Mandibular Advancement Splint With Variable Gutter Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mandibular repositioning devices for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea often suffer from discomfort, high cost, limited efficacy, and poor retention, failing to provide a universally effective solution for both conditions such as snoring and bruxism.
Innovation Solution
A mandibular advancement device with variable gutter thickness, elastic clips, and angled band portions designed using computer-aided design and manufacturing, which provides a comfortable fit, strong grip, and adjustable connection points to maintain the mandible in a forward position, addressing both snoring and bruxism simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mandibular repositioning device is designed with uniform gutter thickness, then manufacturing is simpler, but retention and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the gutter thickness at different locations to optimize both retention and comfort. The gutters have different thicknesses in different regions, allowing thicker sections for strength and thinner sections for comfort, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and device retention.
2Reliability
If the device applies strong gripping force to retain position, then retention improves, but pressure on teeth increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gutter structure, specifically varying the thickness to create an elastic profile. This allows the gutter to provide strong gripping force where needed while maintaining reduced pressure on teeth through optimized thickness distribution, resolving the contradiction between retention and comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single device design is used for both snoring and bruxism treatment, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single mandibular repositioning device with variable thickness gutters that can effectively treat both snoring and bruxism. The optimized gutter structure provides universal applicability for multiple conditions without requiring separate specialized devices, thereby achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
4Ease of operation
If custom-made devices are produced for each patient, then fit and comfort improve, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables cost-effective customization by varying the gutter thickness parameters based on patient-specific requirements. This allows custom-made devices with optimized fit and comfort while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through parameterized design, resolving the contradiction between patient comfort and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An intra-oral device includes an upper splint, a lower splint and a pair of lateral connecting rods. Each connecting rod has a first rod end that connects to the lower splint and a second rod end that connects to the upper splint. The connecting rods are configured to maintain the mandible in an advanced position relative to the maxilla. The upper splint includes at least one upper gutter portion that retains the upper splint on the maxilla. The lower splint includes at least one lower gutter portion that retains the lower splint on the mandible. The thickness of the at least one upper gutter portion and/or the at least one lower gutter portion may vary across the profile of the teeth.