Mandibular Advancement Device With Plastic Strap Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mandibular advancement devices, especially those with metal mechanisms, are rigid and uncomfortable for patients, limiting their effectiveness and acceptance in treating sleep apnea due to inadequate flexibility and increased dental pain.
Innovation Solution
A mandibular advancement device with plastic straps featuring articulately connected slots and protrusions that allow for forward movement while preventing backward movement, providing comfort and flexibility by allowing lateral and forward jaw movement, thus maintaining effective treatment of sleep apnea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal mechanisms are used for mandibular advancement, then the device provides strong structural support and effective mandibular advancement, but the device becomes extremely rigid and uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, transforming the mechanical properties of the mandibular advancement mechanism. This allows the device to maintain sufficient strength for mandibular advancement while gaining flexibility and comfort for the patient during sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plastic straps as a composite material solution that combines adequate mechanical strength with flexibility. The plastic material provides both the necessary structural support for mandibular advancement and the flexibility required for patient comfort, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If plastic straps are used for mandibular advancement, then the device provides flexibility and comfort for the patient, but the device may lack sufficient structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the plastic strap design by adjusting parameters such as strap thickness, width, and material composition to achieve the right balance between flexibility and structural support. The plastic straps are designed to be sufficiently strong to maintain mandibular advancement while remaining flexible enough for patient comfort.
3Reliability
If the mandible is firmly fixed in forward position, then effective treatment of sleep apnea is achieved, but the patient experiences increased dental pain and reduced freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed position system to a dynamic system using slots and protrusions that allow controlled movement. The plastic straps with articulated slots enable the mandible to move forward and backward within a defined range, providing both treatment effectiveness and patient comfort through controlled dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible plastic straps with slot openings that allow the mandible to move within controlled limits. These flexible straps maintain the forward position for effective apnea treatment while permitting sufficient movement to reduce dental pain and improve patient comfort.
4Ease of operation
If the device allows significant jaw movement, then patient comfort and freedom of movement are improved, but the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where plastic straps with slots allow jaw movement within a predetermined range. The protrusions guide the movement along the slot path, ensuring that the mandible remains within the therapeutic zone necessary for effective apnea treatment while still providing sufficient freedom of movement for patient comfort.
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
Mandibular advancement device (1; 20) and a device preparation method and kit, comprising a mouthpiece (2) and at least one plastic strap (5; 21) with two ends (7) fitted with a slot (9) that is connected articulately to a respective cylindrical portion (11) of a lateral protrusion (10) of the mouthpiece (2). The slot (9) is closed and is longer in length than the diameter of the cylindrical portion (11), which can move along the slot (9). The strap (5; 21) acts by traction between the cylindrical portions (11) of the mouthpiece (2) to prevent the free return of the lower portion (4) with respect to the upper portion (3) of the mouthpiece (2) and therefore treats apnea, whilst allowing some advancement and lateral movement of the lower portion (4), making it comfortable for the user.