Mandibular Orthotic for Concussion Force Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mouth guards do not effectively protect the mandible from concussive forces, as they fail to relate the mandible to the cranium and do not adequately dissipate forces transferred to the head and neck, increasing the risk of concussion, particularly in athletes and soldiers.
Innovation Solution
A custom-made maxillary, mandibular, or dual arch orthotic that positions the mandible relative to the maxilla to absorb and dissipate concussive forces by indexing the mandibular teeth and stabilizing the temporomandibular joints, using a flexible and resilient material to reduce the transmission of forces from the condyle to the temporal bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mouth guards are used, then basic oral protection is provided, but they fail to effectively protect the mandible from concussive forces and do not dissipate forces to the head and neck
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic is divided into separate maxillary and mandibular arches that can be customized independently. Each arch is fitted to specific dental structures, allowing differentiated force management strategies for different parts of the jaw system while maintaining overall integration for concussion protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic provides differentiated protection zones: the mandibular arch includes specific structures (such as vertical walls and horizontal bars) that target force dissipation at the condyle and temporomandibular joint regions, while the maxillary arch provides complementary support. This localized structural design addresses specific vulnerability points rather than providing uniform protection throughout.
2Reliability
If the orthotic positions the mandible precisely to decompress the temporomandibular joint, then force transmission to the skull is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic is designed and fabricated before use, incorporating pre-calculated positioning features that establish the optimal mandibular position relative to the maxilla. The appliance includes pre-formed structural elements (such as vertical walls and horizontal bars in the mandibular arch) that automatically position the condyle in a decompressed state when the appliance is worn, eliminating the need for real-time adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic replaces complex active positioning mechanisms with passive mechanical features built into the appliance structure. The vertical walls and horizontal bars create inherent mechanical constraints that guide the mandible into the correct position through simple geometric relationships, rather than requiring sophisticated adjustment mechanisms or high-precision manual positioning during fabrication.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the orthotic provides increased spacing of the temporomandibular joint, then joint decompression and force mitigation are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic introduces intermediary structural elements (vertical walls and horizontal bars in the mandibular arch, and corresponding structures in the maxillary arch) that act as mediators between the mandible and external forces. These intermediaries create the necessary spacing and decompression at the temporomandibular joint while distributing and dissipating concussive forces through the appliance structure, preventing direct force transmission to the skull.
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 orthotic significantly reduces the incidence of concussions by positioning the mandible and condyles to decompress the temporomandibular joint, effectively dissipating concussive forces and preventing their transmission to the skull, with accuracy to within 0.1-0.3 millimeters, unique to each individual.
Implementation Method 1
The orthotic is constructed so that the mandibular teeth are firmly indexed into the orthotic to hold the mandible in position... cooperate to effectively dissipate concussive forces
Implementation Method 2
using a flexible and resilient material to reduce the transmission of forces from the condyle to the temporal bone
Data Source
AI summary
A maxillary, mandibular, or dual concussion orthotic that substantially reduces concussion resulting from forces applied to the lower jaw, and a method of producing the orthotic. The orthotic device produced according to the method described herein is objectively measured and produced to physiological parameters for an individual user. The orthotic is constructed so that the mandibular teeth are firmly indexed into the orthotic to hold the mandible in a specific position relative to the maxilla. The upper and lower jaws are positioned by the orthotic to act as a unit, and cooperate with the orthotic to effectively dissipate concussive forces and provide spacing of the temporomandibular joint, resulting in the decompression of the joint to mitigate transmission of concussive forces from the condyles of the mandible to the temporal bones of the skull.