Orthodontic Bracket With Asymmetric Tie Wings For Wire Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic brackets face challenges in achieving precise control during tooth movement due to excessive slot play with thin wires and are cumbersome to adapt as treatment progresses, especially when switching to thicker wires for fixation, complicating both the process for dentists and patients.
Innovation Solution
The orthodontic bracket features long and short wing pieces on tie wings arranged diagonally with a recessed guide groove, allowing for two fitting methods of the ligature wire to adjust resistance levels without direct contact with the arch wire, enabling smooth sliding or secure fixation based on treatment stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thin main wire is used in the early stages of treatment, then teeth can be moved by the main wire, but excessive play in the slot results in too much looseness and imprecise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance adjustment mechanism where the arch wire can transition between two resistance levels within the same bracket slot. In early treatment stages, the thinner arch wire provides minimal resistance for tooth movement. In later stages, a thicker arch wire increases resistance to fixate aligned teeth. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to replace the entire arch wire while maintaining precise control throughout treatment progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the arch wire system by providing two distinct arch wires with different thicknesses (diameters). The first arch wire has a smaller diameter suitable for initial tooth movement, while the second arch wire has a larger diameter for increased resistance and fixation. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different treatment stages without replacing the bracket or slot structure.
2Force
If the main wire is replaced with a thicker one as treatment progresses, then resistance between the main wire and bracket increases for fixation, but the replacement process becomes complicated and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance adjustment mechanism where the arch wire can transition between two resistance levels within the same bracket slot. In early treatment stages, the thinner arch wire provides minimal resistance for tooth movement. In later stages, a thicker arch wire increases resistance to fixate aligned teeth. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to replace the entire arch wire while maintaining precise control throughout treatment progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the resistance adjustment function from the bracket slot structure and transfers it to the arch wire selection. Instead of modifying the bracket or slot to achieve different resistance levels, the system uses two distinct arch wires that can be independently selected and installed. This extraction simplifies the bracket design and makes the resistance change process as simple as replacing the arch wire itself rather than modifying the bracket structure.
3Reliability
If engagement claws are provided on both sides of the tie wing, then the ligature wire can prevent arch wire dislocation, but the production process becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing engagement claws only on one side of the tie wing rather than symmetrically on both sides. The single engagement claw is positioned to effectively engage with the ligature wire and prevent arch wire dislocation. This asymmetric design reduces the number of components and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the necessary fixation reliability through strategic positioning of the single claw.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the engagement claw function from a symmetric dual-claw configuration and implements it through a single asymmetric claw. By removing the redundant second claw and optimizing the position and geometry of the remaining claw, the design achieves the same arch wire fixation reliability with reduced structural complexity and lower manufacturing costs.
4Shape
If a brittle material such as ceramic is used for the bracket, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and sufficient strength is hard to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the structural strength requirements in specific localized areas of the bracket, particularly at the engagement claw regions and tie wing connections. The ceramic material is designed with optimized thickness and geometry in these critical zones to ensure sufficient strength while maintaining aesthetic appearance in visible areas. This localized reinforcement allows the use of brittle ceramic material without compromising overall structural integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
[PROBLEMS] To provide a bracket for orthodontic which can not only alter the resistance of the bracket and the base line easily depending on a treatment stage but also can be made easily and inexpensively even of a fragile material such as ceramic while ensuring sufficient strength. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The bracket for orthodontic is substantially constituted of a base plate (1), a tie wing (2) and an arch wire fitting slot (3). More specifically, a pair of tie wings (2) having a pair of long and short wing pieces, i.e., a long piece (5) and a short piece (6), are erected on the rectangular base plate (1) while spaced apart from each other, and the arch wire fitting slot (3) is formed by the spaced apart portion. The pair of wing pieces (5, 6) of the tie wing (2) are provided to project in the vertical direction with the distal ends directed slantly downward, and constituted of the long piece (5) and the short piece (6). A recessed guide groove (5a) is provided at the tie wing (2) portion in the vicinity of the end of one wing piece (long piece)(5).