Self-Ligating Orthodontic Bracket With Elastic Loop Clamper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-ligating orthodontic brackets suffer from issues such as premature loss of elastic deformation in the clamper, visible metallic components detracting from aesthetics, and increased treatment time and cost due to frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligating bracket design featuring a clamper with an elastic loop and a cap member, where the elastic loop is formed in a closed curve with symmetrical deformation load direction and covered by a cap member matching the bracket's color, minimizing visible exposure and maintaining elastic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ligature is used to secure the archwire in traditional orthodontic brackets, then the archwire can be held in place, but the ligature creates a niche for bacterial accumulation and requires additional time for placement and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the ligature component entirely from the bracket system. The self-ligating bracket uses an integrated clipping mechanism that secures the archwire without requiring a separate ligature, thereby eliminating the niche where bacteria would accumulate while maintaining archwire retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of archwire retention and bracket closure into a single integrated mechanism. The clipping assembly integrates the retention function and the closure function into one component, eliminating the need for separate ligatures and reducing the number of parts that could harbor bacteria.
2Reliability
If a ligature is used to secure the archwire, then the archwire can be held in place, but the ligature requires additional time for placement and removal during orthodontic adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the ligature and replacing it with an integrated self-ligating mechanism, the invention eliminates the time-consuming steps of manually tying and removing ligatures during orthodontic adjustments, while maintaining secure archwire retention through the clipping assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-ligating bracket enables the archwire to be secured and released through a simple mechanical action of the clipping assembly, which can be operated quickly by the orthodontist without requiring the time-intensive process of ligature placement and removal.
3Reliability
If traditional brackets with ligatures are used, then archwire retention is achieved, but the overall device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (archwire retention, closure, and release) into a single integrated clipping mechanism, reducing the total number of components compared to traditional brackets that require separate ligatures, archwires, and bracket bodies, while maintaining reliable archwire retention.
4Strength
If metal brackets are used for durability and strength, then the bracket can withstand orthodontic forces, but the metal surface promotes bacterial adhesion and is difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from traditional metal to ceramic, which provides comparable strength and durability for withstanding orthodontic forces while offering a non-metallic surface that is less prone to bacterial adhesion and more easily cleaned, thereby reducing harmful bacterial factors.
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 maintains consistent door function, reduces visible metal exposure, and enhances aesthetic appeal while potentially lowering treatment costs and time by minimizing clamper wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
the second arm (142) comprises an elastic element (1424). The elastic element (1424) is deformable to a second position when the archwire (130) is inserted through the second slot (122) perpendicular to the engagement direction of the first arm (141)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a bracket for self-ligating correction fixed to teeth and used for orthodontic treatment. The disclosed bracket for self-ligating correction includes a bracket body having a slot into which a wire is inserted and formed in a first direction, and a guide part formed in a second direction crossing the first direction, a door reciprocally installed on the guide part of the bracket body to open and close the slot, and a clamper that moves the door while elastically deforming when a predetermined force is applied to the door in the second direction. The clamper includes a coupling pin installed on the bracket body so as to allow one end to protrude onto the guide part, and an elastic loop installed on one side of the door facing the guide part and including a hollow single closed curve.