and increase operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are pre-configured with receiving holes and locking mechanisms that allow for rapid engagement. The splint sections can be quickly attached to the teeth and locked into place without requiring complex wire manipulation or multiple adjustment steps, significantly reducing placement time during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complex removal procedures as in traditional fixation methods, the invention allows for simple release by manipulating the locking mechanism. The horizontal locking pin can be quickly released to unlock the vertical locking key, enabling rapid removal without complicating the surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If metallic wires and brackets are used for jaw fixation, then the jaws can be secured, but the wires may loosen during usage and disturb fixation competency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the attachment and locking functions into an integrated mechanism where the horizontal locking pin and vertical locking key work together as a unified system. This merged design eliminates the separate wire-bracket components that can loosen independently, ensuring that fixation competency is maintained through the interlocked structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded horizontal locking pin that can dynamically adjust and maintain constant pressure against the vertical locking key. This dynamic feature ensures continuous stable fixation even during jaw movement, preventing the loosening that occurs with static wire-bracket systems.
4Reliability
If acrylic splint and metallic wires are used for fixation, then jaw stabilization is achieved, but sharp wire ends cause irritation of soft tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes metallic wires from the fixation system, replacing them with integrated attachment members that have smooth, rounded edges. The locking mechanism uses a pin-and-key system without exposed sharp ends, eliminating the source of soft tissue irritation while maintaining effective jaw stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment members and locking components are designed with smooth surfaces and rounded contours specifically at the areas that contact soft tissues. This localized quality modification ensures that the fixation mechanism provides stable jaw stabilization without causing irritation to the patient's oral tissues.
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 splint system provides stable and efficient jaw fixation and release, reducing operation time and tissue irritation, while allowing clear visualization of interocclusal relations, enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a push spring supporting the horizontal locking pin
Data Source
AI summary
A splint for releasably fixing a maxillary jaw and a mandibular jaw of a patient together during orthognathic surgery. The splint may include a locking mechanism including a lower section and an upper section. The lower section may be attached fixedly to the mandibular jaw. The lower section may include a horizontal locking pin moveable along a horizontal axis. The upper section may include a vertical locking key attached fixedly to the maxillary jaw. The vertical locking key may include a horizontal pin receiving hole provided along a diameter of the vertical locking key. The horizontal pin receiving hole may be configured to receive the horizontal locking pin. The maxillary jaw and the mandibular jaw may be fixed together responsive to the horizontal pin receiving hole is aligned with the horizontal axis and the horizontal locking pin is inserted into the horizontal pin receiving hole.