Mandibular Advancement Device Coupling with Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating breathing problems, such as snoring and sleep apnea, offer too much freedom of movement during mouth opening and closing, limiting their effectiveness in maintaining the lower jaw in a forward position to keep the airway clear.
Innovation Solution
The device features upper and lower coupling elements with a stop mechanism and adjustable vertical and horizontal components, including screws and telescopically acting tubes, to restrict jaw movement, ensuring precise adjustment and reduced lateral freedom, thereby maintaining the lower jaw forward relative to the upper jaw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupling means are provided between lower and upper tooth arches to move the lower jaw forward, then breathing problems are treated, but freedom of movement during opening/closing of the mouth is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are divided into separate upper and lower coupling elements that can be independently adjusted and positioned. Each coupling element can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to provide precise control over jaw positioning while allowing controlled movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements incorporate adjustable mechanisms (screws, telescopic tubes) that allow dynamic adjustment of the device parameters. This enables the device to adapt to different jaw positions and movement requirements, providing both stability when needed and controlled freedom of movement.
2Manufacturing precision
If vertical adjusting means are provided to adjust the vertical position of the stop, then precise adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical adjusting mechanism uses a telescopic tube design where one tube is nested within another. This compact nesting arrangement provides precise vertical adjustment capability while minimizing the space occupied and reducing overall device complexity compared to separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual adjustment and the final positioning of the stop. This simple screw mechanism translates rotational motion into precise linear displacement, achieving accurate vertical positioning without requiring complex control systems.
3Reliability
If coupling elements are situated in the oral vestibule between teeth and cheek, then lateral freedom of movement is limited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are specifically positioned in the oral vestibule region between the teeth and cheek, utilizing the natural anatomical structures in this location. This local positioning provides effective lateral movement control by anchoring to the resilient cheek tissue and tooth structures without requiring extensive securing mechanisms throughout the entire device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Device for treating breathing problems, comprising a lower part mountable on the lower jaw and an upper part mountable on the upper jaw; and left and right coupling means for coupling the lower part to the upper part close to the back teeth; wherein each of the left and right coupling means comprises an upper coupling element connected to the upper part and a lower coupling element connected to the lower part; which left and right coupling means are adapted to move the lower jaw forward in relation to the upper jaw, wherein the upper coupling element is provided with a stop for co-action with a contact surface of the lower coupling element.