Mandibular Advancement Device Automatic Coupling Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) cause discomfort due to the need for manual adjustment of coupling assemblies, leading to prolonged jaw readjustment in the morning, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating actuating elements such as biasing elements, volume responsive materials, or microcontrollers with actuating elements that automatically adjust the coupling assemblies based on a predetermined time, allowing for seamless transition from a treatment position to a normal jaw position upon waking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of coupling assemblies is used, then device structure is simple, but user comfort deteriorates due to prolonged jaw readjustment in the morning
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly automatically adjusts the mandible position before the user wakes up, performing the readjustment action in advance. The microcontroller triggers the actuating element at a predetermined time to move the mandible from treatment position to normal position, eliminating the need for manual morning adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-adjustment through automated coupling assemblies that modify their own configuration. The system uses microcontrollers and actuating elements to automatically change the coupling assembly dimensions, allowing the device to serve itself without user intervention during the adjustment process.
2Ease of operation
If automated adjustment is implemented, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system combining microcontrollers and actuating elements. The microcontroller electronically controls the actuating element, substituting the purely mechanical manual adjustment process with an electronically controlled automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly automatically adjusts the mandible position before the user wakes up, performing the readjustment action in advance. The microcontroller triggers the actuating element at a predetermined time to move the mandible from treatment position to normal position, eliminating the need for manual morning adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling assembly dimension is fixed, then device structure is simple, but adaptability deteriorates as jaw position cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly transitions from a fixed dimension to a dynamic, adjustable dimension. The actuating element modifies the coupling assembly dimension automatically, allowing the system to adapt between different jaw positions (treatment position and normal position) based on operational requirements rather than being static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the coupling assembly dimension from fixed to variable. The actuating element alters the dimension of the coupling assembly, enabling the system to adapt between different jaw positions by modifying the physical parameter of the coupling distance.
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
This solution reduces morning jaw readjustment discomfort and inconvenience by automatically adjusting the MAD to a natural jaw position before the user wakes up, enhancing user comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element is selected from the group consisting of a biasing element and a volume responsive material
Implementation Method 2
The actuating element is selected from the group consisting of a biasing element and a volume responsive material
Data Source
AI summary
A mandibular advancement device (102,302) includes a first brace member (104,304) structured to engage an upper dentition of a user, a second brace member (106,306) structured to engage a lower dentition of a user, and a number of coupling assemblies (108,308) each coupling the first brace member to the second brace member. Each of the number of coupling assemblies includes an actuating element (114,314) structured to automatically adjust a dimension (136,336) of the coupling assembly. The actuating element is selected from the group consisting of a biasing element (114) and a volume responsive material (314).