Mandibular Kinematics Marker Attachment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording mandibular kinematics require markers to be attached to the lower jaw, which can be cumbersome and may displace relative to the mandible during movement, affecting precision and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A mandibular localization marker attachment device with a U-shaped intra-oral portion and an extra-oral portion featuring recesses and elastic tabs for secure attachment, minimizing the force required for mounting and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the marker is attached directly onto the teeth of the lower arch, then the attachment is simple, but the precision is deteriorated due to displacement during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate support structure (device with intra-oral and extra-oral portions) that mediates between the marker and the mandible. This support provides a stable attachment platform that moves rigidly with the mandible, eliminating the displacement problems of direct tooth attachment while maintaining operational simplicity through easy marker mounting on the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional portions: an intra-oral portion for mandible attachment, an extra-oral portion for marker mounting, and a connecting portion linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the precision-simplicity contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If an intermediate support is used to attach the marker to the mandible, then the recording precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intra-oral portion of the support is made flexible to conform to the contours of the mandible and teeth, providing a comfortable and stable fit. This flexibility allows the support to adapt to individual anatomy without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving precision while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including flexible intra-oral portions that adapt to movement, and elastic mounting elements (tabs, fins, springs) that provide resilient attachment. These dynamic features allow the device to maintain precision during mandibular movement without requiring overly complex rigid structures.
3Reliability
If the mounting force for the marker on the support is increased to ensure stability, then the reliability is improved, but the support may be displaced with respect to the mandible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism uses elastic tabs and fins that deform under mounting force and then exert continuous elastic pressure to hold the marker. This dynamic elastic mounting provides reliable marker attachment through sustained force while the flexible intra-oral portion accommodates mandibular movement, preventing support displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tabs and fins act as cushioning elements that absorb the mounting force and provide gradual, controlled pressure on the marker. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden displacement of the support during marker attachment while ensuring reliable marker fixation through sustained elastic pressure.
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 device allows for precise and comfortable attachment of markers, reducing the force needed for mounting and maintaining stability during mandibular movements, enhancing the accuracy of kinematics recording.
Implementation Method 1
a tab suitable for being elastically deformed when one of the lugs is engaged in a respective recess so as to exert a pressure force on said lug
Implementation Method 2
two lateral fins suitable for being deformed elastically when each lug is engaged in a respective recess so as to exert a pressure force on the inner face of the marker
Implementation Method 3
the face of the intra-oral portion oriented towards the teeth has a rough surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recording a mandibular kinematics of an individual comprises:attaching a first marker comprising a plurality of reflective patches or beads to an attachment device fixed to a mandibular arch of the individual, wherein the first marker comprises an inner face provided with two attachment lugs and the attachment device comprises:an intra-oral portion having a general U shape coming into contact with an outer face of teeth of the mandibular arch,an extra-oral portion comprising two recesses each adapted for receiving a respective lug of the first marker, said recesses being separated by a tab adapted for being elastically deformed when one of the lugs is engaged in a respective recess so as to exert a pressure force on said lug, anda connecting portion connecting the intra-oral portion and the extra-oral portion,attaching a second marker provided with a plurality of reflective patches or beads to a forehead of the individual, andrecording relative displacements of said first and second markers during mandibular movements made by the individual with the infrared camera.