Mandibular Positioning Gauge for Horizontal and Vertical Jaw Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mandibular advancement devices lack the capability to accurately measure and control both horizontal and vertical movements of the jaw, and do not allow for digital imaging or efficient digitization of mandibular positions, which are essential for personalized mandibular advancement devices (MADs) that require precise mandibular movement analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device with an upper and lower slider system, allowing horizontal and vertical displacement measurement, digital display, and locking mechanism, combined with trays for taking impressions, enabling precise mandibular positioning and digitization of records for MAD manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate tools (mandibular advancement devices and George's Gauge) are used to measure horizontal and vertical jaw movements, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (horizontal mandibular advancement measurement and vertical opening measurement) into a single integrated device. The device includes an upper tray and lower tray that can move relative to each other horizontally, while also incorporating a George's gauge mechanism for vertical measurement, eliminating the need for separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions: it measures horizontal mandibular advancement, measures vertical opening distance, and provides reference markings for both measurements. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what previously required multiple separate instruments
2Productivity
If traditional analog measurement methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity and information processing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates digital measurement systems that replace traditional analog mechanical measurement methods. The device includes digital displays and electronic sensors that automatically capture and display measurement data, eliminating manual reading and recording processes
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates digital copies of the measured mandibular positions and measurements, which can be stored, processed, and used for manufacturing MADs. This digital replication improves accuracy and enables efficient data processing compared to manual analog methods
3Measurement precision
If only horizontal mandibular advancement measurement is provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurement capability from one dimension (horizontal mandibular advancement) to two dimensions by incorporating vertical opening measurement through the George's gauge mechanism. This allows comprehensive measurement of mandibular movement in both horizontal and vertical planes
Data Source
AI summary
Mandibular advancement measurement and positioning device provided with an instrument (1) with an upper slider (2) and a lower slider (3), means to measure and position the relative displacement of both sliders and two trays at one end of the instrument, one upper and one lower (11a, 11b), the trays being attached to each slider respectively, wherein the lower slider is divided into a fixed part (3a) and a pivoting part (3b) joined to the end of the fixed part (3a), being the upper and lower slider joined by means of a recess that allows a relative slide of both and wherein the pivoting part (3b) of the lower slider is provided with a vertical opening control (6). By means of the pivoting part and the opening control it is possible to measure and position the vertical opening.