Mandibular Advancement Device With Slidable Wire Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices (MAD) for treating sleep disorder breathing (SDB) often restrict jaw movement, cause discomfort, and can exacerbate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, while also potentially containing metal or other irritating substances.
Innovation Solution
A custom-designed, metal-free oral device comprising two components that mate with the upper and lower jaws, connected by a wire that passes through a channel in the upper component, allowing for mandibular advancement without restricting jaw movement and minimizing stress on the TMJ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mandibular advancement device is used to treat SDB, then the mandible is advanced to open the pharyngeal airway, but jaw movement is restricted and TMJ stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: an upper component that mates with the upper jaw and a lower component that mates with the lower jaw. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage its respective jaw, enabling mandibular advancement for SDB treatment while preserving natural jaw movement and reducing TMJ stress through independent motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a wire connection between the upper and lower components that allows dynamic adjustment and movement. The wire passes through a channel in the upper component and attaches to the lower component, creating a flexible connection that permits the mandible to move naturally while maintaining the advancement position, thus treating SDB without restricting jaw movement.
2Reliability
If a mandibular advancement device is used to treat SDB, then the mandible is advanced to open the pharyngeal airway, but TMJ disorders may be exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device into upper and lower components, the design isolates the mandibular advancement function from the maxillary structure. This segmentation reduces the mechanical stress transmitted to the TMJ while maintaining the airway-opening effect, thereby treating SDB without exacerbating TMJ disorders.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire acts as an intermediary element connecting the upper and lower components. It transmits the advancement force from the upper component to the lower component while allowing for natural movement and stress distribution, preventing direct transmission of excessive forces to the TMJ joint.
3Reliability
If traditional MAD devices are used, then mandibular advancement is achieved, but metal or irritating substances may be present
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from traditional metal-based MADs to a metal-free construction using thermoplastic materials. This parameter change in material composition eliminates metal-related irritations and allergies while maintaining the mandibular advancement capability through the thermoplastic upper and lower components connected by a wire.
Data Source
AI summary
A mandibular advancement device is disclosed. An upper component and a lower component are used as splints on the maxilla and mandible. A wire may be mounted to the lower components at the molar buccal sides. The wire passes through a channel on the anterior of the upper component, in a slidable fashion. The channel may be circular or have a cross-sectional shape including a flat side. A forward shield cushions or protects the interior of the oral cavity as the wire may move back and forth. The device may be made entirely of plastic or biocompatible materials.