Orthodontic Accelerator Using Capacitive Sensor and Tungsten Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic treatments using static forces are uncomfortable, aesthetically unappealing, and lengthy, leading to low patient compliance and incomplete treatment due to the need for prolonged use of braces or removable aligners that can be inconvenient and limited in their ability to rotate or extrude teeth effectively.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic appliance that combines an extraoral vibratory source with an intraoral bite plate, utilizing a processor to control and adjust vibration frequency and force, providing non-static cyclic forces to accelerate bone remodeling and tooth movement, with features such as a U-shaped bite plate design and wireless communication for monitoring usage and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static forces are used in orthodontic treatment, then treatment is simpler to apply, but treatment time is extended and patient compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibratory element that delivers cyclic mechanical forces to the teeth and surrounding bone. This vibration accelerates bone remodeling by stimulating osteoblast and osteoclast activity, thereby reducing treatment time from months to weeks while maintaining treatment simplicity through a compact intraoral device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by delivering cyclic vibratory forces at controlled frequencies (typically 20-100 Hz) and duty cycles (e.g., 20 seconds on, 40 seconds off). This periodic mechanical stimulation promotes continuous bone turnover and tooth movement acceleration without requiring prolonged static force application
2Ease of manufacture
If removable aligners are used, then aesthetics are improved, but effectiveness in rotating or extruding teeth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aesthetic advantage of removable aligners with the effectiveness of active vibration by integrating a vibratory element directly into the aligner or bite plate. This combination allows the device to maintain cosmetic appearance while delivering controlled mechanical vibrations that significantly enhance tooth rotation and extrusion capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratory element acts as an intermediary that transfers mechanical energy to the teeth and bone through the aligner or bite plate interface. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the effectiveness of the aligner by adding cyclic mechanical stimulation that promotes faster and more reliable tooth movement, particularly for complex movements like rotation and extrusion
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional braces are used, then tooth movement control is improved, but patient comfort and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical bracket-and-wire system with a simpler intraoral device that uses controlled vibration. The vibratory element delivers precise mechanical stimulation through the bone to control tooth movement, eliminating the need for visible braces while maintaining treatment precision through electronic control of vibration parameters
4Loss of time
If vibration frequency and force are increased to accelerate treatment, then treatment time is reduced, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling vibration frequency (20-100 Hz) and amplitude within optimal ranges for bone remodeling. The system adjusts these parameters to achieve effective tooth movement acceleration while managing device complexity through integrated control circuits that regulate power delivery to the vibratory element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through duty cycle control (e.g., 20 seconds on, 40 seconds off) to deliver vibration bursts that accumulate therapeutic effect over time. This approach reduces average energy consumption and simplifies device design by allowing lower peak power requirements compared to continuous high-power vibration
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 appliance significantly reduces treatment time by up to 50%, enhances patient compliance due to comfort and aesthetics, and effectively addresses various classifications of malocclusion by accelerating bone remodeling and tooth movement without the need for bulky headgear or frequent device adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
An orthodontic appliance that combines an extraoral vibratory source with an intraoral bite plate, utilizing a processor to control and adjust vibration frequency and force, providing non-static cyclic forces to accelerate bone remodeling and tooth movement
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vibrating orthodontic device is provided wherein motor speed is controlled by capacitive sensor, and thus lacks moving parts that are required by encoder use. The improved device also uses a tungsten offset weight, reducing size by more than 50%, yet still produces the needed force. The device is thus smaller, lighter and more robust.