Orthodontic Bracket Biased Ligating Member Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional self-ligating orthodontic brackets experience a reduction in retention force over time due to excessive cycling, leading to potential disengagement of the archwire, treatment inefficiency, and extended treatment time.

Innovation Solution

An improved orthodontic bracket design featuring a resilient biasing member with a T-shaped configuration, including projections and a cross member, which maintains effective retention force across a significant number of opening/closing cycles and prevents complete disengagement of the ligating slide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional spring biasing element is used in self-ligating brackets, then the bracket can provide retention force for initial cycles, but the retention force degrades significantly after 6-10 cycles due to excessive cycling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention force consistencyVSAvoidnumber of open/close cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the biasing element by transitioning from a conventional spring to a resilient member with specific geometric features (T-shaped cross-section, projections, cross members) that modify its mechanical properties. This allows the element to maintain consistent retention force over thousands of cycles rather than degrading after 6-10 cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure for the biasing element, combining a stem portion with a T-shaped cross member and projections made of resilient material. This composite geometric configuration provides both the necessary elasticity for repeated cycling and the structural integrity to maintain retention force consistency over extended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the spring retention force is reduced due to excessive cycling, then the ligating slide may inadvertently open during treatment, but increasing the initial retention force does not prevent long-term degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveligating slide securityVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient biasing member is pre-configured with its T-shaped geometry and projections to establish optimal retention characteristics before the bracket begins use. This preliminary structural configuration ensures consistent performance throughout the entire treatment duration, preventing inadvertent opening without requiring bracket replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamically adaptable biasing mechanism where the resilient member can flex and deform elastically during each open/close cycle while maintaining its overall structural integrity. The T-shaped cross member and projections provide controlled deformation characteristics that preserve retention force consistency throughout thousands of cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the ligating slide disengages from the bracket due to reduced retention force, then treatment efficiency decreases and treatment time extends, but conventional designs cannot prevent this disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidtreatment time extension

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient biasing member with its T-shaped geometry provides a cushioning effect that absorbs and distributes the forces experienced during ligating slide operation. The projections and cross members act as structural cushions that prevent complete disengagement even under extreme cycling conditions, maintaining treatment efficiency throughout the orthodontic process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 improved design ensures consistent and effective retention force, minimizing long-term performance issues and preventing archwire disengagement, thus maintaining treatment efficiency and reducing overall treatment time.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient biasing member (48) received in a seat (50) formed on the bracket body (12), the resilient biasing member (48) including a stem (56) extending from the seat (50) and a cross member (58) supported by and disposed generally orthogonal to the stem (56)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12329604B2Orthodontic bracket with a biased ligating member

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an orthodontic bracket including a ligating member mountable to a bracket body, the ligating member moveable between an open and closed position over an archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket includes a channel formed between the bracket body and the ligating member, and a resilient biasing member extending into the channel, the biasing member interacting with the ligating member to retain the ligating member in either the open or closed position.