Orthodontic Bracket Cover Plate Retention via Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling orthodontic brackets, whether stainless steel or ceramic, are complex, slow, and costly, with a high risk of the cover plate falling off during assembly, and the process is not easily visible or accessible.
Innovation Solution
A structural reliable bracket design featuring a base bracket with an arch-wire slot, a net base, and a cover plate that slides with an elastic member and transition ridge, allowing for easy mounting and self-positioning, while ensuring stability and preventing accidental movement of the cover plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional self-locking bracket with locking piece and cover plate is used, then the cover plate will not fall off during opening and closing, but the assembly process is complicated and slow with high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking piece from the conventional bracket structure, extracting only the essential function of securing the cover plate. The elastic member replaces the complex locking mechanism, providing retention through elastic deformation rather than mechanical interlocking, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically secures the cover plate through its inherent elastic properties. When the cover plate is inserted, the elastic member deforms and naturally locks the cover plate in place without requiring any additional locking pieces or complex assembly steps. The system serves itself by using the elastic deformation to provide both the locking function and the simplified assembly process.
2Reliability
If a conventional self-locking bracket with locking piece is used, then the cover plate is secured, but the assembly process is not easily visible or accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically secures the cover plate through its inherent elastic properties. When the cover plate is inserted, the elastic member deforms and naturally locks the cover plate in place without requiring any additional locking pieces or complex assembly steps. The system serves itself by using the elastic deformation to provide both the locking function and the simplified assembly process.
3Strength
If stainless steel bracket is used, then mechanical properties are excellent with higher hardness and lower friction resistance, but appearance defects are prominent with color difference from human teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket combines stainless steel base bracket with a ceramic or tooth-colored cover plate, creating a composite structure. The stainless steel provides the mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the cover plate provides the aesthetic appearance that matches natural teeth. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their superior properties to the final product.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If ceramic bracket is used, then appearance is satisfactory with good biocompatibility and bonding strength, but the assembly process is complicated and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking piece from the conventional bracket structure, extracting only the essential function of securing the cover plate. The elastic member replaces the complex locking mechanism, providing retention through elastic deformation rather than mechanical interlocking, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically secures the cover plate through its inherent elastic properties. When the cover plate is inserted, the elastic member deforms and naturally locks the cover plate in place without requiring any additional locking pieces or complex assembly steps. The system serves itself by using the elastic deformation to provide both the locking function and the simplified assembly process.
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 design simplifies the assembly process, enhances stability, and reduces the risk of the cover plate falling off, making it easier to use and maintain, while maintaining the mechanical properties and biocompatibility required for orthodontic applications.
Implementation Method 1
A strip-shaped elastic member (4) is mounted on the top surface of the base bracket. A first clamping slot (34) and a second clamping slot (35) are sequentially disposed on the bottom surface of the cover plate along a sliding direction of the cover plate, and a transition ridge (31) protruding towards the base bracket is provided between the two clamping slots; and the elastic member (4) includes two working sections, when the cover plate slides, the working sections enters a corresponding one of a first clamping slot and a second clamping slot via the transition ridge respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A structurally reliable bracket, comprising a base bracket provided with an arch wire slot, a net base fixed on one side of the base bracket, and a cover plate mounted on the other side of the base bracket; a bottom surface of the cover plate and a top surface of the base bracket abuts against each other and is in sliding fit; a strip-shaped elastic member is mounted on the top surface of the base bracket, two clamping slots are sequentially disposed on a bottom surface of the cover plate along a sliding direction of the cover plate, and a transition ridge protruding towards the direction of the base bracket is provided between the two clamping slots; and a part of the elastic member is a working section, and an avoiding slot is further provided on the top surface of the base bracket.