Orthodontic Bracket Curved Passageway Archwire Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic self-ligating brackets require complex locking mechanisms for archwire installation, making the process difficult and costly, and causing discomfort due to additional edges and protrusions.
Innovation Solution
The design of orthodontic brackets without a locking clip or closure mechanism, utilizing counteracting brackets with curved passageways and rotation portions to securely hold archwires in place, allowing for easy installation and reduced patient discomfort through smooth surfaces and rounded edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking clips or closure mechanisms are used in self-ligating brackets, then archwire retention is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking clip or closure mechanism from the bracket design entirely. Instead, the archwire slot itself is designed with a curved passageway that allows the archwire to be inserted easily while automatically retaining it through the curved path geometry, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire slot incorporates a curved passageway with rotation portions that guide the archwire through a curved path. This curvature enables the archwire to be retained securely through its own deformation along the curved path, without requiring additional mechanical locking elements.
2Reliability
If locking clips or closure mechanisms are added to brackets, then archwire retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the locking mechanism entirely, the patent simplifies the operation to merely inserting the archwire into the curved passageway. The curved geometry automatically guides and retains the archwire without requiring specialized tools or complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved passageway with rotation portions is designed to guide the archwire naturally through its insertion path. The curvature allows the archwire to follow the path and be retained automatically, making the installation process intuitive and tool-free.
3Reliability
If locking clips or closure mechanisms are used, then archwire retention is achieved, but patient discomfort increases due to additional edges and protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the locking clip or closure mechanism that creates additional edges and protrusions. The archwire slot is integrated into the bracket body with smooth curved surfaces that do not create uncomfortable contact points on the patient's oral tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved passageway design replaces sharp edges and protrusions with smooth, rounded surfaces. This curvature ensures that the archwire slot does not create uncomfortable contact points, while still effectively retaining the archwire through its geometric path.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic bracket is provided, including a backend surface, a frontend surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a passageway. The backend surface is adapted for attachment and is opposite the frontend surface. The first and second side surfaces are connected between the backend surface and the frontend surface. The passageway extends from the first side surface to the second side surface. The cross-section of the passageway includes an access opening, an archwire slot, a path portion, and at least one rotation portion. The access opening is configured to allow the archwire to enter the passageway. The archwire slot is configured to receive the archwire. The path portion connects the access opening and the archwire slot. The rotation portion is provided in the path portion to allow the archwire to change its orientation.