Low Profile Self-Ligating Orthodontic Bracket with Hinge Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-ligating orthodontic brackets have a high physical profile due to the need for moving parts, leading to patient discomfort, poor aesthetics, and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligating orthodontic bracket design featuring a pivoting latch mechanism with a hinge pin that allows for a low profile by moving the latching member between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for a conventional slide and reducing the overall bracket height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional self-ligating bracket design with moving parts is used, then the archwire can be retained in the slot, but the bracket profile becomes high and visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional self-ligating mechanism by using a fixed latching member instead of a movable slide. The latch is positioned at the labial end of the bracket and remains stationary, while the archwire is inserted and secured by the fixed latch structure. This inversion eliminates the need for high-profile moving parts while maintaining archwire retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moving slide mechanism from the bracket design and replaces it with a fixed latching member. By removing the conventional movable components that create a high profile, the invention achieves a low-profile bracket while still providing self-ligation through the fixed latch structure positioned at the labial end.
2Shape
If a low profile bracket design is used, then aesthetics and comfort are improved, but the archwire slot access may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the latching member at the labial end of the bracket rather than using a movable slide that covers the slot. This inverted configuration opens the archwire slot from the labial direction, improving access for archwire insertion and removal while maintaining a low-profile bracket structure that does not protrude from the tooth surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional zones: the fixed latching member at the labial end for retention, and the open archwire slot for access. This segmentation allows the archwire slot to be easily accessible from the labial direction while the latching member provides secure retention, resolving the contradiction between low profile and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If conventional ligatures are used, then the archwire is secured in the bracket, but patient hygiene is compromised due to difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates conventional ligatures (elastomeric or metal) from the design and replaces them with a fixed latching member that secures the archwire through a mechanical latch mechanism. This extraction of ligatures removes the sources of decay and deformation associated with traditional ligatures, improving oral hygiene while maintaining archwire security through the fixed latch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed latching member provides a self-ligating mechanism that automatically secures the archwire without requiring separate ligature materials. This self-service approach eliminates the need for elastomeric ligatures that can harbor bacteria and cause decay, thereby improving patient hygiene while maintaining reliable archwire retention.
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 design improves aesthetics, patient comfort, and hygiene by reducing the physical profile of the bracket, eliminating the need for additional ligatures, and providing precise control over archwire retention.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge pin is formed from a material having a flexibility sufficient to impart a spring bias to the latching member that opposes movement of the latching member in the non-collinear direction
Data Source
AI summary
Low profile self-ligating orthodontic brackets and methods of using such orthodontic brackets. The bracket includes a bracket body, a latching member, and a hinge pin pivotally coupling a hinged end of the latching member with the bracket body. The hinge pin, which is made of a resilient material, is configured to flex so that a portion of the latching member can be engaged with a recess defined in the bracket body to couple the non-hinged end of the latching member with the bracket body.