Mandibular Advancement Device Spacer Kit Grooved Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices face challenges in material selection due to the concentrated overmold in the groove, which limits the choice of insert material and affects the device's functionality.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a dental device with inserts that feature a grooved profile for receiving spacers, allowing for interchangeable spacers that can be securely attached using an elastically deformable clip mechanism, thus enabling the use of a wider range of materials for the inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flared wedge insert is laterally inserted into a cavity with a groove to mechanically attach to the upper tray, then the insert can be firmly retained in the apparatus, but the concentrated overmold in the groove reduces the possibility of choosing insert material
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into two separate components: a body portion and a retention portion. The body portion can be made from different materials (silicone, thermoplastic, etc.) while the retention portion is a separate elastomeric component that provides the attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention portion acts as an intermediary element between the insert body and the upper tray. It provides the mechanical attachment function through the groove and flared wedge structure while allowing the insert body to be made from various materials. The retention portion mediates between the structural requirements of attachment and the material flexibility needs.
2Ease of operation
If inserts of different lengths are used to adjust the relative position of the user's jaw, then customization of jaw positioning is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to multiple insert variants
Solution Approach 1:
The insert system is made dynamic and adjustable through the reversible attachment mechanism. Users can change insert lengths as needed rather than being fixed to a single insert configuration. The retention portion allows for easy attachment and detachment of different length inserts, enabling dynamic adaptation to changing treatment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inserts of different lengths are provided in advance as a kit, allowing the user to select the appropriate insert for their specific needs. The preliminary preparation of various insert lengths enables customization without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during use.
3Reliability
If the rear attachment end and front connection end are provided with locking members that fit together in a male-female manner, then the insert is firmly retained on the upper tray, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention portion is made from an elastomeric material that provides flexibility and compliance. This flexible material can accommodate minor dimensional variations in the locking members while still providing reliable attachment. The elastomeric nature of the retention portion allows it to deform and conform to the locking members, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert system uses composite construction with the retention portion made from elastomeric material and the body portion from other materials (silicone, thermoplastic). This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the elastomeric retention portion providing tolerance for manufacturing variations while maintaining attachment reliability.
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 the flexibility in material selection for the inserts, improves the device's functionality by allowing for customizable adjustments, and maintains the device's effectiveness in treating snoring and night apnea.
Implementation Method 1
each insert (11) adapted to receive the respective spacer (300) by means of the front end (303) inserted along the engagement surface (13) and the rear end (304) inserted along the grooved profile (111)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
It is described a dental device, comprising an upper bite plane (100) and a lower bite plane (200), the upper bite plane (100) comprising a pair of right and left inserts (11), a pair of right and left spacers (300) configured to be reversibly fixed to the inserts (11), the lower bite plane (200) comprising a pair of right and left mandibular cushions (18), the dental device suitable for limiting the forward positioning of the upper bite plane (100) with respect to the lower bite plane (200) by means of the contact of the pair of right and left spacers (300) with the pair of right and left mandibular cushions (18). Each insert (11) comprises at least one grooved profile (111) adapted to receive a rear end (304) of the respective spacer (300). Moreover, a kit of pairs of spacers for a dental device is described.