Magnetic Orthodontic Actuator for Low-Maintenance Implant Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Correction of orthopaedic or orthodontic malpositioning is complex and time-consuming, often requiring complicated devices that need frequent maintenance and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with magnetic and spring forces to adjust the relative position and orientation of implant sections, such as bone or tooth sections, using magnets and springs to facilitate movement along a predefined path, allowing for easy adjustment and minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complicated correction devices are used to correct orthopaedic or orthodontic malpositioning, then the correction effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets embedded in the actuator generate magnetic forces that directly move the first implant section relative to the second implant section, eliminating the need for mechanical screws, gears, or linkages. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining correction effectiveness through controlled magnetic interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from a complex mechanical system and isolates it into a dedicated magnetic actuator component. The actuator contains embedded magnets that provide the corrective force, separating the actuation mechanism from the implant structure itself. This extraction allows for a simpler overall device design with reduced maintenance requirements.
2Measurement precision
If complicated correction devices with multiple adjustment mechanisms are used, then the correction precision is improved, but the maintenance frequency and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuator is designed to be self-regulating through the interaction between embedded magnets and magnetic sensors. The system automatically maintains the desired position and orientation of implant sections by generating corrective magnetic forces in response to detected positional deviations, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates magnetic sensors that continuously monitor the position and orientation of the first implant section relative to the second. This feedback information is used by the magnetic actuator to make real-time corrections, ensuring precise alignment while reducing the need for external intervention and maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed implant sections are used to maintain position, then the stability is improved, but the adjustability and correction capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed connection between implant sections into a dynamic, controllable system. The magnetic actuator enables the first implant section to move relative to the second implant section along a predefined path while maintaining stable magnetic coupling. This dynamic system provides both stability during operation and adjustability during correction, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and adjustable flexibility.
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 actuator provides efficient and low-maintenance correction of orthopaedic or orthodontic malpositioning by allowing controlled movement of implant sections with a combination of magnetic and spring forces, reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The movement may at least in part be caused by a magnetic force between the first element or part thereof and the second element or part thereof. The actuator may comprise first and second cooperating magnets providing a magnetic force to urge the first and second elements along at least part of the motion guide and/or the predetermined path
Implementation Method 2
The movement may at least in part be caused by a spring force between the first element or part thereof and the second element or part thereof. The actuator may comprise one or more springs providing a spring force between at least part of the first element and at least part of the second element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1a~3a
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An orthopaedic and/or orthodontic actuator is described comprising a first element (1) attachable to a first implant section (101), a second element (2) attachable to a second implant section (102), and a motion guide (3) coupling the first and second elements (1, 2) and an actuator configured to control a relative movement of the first and second elements (1,2) from a first position and/or orientation to a second position and/or orientation along a predefined path, wherein the actuator comprises first and second magnets cooperating to urge the first and second elements along the predefined path.