Lockable Orthodontic Appliance with Movable Locking for Precise Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances with fixed arch wire grooves fail to accurately express torque and data due to the arch wire's mobility, necessitating a locking structure to prevent movement and ensure precise data expression.
Innovation Solution
A lockable orthodontic appliance featuring a movable accessory or traction member that can switch between available and unavailable positions, allowing the space occupying portion to enter or exit the arch wire groove, thereby controlling the arch wire's position and reducing clearance for precise data expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a locking structure is provided to press against the arch wire tightly, then the arch wire cannot move in the arch wire grooves and torque/data can be accurately expressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable accessory that can shift between different positions along the arch wire groove. This dynamic component allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing precise torque expression when needed while maintaining operational flexibility. The movable nature of the accessory eliminates the need for complex fixed locking structures throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is localized to specific regions of the arch wire groove rather than being uniformly distributed. The accessory provides locking capability at particular segments where torque expression is critical, while other regions maintain openness for arch wire movement. This localized approach achieves accurate torque expression without requiring complex locking mechanisms across the entire appliance.
2Ease of operation
If the arch wire groove size is fixed and larger than the largest arch wire, then the arch wire is movable in the groove, but the torque and data of the arch wire cannot be accurately expressed
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory's ability to move along the arch wire groove creates a dynamic system that adapts to different arch wire sizes and positions. When the accessory is positioned to engage the arch wire, it provides precise torque expression. When repositioned, it allows for easy arch wire insertion and adjustment. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If a locking structure is provided to press against the arch wire, then the arch wire torque can be accurately expressed, but patient discomfort increases due to unnecessary traction
Solution Approach 1:
The movable accessory allows the system to dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states based on treatment needs. During phases requiring precise torque expression, the accessory engages to lock the arch wire. During other phases, it disengages to allow natural arch wire movement, reducing patient discomfort from constant traction. This dynamic control eliminates unnecessary continuous locking that would cause discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable orthodontic appliance, comprising a main body. An arch wire groove is formed on the main body, the main body is provided with a movable accessory, the accessory comprises a traction portion and a space occupying portion, the accessory can move between an available position and an unavailable position, and during the movement, the traction portion can drive the space occupying portion to enter the arch wire groove; or a traction member and a space occupying member are provided on the main body, the traction member can move, and during the movement, the traction member drives the space occupying member to enter the arch wire groove. The orthodontic appliance may have a plurality of states, the first is a locked state, the second is a traction state, the third is a traction locked state, and the fourth is a non-locked and non-traction state.