Mandibular Protrusion Device Ball Pivot Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mandibular protrusion devices for snoring and sleep apnea suffer from discomfort due to external snap-fit attachments, limited mobility, and fragility, as well as manufacturing complexities and user limitations in adjusting link lengths.

Innovation Solution

The device employs ball pivots and sockets for detachable connection of lateral links to dental trays, providing internal protection, enhanced mobility, and user-adjustable link lengths, facilitating assembly and manufacture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If snap fit is used to fix lateral links on trays, then the links are securely attached, but the patient's mouth is exposed to external parts causing discomfort and potential injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscomfort and injury to patient's mouthVSAvoidsecure attachment of links

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball pivot connection mechanism is nested within the tray structure, with the ball pivot contained inside a recessed cavity in the tray. This nesting protects the connection mechanism from external exposure while maintaining secure attachment, eliminating the harmful effect of exposed snap fit parts on the patient's mouth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball pivot acts as an intermediary element between the lateral link and the tray, providing a secure mechanical connection while being concealed within the tray's recessed cavity. This intermediary mechanism achieves reliable attachment without exposing harmful components to the patient's oral tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If snap fit is used to fix lateral links, then attachment is achieved, but lateral and rotary mobility of the links is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral and rotary mobility of linksVSAvoidstrength of articulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball pivot connection provides dynamic mobility, allowing the lateral links to move laterally and rotate as needed during oral functions. The spherical geometry of the ball pivot enables multi-directional movement while maintaining a strong mechanical connection, achieving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If snap fit is used for mounting links, then assembly is achieved, but the device becomes more complex and expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexity and costVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct components: the ball pivot, the recessed cavity in the tray, and the lateral link with connection opening. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated snap fit solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching the link to the outside of the tray as with snap fit, the connection is inverted by placing the ball pivot inside a recessed cavity in the tray. This inversion simplifies the external profile and reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If snap fit is used, then links are fixed on trays, but users cannot easily adjust link lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-adjustability of link lengthsVSAvoidstrength of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball pivot connection creates a dynamic, easily removable and reattachable joint that allows users to adjust link lengths by removing and replacing links. The spherical geometry maintains a strong connection during use while enabling simple user-adjustability through straightforward removal and reattachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enhances user comfort, stability, and ease of use by allowing adjustable link lengths and reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring the device's durability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The device employs ball pivots and lateral seats to create a detachable ball-and-socket joint connection between the lateral links and dental trays, allowing for improved mobility, comfort, and user-adjustability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall-and-socket joint:

Data Source

PatentUS7987854B2Mandibular protrusion device

Publication Date: 2011.08.02 ARNI PIERRE

AI summary

A mandibular protrusion device includes an upper dental tray to be placed on the upper dental arch of a patient and a lower dental tray to be placed on the lower dental arch, as well as two lateral links for connecting both trays in order to advance or draw back the lower dental arch during a vertical movement between both dental arches, each lateral link including an element of traction attached to the trays via its ends. Each lateral link includes ball pivots having an opening for receiving an end of an element of traction, and each tray includes two lateral seats for accommodating a ball pivot connected to an element of traction so that the lateral links are connected to the trays via a ball pivot joint. A corresponding lateral link and a method for assembling the mandibular protrusion device are also disclosed.