Multi-directional Jaw Displacement Oral Appliance with Hinged Arch Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral appliances for sleep apnea may lose alignment when the user's mouth is opened during sleep, reducing their effectiveness in maintaining an open airway.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional jaw displacement oral appliance with upper and lower arch tray assemblies and a flexible intermediate arch tray assembly, where the upper arch tray assembly is pivotally coupled to the intermediate arch tray assembly via snap-in coupling pins and catch holes, preventing separation and allowing vertical rotation, and the lower arch tray assembly can be horizontally adjusted by compressing the intermediate arch tray assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper arch tray assembly is fixed to the lower arch tray assembly, then the appliance structure is simplified, but the upper arch tray assembly cannot rotate with the user's upper set of teeth when the mouth is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is divided into three separate arch tray assemblies (upper, intermediate, and lower) that can move independently relative to each other. The upper arch tray assembly is connected to the intermediate arch tray assembly through a hinge mechanism, allowing the upper tray to rotate with mouth opening while the lower tray remains relatively stable. This segmentation enables different parts of the appliance to perform different functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism between the upper and intermediate arch tray assemblies introduces dynamic movement capability. The upper arch tray assembly can rotate through an angle relative to the intermediate tray when the user opens their mouth, transforming the appliance from a static structure to a dynamic system that adapts to mouth opening and closing movements.
2Reliability
If the upper arch tray assembly is made removable from the intermediate arch tray assembly, then the appliance can be easily cleaned and adjusted, but the upper arch tray assembly may separate from the user's upper set of teeth when the mouth is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides a dynamic connection that maintains reliable engagement while allowing necessary movement. The upper arch tray assembly remains connected to the intermediate tray through the hinge, ensuring it stays engaged with the upper teeth during mouth opening, while the overall appliance structure remains adjustable and cleanable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower arch tray assembly is fixed in position, then the appliance structure is simplified, but the position of the user's lower jaw cannot be adjusted to maintain an open airway
Solution Approach 1:
The lower arch tray assembly is designed to move horizontally relative to the intermediate and upper arch tray assemblies. This dynamic capability allows the lower jaw position to be adjusted forward or backward to maintain an open airway, transforming the appliance from a fixed structure to an adjustable system that responds to changing airway requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-directional jaw displacement oral appliance that is worn in the mouth of a user to reduce the effects of sleep apnea. The oral appliance includes an upper arch tray assembly against which the user's upper set of teeth are received and a lower arch tray assembly against which the user's lower set of teeth are received. An intermediate arch tray assembly is located between the upper and lower arch tray assemblies. The upper arch tray assembly is connected to the intermediate arch tray assembly by a hinge such that the upper arch tray assembly cannot be separated from the intermediate arch tray assembly and the upper arch tray assembly is rotatable through an angle with the user's upper set of teeth upwardly relative to the intermediate and lower arch tray assemblies. The lower arch tray assembly is adapted to move with the user's lower set of teeth in a horizontal direction by which the position of the user's lower jaw is adjusted relative to the user's upper jaw to maintain an airway to the user's throat.