Occlusal Loading Appliance With Sequential Chewing Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration devices for generating occlusal loading on teeth and periodontal tissue are uncomfortable due to inconsistent force delivery and vibration patterns that do not mimic human chewing, leading to muscle fatigue and slowed tooth movement.
Innovation Solution
A system with a detection appliance to monitor chewing habits and a loading appliance to simulate occlusal loading effects using actuators and load transmission elements, controlled by a controller to mimic the sequence and duration of human ingestion actions, providing stable and comfortable vibration forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior-art vibration devices are used to generate occlusal loading on teeth, then vibration energy can be transferred to the teeth, but the force delivery is inconsistent and does not mimic human chewing patterns, leading to patient discomfort and muscle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static or simple periodic vibration to dynamic chewing-simulating motion. The system uses actuators to generate complex multi-directional forces that dynamically replicate the varying magnitude, direction, and timing of actual chewing forces, thereby improving both consistency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using detection appliances to monitor the patient's actual chewing patterns and then reproducing those specific periodic force applications. The system captures the natural rhythm, frequency, and sequence of chewing cycles and applies them through the loading appliance, ensuring consistent and comfortable force delivery.
2Productivity
If vibration devices operate at varying frequency and amplitude ranges, then they claim to enhance orthodontic tooth movement, but the vibration patterns differ from human chewing which slows down tooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using detection appliances to monitor the patient's actual chewing patterns, forces, and frequencies. This feedback information is used to program the loading appliance to precisely replicate the patient's natural chewing behavior, ensuring that the vibration patterns effectively stimulate bone remodeling at the same frequencies and amplitudes that occur during normal chewing, thereby accelerating tooth movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the frequency, amplitude, duration, and sequencing of vibration forces to match the patient's specific chewing parameters. The system varies these parameters according to the detected chewing patterns, including the sequence of tooth contact, force magnitude, and temporal distribution, making the treatment more effective for bone remodeling.
3Ease of operation
If bite plates require patients to bite down to hold the device, then the device can be positioned in the mouth, but the force of the bite is not stable and leads to muscle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the loading appliance to be self-retaining through the patient's natural dentition. The appliance uses the patient's own teeth as anchorage points, eliminating the need for external holding forces. The device leverages the patient's natural chewing forces to both position and activate the treatment, thereby improving both ease of operation and force stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If vibrating stick devices use gravity to affix the device, then the device can be positioned between teeth, but the actual forces delivered depend on how hard the patient is clenching, leading to inconsistent treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using active actuators to generate controlled dynamic forces rather than relying on static gravitational forces. The system dynamically adjusts the magnitude and timing of forces applied to each tooth based on detected chewing patterns, ensuring consistent and reliable force delivery independent of patient clenching variability.
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
The system effectively simulates natural occlusal loading, enhancing tooth movement and reducing discomfort by delivering vibration forces consistent with human chewing patterns, suitable for dental applications such as accelerating orthodontic treatments and adjusting chewing habits.
Implementation Method 1
transmit vibration energy from the three actuators to the patient's periodontal tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating occlusal loading is provided, including a loading appliance and a controller. The loading appliance includes three load transmission elements and three actuators. The load transmission elements are adapted to be positioned between upper and lower anterior teeth of the patient and between upper and lower posterior teeth on the left and right sides of the patient's mouth, respectively. The load transmission elements are separated from each other. The actuators are coupled to the load transmission elements, respectively. The controller is configured to control the three actuators to actuate the three load transmission elements individually and sequentially, with a rest period between successive actions of the three load transmission elements, to transmit vibration energy from the three actuators to the patient's periodontal tissues of the anterior teeth, the left posterior teeth, and the right posterior teeth.