Orthodontic Bracket Hook With Non-Uniform Cross Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic brackets made from high-strength materials require a large application of force to adjust or bend hooks, which can cause damage or discomfort, and may lead to unwanted bending under orthodontic loads.
Innovation Solution
The design of an adjustable hook with a non-uniform cross-section, featuring a neck region and a bend region with a specific transition angle, concentrates stresses at the bend region, allowing for reduced force required to bend the hook while maintaining stability against orthodontic loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-strength materials are used for the bracket and hook, then the bracket can withstand orthodontic loads and prolonged use, but a large application of force is required to adjust or bend the hook
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed with a non-uniform cross-section where the bend region has a smaller cross-sectional area than the head and stem base structure. This creates a localized region with different mechanical properties - the bend region is easier to deform while the head and stem base maintain high strength. The transition angle between these regions further concentrates stress in the bend region, enabling easy adjustment there while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If high-strength materials are used for the bracket and hook, then smaller and thinner bracket designs are possible, but a large application of force may cause damage to the bracket body and/or hook
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a localized bend region with reduced cross-sectional area, the design allows the hook to be bent with controlled force application. The stress concentration at the bend region prevents force from being transmitted to the bracket body and stem base, eliminating the risk of damage or dislodgment while maintaining the compact bracket design enabled by high-strength materials.
3Strength
If the hook is made with high-strength materials, then sufficient strength is provided, but unwanted bending may occur in response to orthodontic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform cross-section creates a specific bend region with smaller area that is designed to be the controlled deformation zone. The transition angle concentrates orthodontic loads into this region, allowing the hook to flex in a predictable manner without compromising the strength of the overall structure. This prevents unwanted bending in critical areas while maintaining necessary flexibility for adjustment.
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
This design minimizes the force needed to adjust the hook and prevents unwanted bending, ensuring patient comfort and structural integrity by localizing stress at the bend region, reducing the risk of damage or dislodgment.
Implementation Method 1
The non-uniform cross-section of the hook stem concentrates stresses at the bend region of the hook stem, which promotes bending of the hook at the bend region
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic bracket with an adjustable hook designed to facilitate bending. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and an adjustable hook extending from the bracket body, the adjustable hook comprising a stem base structure a bend region extending from the stem base structure, a neck region extending from the bend region, and a head extending from the neck region. In some embodiments, the adjustable hook has a length, L1, measured from a bottom portion of the stem base structure to the head, and a length, L2, measured from a bottom portion of the neck region of the hook stem to a free end of the head, wherein L2 is greater than or equal to 60% of L1.